Temping can be an incredible way to get your foot in the door with a specific sector or company. Whether you're thinking of making a significant career move and want to test the industry first, or you're simply filling a gap, temp work can be a springboard for your career. So, why should you say "yes" to a temp role?
1. Fill the Gaps in Your CV
Long periods of unemployment can be detrimental to any candidate. Time away from work leaves your LinkedIn profile lacking. It can also begin to drain your confidence over time. Securing a temporary position can be a quick and effective way to demonstrate your commitment to any future recruitment agencies or employers. What's more, it also gives you a source of income. Temporary roles eliminate the blanks in your history and give you an opportunity to continue honing your expertise.
2. Develop New Skills and Experience
Every new job brings with it a host of opportunities for skill development - regardless of how long the position lasts. For instance, a unique company culture in a banking organisation might teach you how to work better in a team. On the other hand, a challenging team leader role within a contact centre can introduce you to new leadership and management techniques. If you're hoping to expand your skills with temporary work, a recruitment agency can help you find interim positions suited to your career path. For instance, you might find a temporary assignment that helps you to develop your leadership skills. That would help you pursue your next role in project management.
3. Strengthen Your Network
A short-lived position can also open the door to new networking opportunities. While you're gathering soft skills and technical talents from your new role, you'll also be able to speak to peers, in your preferred industry. This can be an important way to improve your chances of earning a more stable job offer when your interim position comes to an end. Showing influential figures how well you fit into a high-performing team can encourage them to recommend your skills to people in their professional network.
Thanks to social media sites like LinkedIn, temporary employees can make long-lasting connections with the people they meet in each role. You may even be invited to take part in conferences and events hosted by your temporary employer, which increases your networking opportunities.
4. Temping, and "Temp to Perm"
Finally, there's no rule stating that a temporary employee has to remain a temp. Some companies may even launch "temp to perm" campaigns. These give employers a chance to test out a candidate before they welcome them into a permanent position. Temp to perm roles allows individuals to experience what a role has to offer.
It's similar to a 6-month probation period, where a recruitment company employs someone, and then the employer decides whether to hire them directly once the trial period is over. Similarly, the candidate also evaluates whether the position, company and its culture are right for them. Temp to perm positions is a win-win for candidates and businesses.
It allows the company to see how someone performs in a specific role, reducing the risk of a bad hire. At the same time, the candidate also evaluates whether the position and company are right for them. While a permanent role might be your ideal outcome of working with a recruitment agency, it's important not to overlook the value that temp employment can bring.
About Change Recruitment
Change is a specialist recruitment consultancy based in Scotland. We have a strong reputation for service delivery. With a global reach, we work across the UK, EMEA, the Americas and Asia-Pac, locating exceptional talent for some of the world’s leading organisations. With over 45 years in the recruitment industry, our areas of expertise include; Accountancy and Finance; Investment Management and Asset Servicing; Risk and Compliance; IT, Digital and Business Change; Marketing; Business Services and Construction and Building Services. To get in contact with our friendly team. Email us here or call Glasgow ++44(041) 226 3101 or Edinburgh +44(0131)225 7744.