Lately, many people have turned to temporary work for additional employment opportunities. But rather than simply filling the gap from one full-time job to the next, a temporary position can benefit your life and career if you know how to use the time to its fullest.
“Temporary jobs can give people more control over their work/life balance, help them seek out new experiences and help them find new work,” says John Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray &Christmas, a global outplacement company. “Sometimes temporary jobs can even be auditions into the company for full-time work.”
With this in mind, it’s important to make the most of the time you have. The first step is to look for work that will be beneficial for your future career goals. “A temporary job is a really good opportunity to build your skills and your resumé,” said Jodi McGonigle, director of business development for USA Staffing Inc., an employment agency in Ames, Iowa. “They may teach you how to operate a piece of equipment or train you on a different computer program. Suddenly, you have hands-on work experience and several months’ experience you can add to your resumé.”
Challenger adds that finding a job that allows you to “flex your muscles” can strengthen the skills you already have while expanding your expertise. Make the job work for you by finding projects and positions that will stretch you intellectually and broaden your insight into the industry. “If you’re an accountant and haven’t done any cost accounting, then find a temporary project in that area,” he said. “That’s going to take energy and skill, and it might make you more hirable later. If you’re an IT professional, ask to work with a new software. If you’re in manufacturing and get the chance to work overseas for three months, consider taking it. The international experience might be what the next company is looking for in prospective employees.”
It’s also essential to know what you’re getting into. McGonigle says they prepare clients by telling them everything from who their supervisors will be and what the work setting is like to what door they should enter and whether they should bring money for vending machines. “We try to let them know as much information as possible so they can go prepared with everything they need, dress appropriately and do the best job they can,” she said. Whether you find work through an employment agency or on your own, make sure to find out as much as you can about the company before starting.
The more comfortable you feel, the better the work you can accomplish.
Avoid the temptation to enter a temporary job half-heartedly, knowing it will only last for a finite period of time. Instead, make it a priority to connect with the community as much as possible and maintain a sense of commitment to your workplace. Not only will that make the experience more stimulating and ultimately more productive, Challenger said, but “you’ll find some jobs that become temporary on an ongoing basis. You’ll work for a while, then come back later and work again, so it’s good to create some bonds there.”
In addition, don’t think of yourself as an outsider. Expect to interact with and be treated the same as permanent workers around you. “Temporary workers are not second-class citizens,” Challenger said. “They’re valuable people in the workplace and should be treated equally. Many companies today have multiple ways people are working for them semi-permanently.”
Finally, make the most of your time in a temporary job by continuing to look for other work. “It’s very easy emotionally to put job searching aside while in a part-time job and wait until it’s over to start looking again, but that’s something to consciously work against,” Challenger said. He recommends continuing your job search during the evenings and on weekends. This way you can make the most of your time on the job while positioning yourself well for the future.
A temporary job can be an exciting and productive period in your career, whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned worker in transition. Entering your job with a positive attitude and strategic plan will enable you to make the most of your time there and even create opportunities for advancement in the future.
“Don’t look at the position as temporary and think your performance doesn’t matter,” McGonigle said. “Instead, see it as a foot in the door. If you do an excellent job and prove yourself, many times you can work yourself into a permanent position.”
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
