The job market over the last few years due to the financial crisis has been somewhat, unreliable. Europe has witnessed first hand some of the highest unemployment figures it has ever seen accompanied, every so often, by shiny glimmers of hope as the job market rises. So why is it that a number of job seekers seem to be letting countless, (perfectly good might we add) jobs slip through their fingers when it comes to temporary roles?
Now we’re not on a different planet and we do in fact understand why a number of people tend to overlook temporary positions; one of the main reasons usually being the lack of stability due to short term contracts. However, by skimming over these positions you could actually be missing out on some fantastic opportunities within your career and here’s why…
Whether you’re in-between jobs trying to find a new career path or job or even a student looking for a foot in the door, temporary job positions allow you to gain some valuable work experience. A temporary job can range from any time frame from 1 day to 6 months. It is important to remember that at the end of the job you will be able to add a new set of skills to your resume and build upon your employment which can ultimately help shape, or even change your career path.
Not only can you gain experience from working in temporary positions but you are able to network within the industry you are in. Meeting, working and even socialising with professionals within work can generate references for the future or further networking connections or opportunities when you’ve found a more permanent job.
Due to todays current economic crisis many companies take on temporary recruitment in order to test the water in order to see how well the job can be done. Always go into a new temp job with an open mind set as it is a possibility that you can be called back if another job becomes available again or even offered a permanent position within the company! Even if the company doesn’t have a position that is available immediately, if you prove yourself to be a hardworking individual it is possible the company would think of you straight away once a position becomes open.
When it comes to employment (and your CV for that matter) there is nothing worse for an employer to see than long periods of time where you have been out of a job. As a result temporary positions can be a brilliant way of filling gaps between you trying to find a more permanent position. Temp jobs show other potential employers that you are actively seeking a new position. It also helps keep your skills up to date so you are ready for the next opportunity.
Temp jobs can keep your perm job hunt alive as finding permanent positions for some, can slightly more difficult than others. It can also keep your interpersonal skills alive – being in a working environment and mind frame instead of being at home watching mind numbingly dull afternoon TV is a far better situation (although some may still disagree).
So, remember to keep the focus on the job and not keep the emphasis on the temporary. Whether or not it is temporary or permanent, in some form or another whether it is getting out of the house or having some form of an income, it is aiding you.