Why a career as a temp could be for you: Top 8 reasons

Temporary work offers you an alternative to committing to a role on a permanent basis, whilst still gaining new skills and developing your career. People temp for a variety of reasons, such as assisting with a career change or to filling a gap in employment. However, there are plenty of other benefits that you might not be aware of. 

Skilled temporary workers who can deliver exactly what an organisation needs, without delay, are highly sought after, whether you’re a developer who’s able to help build a new website, or a construction worker who can assist with a major redevelopment.

The benefits of temporary work are enormous. So, if you’re thinking about taking on temp work seasonally, or you’re interested in taking on temp contracts full-time, there are a variety of reasons to start applying for new and exciting roles today: 

1. Gain flexibility and control 

As temporary positions don’t tie you down to a long-term contract, you’ll have more control over your schedule, workplace, and role. And with some temp jobs, this could be anywhere in the world. For example, certain employers offer temp workers the opportunity to work abroad, meaning you don’t only get to decide when you work, but where you work too.

Whether you need your career to work around other commitments, don’t want to be stuck in one place, or would just like the freedom of choosing when you work, temping could be your best option.

2. Gain new skills and experience 

Doing short term, temporary assignments allows you to try out new industry sectors and different roles, without having to commit to them full time. Many of the temps we work with will take on contracts for different industries each time and can easily transfer their skills from one sector to another. 

If you do ever want to make the switch to a permanent role, this means you’ll be armed with so much more knowledge regarding where you are going to be best suited and thrive the most, as well as valuable skills and experience to increase your employability.

3. Minimise employment gaps 

If you find yourself out of work, temping can be a great way to fill any gaps in employment. Our temp bookings tend to be last minute, to cover a leave of absence or sickness, and so temporary candidates who are available immediately and able to get to a new place of work quickly, are attractive to companies needing urgent cover. 

There’s a common saying: ‘it’s easier to find a job, when you’re in one’. So, if you find yourself in need of work for whatever reason and are struggling to find a permanent role that fits, temping can work well alongside your search. As long as you try and arrange interviews around the working day to cause minimum disruption, there is no reason why they shouldn’t complement each other.

4. Enhance your network 

You never know where a temp role can lead! It is so important to enhance your connections when job hunting, and the more people you know, the more people you can network with. Many of the temps we work with get asked back again and again by companies or end up receiving a permanent job offer, so it is important to always do a good job. You never know when you might need a reference and you want to leave a positive lasting impression.

5. A foot in the door 

A large majority of temp jobs do go permanent at the end of the contract too, so it’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door with exciting companies and brands. By coming into a temp position and proving yourself to the hiring manager, you will be in a much better position than candidates who are having to interview for a role from scratch. 

Similarly, working in multiple temp roles will provide you with a strong collection of references that you can use when applying for your next role. For example, if you’ve been in your permanent job for the last 5 years, you will have limited references from this business. However, as a temp, you will plenty of verbal references which support perm applications. 

6. Introduction to new industry sectors

Temping is a great way to gain practical experience in a wide range of fields. In fact, if you’re brand new to a role, there probably isn’t a better way to build your skills. And as you’re often called on to apply your knowledge practically, you’ll be able prove to employers that you have what it takes to work in your chosen industry.

Even if your temp jobs aren’t related to the field you want to work in, you’ll learn a variety of transferable skills – many of which are essential in almost every field. And, with many temp roles leading to a permanent position, it could be the foot in the door you need to start your career.

7. Earn more money, and quickly 

For the most part, temp roles are paid weekly or bi-weekly which means it’s a great option for those looking for a more instantaneous revenue stream. Most temporary contracts also have an immediate start, so it can be a great way to start earning. 

 8. Time to move on 

What happens if you’re working in a role you’re not enjoying? Or have joined a team with a negative company culture? With no long-term contracts, you can simply move to something new as soon as your position has ended without any lengthy notice periods. You’ll also have the added benefit of adding to your knowledge and experience during each temp job you carry out – making you more employable in the long run.

What’s next? 

For more information on the temp market and current live positions, get in contact with our dedicated team of recruitment specialists today. Don’t forget too also submit your CV to stay updated with new opportunities when they’re added to the site.