When searching for a new job opportunity, many of us gravitate towards permanent roles rather than temporary positions. Not only do they offer financial security, but they often result in access to better benefits and the opportunity to create long-term working relationships.
While permanent roles certainly have their plus points, don’t discount the temporary job market, especially if you fancy a new challenge or change in your professional life.
There are many benefits to temporary roles; they could give you the chance to experience different industries, to increase your income and could also bring enhanced flexibility in comparison to some permanent roles.
If you’re tempted to try the temp route, here are a few reasons why this type of role could be a great choice for you.
1) Temporary roles can offer better flexibility
According to CIPD, 40% of organisations have seen an increase in flexible working requests since the pandemic, and with the UK government’s recent decision to give employees the right to request flexible working from day one of employment, we’re certainly going to see the figure rise. While flexibility is set to become a more prevalent benefit in permanent roles, it is something that is very common in temporary roles.
Often, temporary or contract roles are urgent vacancies that need placing. This could be due to a key hire leaving or the need for additional resource for an urgent project. If you have the skills the company are looking for, they may agree to your chosen working hours or pattern of work in order to secure your employment.
2) You can experience different industries and companies
Temporary roles give you the chance to experience different industries, companies and roles. This is a great way to gain exposure to different projects and grow your skillset. If you’re not sure what you’d like to do long-term, or would like to build a diverse skill set, a temp role could be a great option.
3) A temp role could be a foot in the door
If you are keen to secure a permanent role but are finding it difficult, a temporary role could be a ticket to becoming a long-term member of the team. While you can’t guarantee that a temp role will turn into a permanent position, it is worth asking whether this could be a possibility during the recruitment stage. If you impress your new employer and prove to add value, they may decide to keep you on.
4) A temporary role offers lots of networking opportunities
If it’s contacts you are looking for, taking on a temporary role could be the answer. When you take on temporary work, you usually work shorter length contracts, for example three months or six months. This means you will likely work for multiple companies over the course of a year, giving you the opportunity to develop valuable relationships and grow your network.
Build a quality network of connections to give you access to new opportunities. You never know when one of the contacts you meet may need your services or may know of another company who would benefit from your skills and experience. If you plan to become self-employed or work freelance in the future, never underestimate the power of a good network of contacts.
5) You will get the chance to learn and develop your skillset
The more temporary roles you take on, the more exposure you will have to different workplaces, scenarios and challenges. These experiences will help you learn new skills and develop your existing skillset. This could make you a real asset to future employers, especially those who are looking for a candidate with a lot of experience or a varied skillset. You may then find future job searches a lot easier as you have so much to offer.
6) Taking on a temporary role could be quick income
Let’s face it, the job market can be challenging and embarking on a job search can leave you feeling deflated, especially if you are finding it tough. If you are struggling to find a suitable permanent position, taking on a temporary role could be a good interim option, ensuring you are earning. Some temporary or contract roles pay slightly more than permanent roles, too. This is because they are roles that often need to be filled immediately, and because they are short-term positions, offering less stability.
7) A temp position could give you the opportunity to test a role or industry
Not entirely sure which route you’d like to take with your career? A temporary role gives you the chance to try out a role or industry for a short period of time so you can decide whether it is the right route for you. If you are early on in your career, this could be a great way to figure out what you are good at and the type of job you’d like.
Conclusion
If you are someone who enjoys variety, are still figuring out what you’d like to do, are keen to develop new skills or would like to build your professional network, then a temporary position may be a good move for you. While there are pros and cons to both permanent and temporary roles, taking on a temporary position offers many benefits and is a popular route for those keen to develop their careers.
Whether you’re a job seeker looking for your next temporary position, or a hiring manager searching for temporary talent, we can help. Our experienced interim and temporary recruitment teams understand what is required when sourcing temporary candidates, and are also well connected in their areas, giving them access to the latest temporary and interim roles. Get in touch and let us support you with your temporary recruitment needs.
Interested in hiring temp or interim talent? Here, we explore the benefits of temp and interim hires.
