Working as a temp is a brilliant way to explore different industry sectors and positions and gain valuable skills and experience. Many of our candidates end up securing a permanent position through their temporary placements, so it can be a great introduction to a role rather than going through the normal interview process.
Temping offers flexibility to fit around other commitments or to fill a gap between permanent employment while you are job hunting. Read on to explore how temping works and get answers to the most commonly asked questions about temping.
What is a temp role?
A temporary role is a short-term assignment where you are employed through a temping agency. How long a temp job lasts depends on the needs of the company requiring temporary staff. Roles vary and can be fixed-term, full-time or part-time.
An example of temporary employment would be a company requiring a receptionist to cover for their permanent receptionist who is off on an extended period of sick leave.
There are various reasons why a client might require temporary employees, which we explore below.
To cover a leave of absence
Covering for a leave of absence tends to be for a short period of time but can vary from one day to many months. A leave of absence could be due to sick leave or compassionate leave, and it is common for the end date of the temporary assignment to be unknown. Therefore, the more flexible the temp can be, the better.
Sometimes, a client can need a temp with just a few hours’ notice, so temp agencies often have a few candidates on call to ensure bookings are filled quickly. Often, you won’t have to interview for a short-term temp role, especially if the recruitment agency you are temping through has a good relationship with their client and trust is there.
To fill a gap
Most administrative employees have a one-month notice period, and it can take longer than one month to source a replacement, who may then be on a notice period. This means there is a gap when one employee leaves, but the next is yet to start. Often, this creates a need for a temporary employee.
Often, a temp will hand over with the existing employee and then again with the replacement employee to ensure seamless support is always provided. This usually means there is no potential for a permanent opportunity; however, the end date of the assignment will be known from the start, so it makes it easier for a temp to forward plan.
What are the benefits of temporary work?
There are many benefits to temporary employment, which we delve into below:
Flexibility
A short-term temp role gives you a great deal of flexibility. Perhaps you are studying and want to temp during quieter times, or you have another business, and temping is a great way to supplement your income. You do not sign a contract, so you can leave without giving notice.
Be aware that this goes both ways. If the client no longer needs the support, they can cancel the booking. However, it’s not best practice to leave a role without giving notice, and most clients and candidates respect this unwritten rule.
Explore new areas
A temp booking can allow you to explore a new industry sector without having to commit to it long-term. You may think that the corporate sector is not for you, for example, but by experiencing it first-hand, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision.
Enhance your network
Temping will allow you to meet a wide range of new people, some of whom may be helpful to your permanent job hunt or if you are looking for a role in the future. We always recommend connecting with contacts on LinkedIn, which is a great way to stay in touch - you never know where a connection may lead.
Interview practice
If you have to interview for a temp or contract role, this can be very helpful in allowing you to practise your interview technique. Often, the interviews are not as thorough if they are for a short-term position, so you will learn how to sell yourself quickly and perfect that all-important first impression.
Read our article on common questions you should prepare for in a temporary interview, including sample answers.
What are the drawbacks of temporary work?
Temporary work is not for everyone, and we look at some of the drawbacks below.
Lack of job security
As temporary roles are shorter-term assignments, there is a lack of security, and you don’t know where you may be working from one week to the next. Some people enjoy this variety, but for others, it can feel unsettling.
Hoppy CV
Generally, clients like to see CVs with solid stints of experience. This shows the employee can commit to a role and succeed in it. If you do lots of temping, this movement on your CV can look hoppy and suggest you cannot stick at a permanent role long term.
Lack of training
Clients often do not have the time to train someone to cover a short-term temp position, so the work can be more mundane or repetitive, such as answering the phone or doing basic admin, which may not feel very challenging.
Will temp work lead to a permanent position?
We can never guarantee where a temp role will lead but it certainly can be an excellent opportunity to secure work longer term. Here are some of the opportunities temping can bring.
Repeat temp bookings
We often have clients who have repeat temporary requirements, and they will ask for the same person back if they have had a good previous experience. This is a great opportunity for a candidate, particularly someone who prefers temp work. Also, by receiving positive feedback from a client, your temp agency will feel more confident about using you again in the future.
Great connections
Even a junior temp role can result in a longer-term opportunity. You never know who you will meet or be exposed to, and leaving a positive impression can aid your job search. Someone might know of a possible vacancy they could recommend you for, or perhaps another company in the building is looking to hire.
Temp to perm roles
If a client has hired a temp as there is a vacancy they are looking to fill permanently, this puts you in the best possible place to try and secure that role if you like it. Impressing the client will give you a real advantage over other candidates they are yet to interview. Read our article delving into temp to perm employment here.
How to secure a temp role
You can do several things to make yourself a more attractive candidate for temping. Here are some of our top tips to help you stand out from the crowd:
Stay in touch
People’s availability changes all of the time, so we would encourage you to stay in touch with your consultant so they know when you can and can’t work. The more accommodating you can be, the better, especially if you are willing to attend a temp booking on the day and fill those tricky urgent requirements.
Be flexible
It is better to earn some money than none. The more flexible you are with the rates you will take and the roles you will do, the more temp vacancies you will generally be offered.
Give it your all
You may one day need a reference, so it’s always important to leave a good impression. Plus, the recruitment agency you are temping through will get feedback after each assignment, so any negative comments can affect securing temp work in the future.
Read more about how to stand out as a candidate in a competitive job market here.
Is taking a temp role good for my CV?
Taking a temp role can benefit your CV, especially if you're strategic about it. Short-term assignments can help you gain diverse experience, develop new skills and demonstrate adaptability. They can also fill employment gaps and provide networking opportunities.
However, too many short stints may raise concerns about job-hopping. To maximise the benefit, focus on roles that align with your career goals, emphasise the skills and achievements from each assignment, and aim for longer-term temp positions when possible. Ultimately, the value of temp work on your CV depends on how you frame and utilise the experience.
Can you leave a temporary job whenever you want?
While technically you can leave a temporary job without notice, it's generally not advisable. Doing so may damage your professional reputation and relationship with the temp agency. It's best to honour your commitment unless there are extenuating circumstances. If you must leave early, try to provide as much notice as possible.
How do you get paid for temporary work?
When working with a temporary recruitment agency, you will work for a company but be paid by the agency. You will often be paid weekly straight into your bank account. Your pay will be based on the level of skill required to fulfil the role.
Is temping the same as a fixed-term contract?
No, temping and fixed-term contracts are not the same.
Temping involves short-term work through a recruitment agency, offering high flexibility and often ending without notice.
Fixed-term contracts tend to be for a set period, such as maternity cover, which is usually between six and twelve months. These longer assignments often require candidates to interview. You’ll usually be on the company’s payroll, paid monthly, and eligible for company benefits.
For a more detailed answer, see our blog article on temporary vs fixed-term employment.
Land Your Perfect Temp Role Through Oriel Partners
Oriel Partners works with clients across all sectors, both corporate and creative. Our clients range from global multinationals to small boutique firms and we hire on a temp, contract and permanent basis. If you think you have what it takes to be a good temp - flexibility, team player, committed and quick to learn - then please do explore our temporary job board - we would love to help you.
