To Temp or Not to Temp? That IS the Question!

Have you ever considered working on a temporary assignment, or do you shun the idea completely? Well, here are some attractive benefits from a former Recruiter’s perspective.

Why should I become a Temporary Worker?

1.     An Exploratory Interim Solution: Are you in a stop-gap in your career? Are you unsure which career path to take? Temping is a great way to gain exposure to new industries and sectors, all the while keeping an income which very handily comes in weekly!

2.     Fill a Gap: Is there a gap on your resume that needs filling? Temping is a great way to fill in gaps quickly. Employers want to see something current on your resume.  So let’s say your last position ended in December of 2013, and you are still on the job market.  Having a position, however temporary, will bring you into the 2014 market and keep you current.

3.     It will NOT affect your Un-Employment: This is a very big common misconception.  I have heard people say they will lost their un-employment if they take on a temporary gig.   Not true.  Un-employment simply adds the time on to the end of your term.  Contact your local un-employment office and you can find out the specifics on this.

4.     Temp to Perm: Coming into a business as a temporary worker is a huge opportunity for you to impress and be made permanent. Think about it! Would YOU go through the expense and stress of a permanent recruitment process when you have a perfectly good worker in place whom you know and trust?  Go in there and be a rock star!  Become a part of the “work” family.  My philosophy is and always will be, “People work with people they know, like, and most importantly―trust will do a good job!”

5.     Build your Professional & Social Network:  We never know when the knock of opportunity will arrive at our door.  I’ve been on the train commuting to/from Manhattan, to where I live in NJ, and by simply striking up a conversation with a fellow passenger, ended up with a new client.  The more people you know in the professional world, that are made aware of what an asset you would be towards any organization, can only benefit you in the long run. 

Example:  When I was recruiting for a wonderful staffing firm in NJ / NY – The Execu-Search Group, we staffed for a multitude of large pharmaceutical companies.  A position arose for a 6‒week temporary fill in for an Administrative Assistant position.  90% of the candidate I reached out to turned it down, due to the fact that they didn’t want to be bothered with so little a commitment.  I had one candidate who was fresh, and eager, and bright; and most importantly―willing.  She got hired.  She impressed them so much, she kept getting extended, and then extended again. And guess what?  She ended up with an offer for a full-time position within 6 months.  In the meantime, my candidates who would only consider a full-time role were starting to panic.  Lesson:  Be open.  We never know where a new opportunity is going to present itself.  There are never grantees in either situation―temporary, contract, consulting or a direct-hire permanent role.

By: Stacie Renna, CARW – www.renna-executive-resumes.com