Why should I apply for temporary jobs?

When it comes to applying for your next role, a temporary job might not always be on the top of your wishlist.

With a permanent role offering job security and opportunities for growth and development in a company, many decide against applying for temporary jobs for these reasons.

But, a temporary role can create fantastic opportunities for job seekers.

Whether you’re out of work, looking to start on a new career path or searching for a job that will get you on the ladder to your dream role – ‘temping’ could be for you.

According to recent statistics from ONS, in 2019, there were 1.42 million temporary employees working in the UK.

This just goes to show that there’s a real need for temporary positions in the working world, and there’s also a desire amongst employees to take on this type of contract.

Want to know more about the world of temporary working?

Read on to find out what a ‘temping’ is all about, the benefits and what you can expect from a temporary job.

What are temporary jobs?

A temp job, or ‘temping’ as it is also referred to, is a term of employment between an employer and employee, that lasts for an arranged period of time.

The length of time a temp job lasts for is usually based on the needs of the employer.

But in some cases, this can be extended to a full-time position, if it’s possible for the business to do so.

What are the benefits of temporary employment?
What many job seekers don’t understand is the real benefit that comes with a temporary contract.

When you find yourself out of work for whatever reason, your main concern is finding a job that you feel is secure. And many people don’t associate this with temporary contracts.

But, temporary roles do have a lot of great benefits that you may never have considered.

Stepping stone to your dream career
Whether you’ve always dreamed of a career in teaching, care work or IT, to name a few, a temporary job can really help to get you on the ladder to your dream career.

It’s not uncommon that if a temporary worker impresses their employer during their time at the company, they may be offered a permanent position to keep them when the contract is running out.

Good workers can be hard to come by when you need them, so if a business has been growing during your contract, you may just hit lucky and be offered your dream full-time job.

Developing your experience
By experiencing a variety of different jobs, you can help to improve your skills in a number of ways.

There’s always something new to learn at a different business, so temporary work can really help you to develop your skills and experience in the field you are working in.

Having worked across a variety of systems and learning different methods to perform your job effectively, this will only impress future employers.

The experiences you’ve had at various different roles will easily give you the confidence you need at an interview, and it could even mean you stand out against the competition, to help you land your dream job.

The flexibility
We live in a working world where flexibility has become the cornerstone of many job roles.

It’s now one of the top things that employees look for when applying for a job.

In fact, a recent survey revealed that 77% of UK workers saying a good work-life balance is hugely important to them.

But, many job seekers don’t consider the flexibility that temporary jobs offer.

They give you control of your career, making it even easier for you to take a career break, go travelling, spend more time with your family or study.

Although many people are worried about the financial aspects of temping, it can be a great stepping stone to get you back onto the job market if you find yourself out of work.

A career break can also be a great way to take time out for yourself.

With work-related stress and anxiety being a huge strain on employees in permanent positions, temporary workers can actually take a break from employment much more easily.

This means they can consider their options and make much better decisions on their future, without the stress of having to get back to their current job.

Meeting new people
If you are used to the world of temporary working, you will be used to interacting with new people on a more regular basis.

You will have to get to understand different office dynamics more often, and making friends with colleagues will become second nature to you.

Which is all well and good, but making connections in the businesses you work in can only help with your prospects for the future.

If you were one day to set up your own business or you find yourself looking for another job, you have the opportunity to call up all your old contacts to see if they can help in some way.

With social networking platforms like LinkedIn, you can keep these contacts close by interacting with them regularly.

You never know when you may need someone’s help in the future.

In need of change
When we get on the career ladder for one job and realise it’s not for us, it can be very daunting to start from scratch and work your way up again.

But, the benefits behind temporary jobs mean you can get a quick step up to working in a field that you feel is right for you.

Temporary jobs tend to be quicker and easier to get into, so even if that field isn’t for you either, you will have gained skills to move you towards a future career path that you’ll love.

Why do companies hire temporary workers?
Companies often hire temporary workers due to the needs of its business.

Taking on a full-time member of staff may be too much of a risk for a business at one time.

So a temporary worker is a great option for companies who need the extra support immediately, but may not have the funds available to commit to a full-time member of staff.

How long does a temporary job last?
A temporary job typically lasts for an amount of time set by the employer.

A temporary job will usually have an end date specified in the contract, but this can be extended to suit the demands and needs of the business.

Although a business can extend the length of a temporary employees contract, this contract is automatically converted, by law, into a permanent one if the employee stays as a temp for four years.

It’s important to add that temporary workers should have all the benefits, including holiday entitlement and full pay, that a full-time employee has, once they have worked for 12 weeks in the role.

Is it easier to get a temporary job?
In some respects, it is easier to secure a temporary job over a full-time job.

When a business is looking for a temporary worker, this is usually to fill demand – i.e. they need cover for someone on maternity leave, when someone is off sick, or just to cope with an extended workload.

With this in mind, employers are usually in urgent need to take someone on, so the process is much quicker and time-intensive than when you’re looking for a full-time position.

This may work to your advantage if you are currently unemployed, or if you don’t have the initial experience needed for that type of job role.

If you are looking to get into a particular career path, but don’t have the necessary skills needed, a temporary job may just work for you in this sense. You can understand what is needed of the job, and get your foot in the door for this type of career path.

A temporary job might not be exactly what you’d considered for your new role, but, as we’ve highlighted, there are plenty of benefits to taking on a temporary job in the interim.

A temporary job offers great opportunity for those who find themselves out of work or who are considering a change in career.

Not only does it provide the flexibility to try something new and meet potential business contacts, but it could be the next step to lead you to your dream role in the future.

If you’d like to discuss your job situation, or want to find out more about temping or how we can help you in the recruitment process, call us on 0121 796 2474 or email us at birmingham@nelsonrecruitmentservices.co.uk.