Temporary work offers flexibility and the chance to explore new career paths. Whether you’re testing new industries, filling employment gaps, or looking to secure a permanent role, temp work can provide significant benefits.
Below, we explore the key advantages of temping according to those who have benefited from it firsthand.
Benefits of Temp Work
1. Flexibility
One of the most appealing aspects of temping is the ability to tailor your work schedule to fit your lifestyle. Whether you're balancing childcare, studying, or even pursuing a personal project, temp roles allow you to work when it suits you.
Unlike permanent roles, which often come with strict schedules and less room for negotiation, temping gives you the option to accept assignments based on your availability. This flexibility is particularly valuable for individuals going through life transitions, such as moving or switching career paths, because they can work in short-term roles while keeping their options open.
Additionally, for those who value work-life balance, temping offers the freedom to step away from the rigid 9-to-5 and work when it’s most convenient.
2. Gain New Skills and Experience
Temp roles allow you to dip your toes into different industries, giving you the opportunity to learn new skills without a long-term commitment. Whether it's learning new software, honing your administrative abilities, or gaining customer service experience, temping allows you to broaden your skill set in a relatively short period. Many people find that exposure to varied work environments enhances their adaptability - a crucial skill in today’s rapidly changing job market.
Moreover, the diversity of tasks you might encounter in temp roles can boost your problem-solving abilities as you quickly learn to handle different challenges in different settings. By gaining hands-on experience across sectors, you increase your employability, making yourself a more attractive candidate for permanent roles in the future.
3. Minimise Employment Gaps
One of the most practical reasons to take a temp job is to prevent gaps in your employment history. If you’ve been out of work for any period, you’ll know how important it is to maintain activity on your CV. Temp work offers a solution to this by providing interim roles that keep you engaged in the workforce while you're searching for a permanent position.
In addition to helping with CV continuity, temp work can also keep your skills fresh and your experience relevant. Even if the temp job isn’t exactly aligned with your long-term career goals, it’s still better than an unexplained gap in your employment history. Furthermore, it demonstrates to future employers that you're proactive and willing to work while seeking the right opportunity.
4. Networking Opportunities
Temping can connect you with a variety of professionals across multiple industries, often opening doors to new career opportunities. Building a strong professional network is critical, especially when you're job hunting and temp work introduces you to people you wouldn’t meet otherwise.
These new connections could lead to permanent job offers, repeat temp assignments, or even collaborations on future projects. Many temp workers also find that establishing rapport with clients and colleagues can result in excellent references, enhancing their future employability.
Furthermore, working with a temporary recruitment agency, like Oriel Partners, can widen your access to high-quality companies looking for reliable temp staff, helping you build meaningful connections within industries that interest you.
5. Foot in the Door for Permanent Roles
Temporary assignments offer a valuable opportunity to make a great first impression on potential employers. If a company sees your ability to perform well in a temporary role, you’ll likely be at the top of their list when a permanent position becomes available.
This is especially beneficial in competitive industries, where employers are more likely to favour candidates they’ve worked with before over those who are interviewing for the first time.
In some cases, temp roles can lead directly to permanent positions. By demonstrating your value and fitting in well with the company culture during a temp assignment, you may be invited to apply for - or even offered a full-time job.
Learn more about temp to perm roles here.
6. Explore New Industries
If you're unsure about the direction of your career or are considering a change, temping is an excellent way to explore new industries without a long-term commitment.
For example, someone with administrative skills could try temping in sectors like finance, healthcare, or media, gaining exposure to different work cultures and environments. This can provide invaluable insights into where your skills and interests align.
For career changers, temping offers the opportunity to experiment and find the right fit before committing to a new path. Additionally, the experience gained from working across industries adds variety to your CV, showcasing your versatility to future employers.
7. Earn Money Quickly
For those in need of immediate income, temping can be a lifesaver. Many temp roles offer immediate start dates, meaning you can begin earning money quickly without the lengthy hiring processes typical of permanent positions.
This is particularly useful if you’re between jobs or looking to supplement your existing income. Temping also allows you to work short stints without a long-term commitment, which is ideal if you need to make money quickly for a short-term goal, such as saving for a holiday or covering an unexpected expense.
8. Improved Job Search Skills
Temp work isn’t just a way to gain experience - it’s also a chance to sharpen your job search skills. From perfecting your interview technique to learning how to navigate different work environments, each temp assignment can help you build confidence and develop strategies that will aid you in securing future roles.
Moreover, by working across different industries, you gain a clearer understanding of what hiring managers are looking for, making you a more effective candidate in your job search.
9. Employment Rights
Contrary to common misconceptions, temp workers often have access to many of the same legal protections as permanent employees, including holiday pay and sick leave.
For workers who are worried about the lack of job security associated with temping, these protections can provide some peace of mind. Additionally, because you are often employed through a recruitment consultancy, the agency ensures you are aware of and can access the benefits you’re entitled to during your temp assignment.
10. Try Something New
For those feeling stuck or uninspired in their current career, temping offers the opportunity to try something completely new. Temporary roles can expose you to job functions and industries you may never have considered, broadening your horizons and allowing you to develop a new set of skills.
This is particularly valuable for people who are exploring career changes, as it allows them to test the waters before making any long-term commitments.
Whether it’s working in a creative sector or tackling a different administrative role, temp work can give you the variety you need to rediscover your passion for work.
11. Boost your Confidence
The first time you enter a new place of work, it's natural to feel nervous. Starting a new position becomes second nature to you when you've worked several temporary jobs in a row. As a result, you will be able to make a positive impression on your coworkers from the start and feel more confident to step outside of your comfort zone.
Auria Heanley, co-founder of Oriel Partners: “Temporary roles can be a real opportunity for candidates to develop new skills and identify where they fit best. It’s a great stepping stone for many who want to keep their options open while staying active in the workforce.”
Common FAQs about Temping
Is it good to take a temporary job? Yes! Temping offers flexibility, the opportunity to gain new skills, and the opportunity to network with potential employers. It’s an excellent way to stay active while searching for a permanent role or transitioning careers.
Do temp jobs have benefits? Absolutely. Temporary workers often enjoy many of the same legal protections as permanent employees, including holiday pay and sick leave. Additionally, temping offers a wealth of professional benefits such as skill-building, networking, and flexible work schedules.
Will taking a temporary position look bad on my CV? Not at all! In fact, temp roles can enhance your CV by showcasing your adaptability and wide range of skills. When presented correctly, these roles highlight your ability to work in various industries and environments. Learn how best to present temp work on your CV.
The Cons of Temping: Is It Right for You?
Temporary work isn't for everyone. Some of the potential drawbacks include:
- Lack of job security – Temporary roles come with an inherent lack of stability, which may not suit everyone.
- Perception on a CV – While temping offers valuable experience, too many short-term roles may give the impression of instability to some employers.
- Limited training opportunities – In temporary roles, companies may not invest as much in your training or career development as they would with a permanent employee.
However, these downsides are outweighed for many by the flexibility, networking opportunities, and skill development that temping provides.
Looking For A Temporary PA Or Admin Role? We Can Help!
If the idea of temping sounds appealing to you, we would love to assist with your search! Please take a look at our temporary job board to see what temporary vacancies we are currently recruiting for.
