How temp jobs can help you try before you buy

2 people shaking hands sitting across from each other

You’d never buy a wedding dress without trying it on first. Sure, you probably have a good idea of what style you’re looking for, but how do you know it’s the perfect choice without testing it out ahead of your big day?

That’s how many job seekers see choosing a career. You may think you knew what career path you wanted to follow, just to find out there may be other options you’d like to explore after graduation. Whether you’ve decided your current job isn’t for you anymore, or you’re still shopping around for what career path you’d like to get started in, temp jobs are a great solution, and there is no shortage of them right now. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, temporary employment is up by more than a quarter of a million employees since February 2020.

Haven’t considered temporary work before? Don’t worry. We’ve got everything you need to know about temp work from common misconceptions to tips for building your network.

Misconceptions about temp work

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear about temp work is that it’s only for entry-level or skilled labor positions. Here at Morgan Hunter, we have a variety of temp jobs available for candidates with all levels of experience. Reasons for the open positions often vary. For example, some companies hire contractors to fill in during times of high demand like tax season or before the launch of a new product. Other companies use temp workers to fill vacant positions when a full-time employee is out on leave or if they’re not quite ready to commit to hiring a full-time employee.

When is the best time to take on a temp position?

Temp work opportunities tend to increase during transitional economic times, and it’s no surprise the pandemic has brought constant transition over the past few years. Whether you’ve been laid off, are taking some time off from your current role or have become one of the many candidates taking part in the Great Reprioritization  (often referred to as the Great Resignation), temp work can be a great way to make money, keep your skills sharp and expand your professional network.

How temp work can help build your resume

Can you ever tell if a groom rented his tuxedo or if he owns it? The answer is likely no. The length of time he had the tux, just like the length of time you worked in a role to prepare you for success, isn’t always relevant. Temp jobs can provide new experience you may not have had before, adding skills to your resume that will help you stand out in future job searches. Adaptability, teamwork, communication and the ability to work under tight deadlines in a temporary job are all examples of skills that could be added to your resume.

How temp jobs can help build your network

Working with a company for a few weeks or months could be the key to finding the right long-term job for you. Temporary work allows you to build your network and make connections with people in a variety of industries. It also gives you the opportunity to try out different companies or industries with a short-term commitment. If everything goes well and you impress a company with your work, there’s a chance they’ll offer you a full-time position at the end of your contract.

Ready to search for a temp position?

If you’re looking for work, don’t be discouraged by what’s holding you back. Instead, focus on finding temporary positions that can help you reach your long-term career goals. Our team of skilled recruiters want you to be happy with your decision, knowing you gained new working experiences. Contact our recruiters today to learn more about available temporary positions in your area!