Many candidates underestimate the potential of temporary jobs. Often, they assume that short-term positions are only good for closing resume gaps, exploring new fields, or building specific skills.
In reality, temporary work can be more than just a job; it can be the basis of a career. Additionally, temp jobs may offer you far more flexibility, all while keeping the work highly engaging.
If you’re wondering how you can make a career out of temporary work and why it’s an option worth exploring, here’s what you need to know.
Making a Career Out of Temporary Work
With traditional permanent employment, professionals usually have to make concessions in exchange for stability. They can’t take extended breaks whenever the mood strikes as they are generally bound by strict policies regarding leave.
Additionally, after being in a role for a while, the work can become dull. While the job may initially be engaging when it’s new, managing the same responsibilities over an extended period can get tiresome. That’s especially true if some of the core tasks are repetitive in nature, increasing the odds that you’ll eventually burn out.
When you make a career out of temporary work, you can maintain the utmost flexibility and boost engagement. As a placement draws to a close, you can decide whether you want to take on a new assignment right away or take a break, giving you more control. Plus, since you’re moving into new environments and positions regularly, you’ll never be short of healthy challenges, keeping the work interesting.
Finally, with temporary jobs, you can focus on roles that let you do more of what you love. If you prefer to use specific skills, you can seek out opportunities that require more of what you enjoy and less of what you don’t. Additionally, even if some of what you’d rather avoid is involved, the job is temporary, so you can move on in relatively short order.
However, it’s also possible to turn a temporary job into a permanent one. If you use the right approach and an opportunity arises, you may get an offer before your last day in the short-term role, allowing you to transition seamlessly.
How to Go from Temp Worker to Permanent Employee
If you’re in a temporary job and want to shift into a permanent role, there are several things you’ll need to do.
Make sure you treat the position as if it is long-term from day one. Use your time in the assignment as a form of working interview, ensuring the leadership team can see the value you bring to the table. Along with tackling your responsibilities, seize opportunities to give the company more than they expected.
When you finish your tasks, ask if there is anything else you can do to help the team. If you see a colleague struggling, offer your support.
Also, make an effort to connect with other employees and the manager, and give them a chance to get to know you. Have a positive attitude, embrace collaboration, and do your best to integrate into the broader culture.
Additionally, make sure to prioritize attendance. You want to be seen as a reliable employee who can be counted on to show up as scheduled.
While this doesn’t guarantee a permanent offer will come along, it does ensure you make a positive impression. That way, if an opening is available, the odds that they’ll think of you for it go up dramatically.
Get in Touch with Selectek Today!
Ultimately, making a career out of temporary work is entirely possible. If you’re ready for your next opportunity, the team at Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us today.
