Should I accept a temp job offer? 6 key benefits
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
With the world economy shifting, the cost of living growing, and Australia's employment market still slowly recovering from the impact of the pandemic, some companies are considering putting their plans for hiring permanent staff on hold till the New Year.
Instead, more organisations are choosing to hire interim workers and contractors, driven by the demand for specific technical and analytical skillsets, and the need to maintain business continuity.
While some jobseekers might be hesitant to take on jobs on a temporary and contracting basis, many have embraced the benefits, helping to dispel the persistent myths surrounding temporary work.
With the end of the year approaching, if you are a candidate asking yourself, "Why should I accept a temporary job offer?", here are six reasons why this could benefit your career.
1. Temporary jobs can range from junior to senior
As the needs of businesses and workers have changed over the years, the temporary industry has evolved with specialised contractors being in high demand.
Companies have found they can readily gain access to highly skilled professionals who supply specialised expertise for immediate and long-term projects.
Should they have entry-level positions to fill, they have access to candidates at this stage in their careers, as well.
Related: Find a job that’s right for you
2. Temp work will improve your prospects of getting hired
Many businesses view interim hiring as a way to evaluate individuals for full-time positions.
To bridge gaps, they’re bringing in the most accomplished interim professionals they can find using a temp-to-hire strategy.
They evaluate the skills and workplace-culture fit of these individuals with an eye toward making them full-time employees.
3. Temporary work offers variety and flexibility
Although project consulting can offer the option of working fewer hours than a full-time role might require, highly skilled professionals usually find they can work as much as they want.
In fact, many temporary professionals and contractors work the equivalent of full-time hours when they choose this career option.
Also, temporary assignments can last from a few days to more than a year.
As for wages, many temporary positions pay on par with permanent ones, and individuals with the most sought-after skills can often command a premium.
Related: Is it time for a career change?
4. Temp jobs are valued on a resume
As the temporary industry has grown and expanded, interim assignments have come to be viewed more as high-level consulting projects and less like entry-level positions.
Hiring managers understand that project work provides valuable experience that enhance a candidate’s abilities.
5. You will accelerate your skills development
Professionals who work on a temporary or contracting basis are often involved in projects that are as interesting and challenging as those they might encounter in permanent positions.
Being exposed to a multitude of sectors, industries and specialisations will challenge you, but also offer an opportunity to be exposed to learning many new skills and acquiring unique experiences that you would not typically find in a full-time job.
Related: Finding the right cultural fit
6. Help you land the job you have always wanted
Depending on how much you choose to work, you may need to make some adjustments as to how and when you conduct your job search, but it shouldn’t be too difficult.
It may involve simply shifting your networking and research activities into the early morning or evening hours, or possibly during your lunch break.
Also, keep in mind that your temporary assignment can help you advance your job search. You never know when a position might open at the company where you’re working.
Or you might meet people during the course of your assignment who are willing to recommend you for a position in their network.
Should I accept a temporary job offer?
Candiates considering whether they should accept a temporary job offer will be offered a variety of engagements that allow jobseekers to hone existing skills and develop new ones as they build their resumes.
They will be exposed to a diverse set of professionals - critical for building strong networks.
Jobseekers will experience financial freedom that allows them to be more selective about the full-time opportunities they may apply for while they’re generating income.
And they will enjoy a flexible schedule for those who want to spend more time with their families or focus on a hobby or other interest
So now you know: You can do rewarding work, make a major impact in companies, and build a rewarding career when you choose temporary or contracting work as a career option.
