5 Ways A Temporary Position can Elevate Your Career

Oftentimes, individuals find themselves presented with a temporary work opportunity and immediately shut down the idea. The thought of having to go through a job search again when the temporary position ends may feel terrifying, but who is forcing you to stop your permanent search while working in the temp role? No one. Temporary work has strong benefits, especially in an uncertain economy. 

It fills a gap on your resume. Oh, the dreaded resume gap. While companies have become less rigid around continuous work history, temporary work is a great way to fill a permanent work history gap. It allows for a smooth transition while telling your story in your next interview. And if it doesn’t completely fill a gap, it minimizes it. Be sure to denote that a role is temporary on your resume, indicate the value you added, and convey project completion. 

It helps with networking. You never know whom you meet and you will be able to add to your professional reference list. The person to whom you report in your temporary position can attest to your ability to learn quickly, pick up new technology, navigate a new organization, and complete tasks timely and without error. Additionally, if you are interested in working for that company in a different capacity, you now have an internal reference. You also don’t know where others’ careers lead them, and when they may reach out back out to you.

It can help you gain new skills. Maybe the role is slightly outside of your skill set. Maybe you have an opportunity to utilize and learn new software. Maybe the role is in an industry with which you are unfamiliar or want to break into. Software experience and industry expertise are two areas that clients almost always note they are looking for when hiring. Why not get as much exposure or experience as possible?

It generates income. Unemployment isn’t the easiest to navigate, depending on your state, and unemployment compensation isn’t exactly stellar. You will likely earn more in the temporary role than unemployment will provide. Yes, you are trading your time for money, but this is one area where I’m pretty sure positive income is better than no income.

It may lead to something more permanent. Remember networking? You never know where an opportunity can lead. Sometimes roles are designated temporary to hire, while others are strictly temporary. Either way, if you perform well and assimilate into the company culture, there’s always a chance there may be a permanent position available at the organization that could be a perfect fit. 

Next time a recruiter reaches out about a temporary opportunity, don’t shut down the idea. It seems there are company layoffs in the news every day, and while there are still many permanent positions posted online, you never know where a temp position may lead or how that temporary role may assist you in finding your dream job.