Temporary roles can be a great foot in the door for job seekers looking to make a splash into a new industry or sector. However, for some it’s a risky move because of the short term nature of the roles.
But when you get right down to it, that temporary experience can help you learn, grow and make connections to build the career you’ve always dreamed of. So while the job offer on the table may only last for a short stretch, here are some reasons to seriously consider it as it can lead to great many other career opportunities:
Gain experience and learn new skills
As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, temporary jobs are a great way to learn valuable transferable work skills. Whether you manage to get a job in the industry you eventually want to move into or not, any real work experience on your resume is going to give you an advantage later on. Temporary jobs also provide the opportunity to explore different career paths and help you determine if it’s something you’d like to pursue in the long run.
Bolster your resume
Employers are suspicious of job hoppers and as such tend not to hire people that don’t stay in a job longer than a year. If you’ve done some job jumping over the years, or have taken a longer-than-anticipated break, then consider a temporary job to give your resume a boost.
Additionally, it shows hiring managers that you take your career seriously, and that you are committed to go out there and do what is necessary to keep your skills sharp and improve yourself while you look for a permanent role.
A pathway to permanent employment
Temporary jobs allow you to get your foot in the door with the company you want to work for and position yourself as the best candidate for a full-time position when it arises. Think of your temp time as an audition – do good work, be proactive and show your enthusiasm and commitment to go the extra mile by helping others out as well. If you prove you’ve got the skills and talent on top of a good work ethic, you could become an indispensable asset to the company. Even if a temporary engagement does not lead to a permanent position at your chosen company, the experience you gain will help you land your next job.
Build your network
A growing professional network is the other big benefit of taking on a temporary position. The employer you are working for may not have an opening when your contract is up, but making the right connections will lead you to fantastic opportunities and solid references.
Be sure to also make an effort to keep in touch with your contacts regularly, not just when you’re looking for new opportunities.
