Many people turn their noses up at the idea of temporary work. There are a lot of misconceptions on the subject. Many worry short-term positions could interfere with growing the skills necessary to advance their long-term career goals. While this feeling is valid to some degree, there are a number of benefits that come with accepting a temporary position. If you’re looking for work and feel unsure about temporary employment, here are a few benefits to consider:
Gain Experience
Temporary positions usually come with few commitments. Trying something new without all the commitment of a full-time job is a fantastic way to gain new experience. With the mindset that you don’t have to do this job forever, you’ll add new skills to your resume. In most cases, you’ll be matched with a job you already know how to do, but you may learn new insight into the specific company, technology, or processes. These things can all be added to your resume and skill set.
Make New Connections
When you’re hunting for your dream job, you never know who you might meet who can help with the search. While it’s possible that a temporary job may become full-time, that doesn’t need to be your only goal. You might just meet someone who knows of a position that would be perfect for you. After working together, they may be more willing to vouch for you, too, since they’ve seen you working and can provide a first-hand recommendation.
Avoid a Resume Gap
A resume gap isn’t the end of the world, but if you want to keep your work history consistent, a temporary job can help fill the gaps. Employers are eager to see that you’ve been keeping busy between your last job and your job hunt, and temporary positions can demonstrate your dedication to trying new things and putting in the hard work.
Earn Extra Cash
When you’re between jobs, temporary positions can provide an extra infusion of cash. As a temporary employee, you work for the staffing agency that will issue a paycheck at the end of each pay period. They will also issue a W2 during tax season, just like any other job.
