Why temporary or contract positions are worth it

Due to the current economic climate trends show that although there is mostly static movement in permanent recruits, the temporary and contract job markets are experiencing steady growth. Temp and contract staff are able to fill gaps in teams without having the long-term impact on budgets and business headcount. If you are looking for a move in your career, temp and contract roles are really good opportunities to make a career change. It enables you to “try on different hats”, try new roles, responsibilities, and learn new skills and experiences.

If a career change is not what you are looking for temp and contract roles there are other reasons which make them so attractive:

• They get you in the door. There may possiblybe a full-time permanent position eventually. Even though there may not be a guaranteed permanent job at the end of the contract there may be other opportunities to pursue within the same organisation or your employer may be able to offer you other leads. In either case your skills and experience are made known to your employer which will open up a lot more doors.
• Temp and contract roles can make you money. Employers are more willing to pay above what you are expecting for your skills and experience especially if you are avaliable immediatetly. Because it will not be a permanent hire on their books there are no long term implications on the businesses budgets and headcount.
• It opens up your professional networks. You never know where a contact may lead you and who they are able to recommend you to in the future.
• Gets you great references for future employers
• Keeps your CV alive. It avoids you having to explain long gaps in your career. It is much more appealing to an employer if you can justify a role outside of your usual career path than justify a long stint out of the industry.
• Keeps your skills sharp. Many employers are looking for current knowledge and experience especially when it comes to the markets or if you are in a career where you have to keep up with constant changes to regulations or laws.
• Lets you get excited about a work project without the stress of long term implications.
• It helps build confidence in yourself and your skills. Being out of the job market for a long time can be soul destroying if you are constantly applying for permanent roles and being rejected.
• In no way will a temp or contract position hinder your ability to find a permanent role. Most temp or contract agreements have a notice period of only one week which makes you able to move more freely to a permanent job offer. Your employer will also be more sympathetic to your job hunt and you will be able to openly discuss other permanent job interviews and offers.

If you are looking for a temp or contract role, feel free to drop us a line on +44 (0)203 4404 133.

 

You are able to read more on this issue at Why Temporary Work is Worth It, Kerry Hannon, Forbes.com, 19/1/2012.