Today’s uncertain economy has many job seekers wondering about their professional future.
Because many employers are holding off making long term hiring commitments during the COVID-19 pandemic, full-time career positions are harder to come by.
However, the good news is that temporary, contract, or “temp-to-perm” positions are bucking this trend. These roles are a great way for unemployed workers to get back to employment and are strong vehicles for people who are not natural networkers or interviewees to demonstrate their skills. What’s more, taking a temp or contract job just might lead to a full-time position.
According to Forbes, America’s staffing companies historically hire around 15 million temporary and contract employees a year. And one-third of temp and contract workers were offered a permanent job where they worked on an assignment. Two-thirds of them accepted the offers.
So should you consider a temp or temp-to-perm job? Although there’s no guarantee that the contract position will convert to a permanent role, the rewards are definitely worth considering. Here are 4 great reasons why it may be the right career move:
1. Assess Job Fit
It can be hard for employers to know if a potential candidate is a good fit for the company. But the reverse is true as well: often it can be hard to tell if a job is right for you. Temp-to-perm positions allow you to get insight into the corporate culture and responsibilities involved in a position before making a long term commitment.
2. Learn Something New
Temp jobs are a great way to learn new skills. From using the latest software systems to discovering new phone techniques, even a short-lived position can provide a great deal of training.
3. Choose Another Career Path
When you’re not sure what you want to do next professionally, a temp job can be an excellent way to explore a potential new career path. Since the position is temporary, employers may show a greater willingness to take on a candidate without much direct experience.
4. Expand Your Resume
Even if you only work a temp position for a few months, you’ll probably learn a lot and be able to expand the skills section on your resume – as well as adding new job titles. Everything you do – from learning new programs, utilizing different marketing software, or sharpening your customer service techniques – are expanded skills you’ll want to highlight on your resume.
Conclusion
Temp jobs can be an excellent foot in the door for job seekers, particularly when the job market is tight. In a competitive job market, there are far more people looking for jobs than there are available positions. Employers have an advantage and they can be pickier about who they hire. So considering a temp or temp-to-hire position – and working with an experienced staffing agency – can help give you the advantage you need to get hired!
Lanmark Staffing provides over 40 years of combined human resources, recruiting, temporary placement, sales and management, and temp-to-hire services. Visit our website and learn how our team of experienced professionals can help you be prepared to land that next great position.