Losing your job is not the end of the line. Of course, you can always look for better opportunities – and if your circumstances prohibit this, there are temporary gigs you can apply to. However, are temporary jobs beneficial to your resume?
We’re here to share with you that contractual work is not merely a stopgap to your career progress. It’s a strategic move that balances your job situation and professional growth. In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of temporary work on resumes and how you can maximize your professional brand.
Understanding Temporary or Contractual Work Opportunities
Temporary work, also called contractual jobs or freelancing, initially applied to blue-collar jobs. This created the notion that temporary jobs were only for unskilled workers. However, the world has drastically changed since the 20th century.
Contractual jobs now apply to various roles and industries, including engineers, designers, analysts, IT staff, and managers. There are still challenges to this kind of work. However, the benefits it can bring to you and your employee branding are undeniable. If you’re looking to leverage your temporary work opportunities and experiences, read on.
The Negative Side of Contractual Work
Contractual opportunities are beneficial to both job seekers and employers. However, there are challenges along the way. Each will still vary depending on the environment, culture, and employer. Here are a few things contractors experience in the workplace:
1. Lack of Security and Certainty
Lack of job security can affect future plans and goals. After contract terminations, there’s a possibility of not finding other job opportunities quickly. This could easily ramp up stress, anxiety, and sadness. In the long run, it could even affect one’s perception of long-term career satisfaction and trajectory.
2. Limited Benefits
Contract workers don’t receive the same benefits that permanent employees do. Some companies offer unique benefits to contractors, but the lack of laws and regulations makes this unlikely.
3. Being Labeled as “Disposable Workers”
Temporary staff are often viewed as disposable workers. This may prevent them from fully integrating into the company culture. As a result, it may affect their job satisfaction and overall morale.
4. Insufficient Legal Rights
Since contractors have fewer legal protections, they may find more challenges in their careers compared to permanent employees.
The Benefits of Temporary Work on Your Resume
Understanding the disadvantages of temporary work opportunities will help you navigate them. After all, both permanent and temporary working setups have their unique challenges and stigmas. However, with every stigma comes a solution. Here’s how you can turn the tables and use the advantages of short-term work experience to your benefit:
1. Bridge to Permanent Employment
It’s true that contractual jobs often revolve around working for a given period. However, this doesn’t mean temporary jobs are only part-time. The time can vary depending on the project. Some could last weeks, but there are those that last for years.
According to the American Staffing Association, 73% of contractors consider themselves working full-time.¹ This means that contractual work is not merely a fill to vacancies. Temporary work actually opens doors to permanent jobs through:
- Referral programs
- Internal hiring
- Direct applications
- Temp-to-hire programs
- Performance recognition
At ACS Professional Staffing, we have contractors who have worked with their employers for more than eight years. Many of them have also been absorbed by their employers. Temporary jobs may not be as temporary as you think, after all.
2. Flexible and Manageable Pay
Contract workers often manage their salary. Depending on the work done and the number of clients, their income will vary widely. Contractors can also finish their tasks and get paid the agreed rate, unlike permanent employees, who often get paid at a fixed rate regardless of the time spent.
If you think about it, contractors have a higher pay potential. Since contractors can work with multiple clients, they can increase their monthly pay – without limitations. As long as the contractor has the capacity to work, they can take on more responsibilities.
3. Unique Career Progression
Unlike permanent positions, temporary jobs don’t offer a structured path to growth and development. However, your career path shouldn’t be a linear journey. There are many ways you can enhance your skills and learn new ones. So, how can temporary jobs advance your career?
Taking up a contractual job shows your initiative, especially if you already have employment gaps in your resume. Instead of simply spending your time looking for work opportunities, why not apply as a contractor? Employers appreciate those who pursue continuous development. Not only that, but the valuable insights you’ll learn will help enhance your career.
By widening your horizons, you can gather various tools and expertise from different people, organizations, or even industries. This expands your skill sets and allows you to be more knowledgeable in different areas of work.
However, don’t worry if you think you learned something irrelevant to your career. The soft skills you learned can be applied to future opportunities and increase your chances of building a fulfilling career.
Read more: How Temporary Work Can Boost Your Career: 10 Benefits You Need to Know
4. Career Change Opportunity
We know how changing careers can be unnerving due to the many uncertainties associated with it. Either you’re too afraid to start over, or you think you’re too late to shift. There’s also the concern of not earning the same pay, being clueless about the new environment, and having different expertise and skill sets.
This is where temporary employment can become a significant step to your career goals. Working part-time allows you to assess the industry, role, and overall environment.
- Do you have the skills necessary for the role?
- Is the industry appealing to you?
- Can you learn new skills and adapt to a new market?
- Does the company match your values and preferences?
- Are there career growth opportunities in this field?
- Does the job align with your long-term goals?
- Are you passionate about the tasks involved?
Temporary work will serve as your testing ground to learn more about the company, industry, and role. While you’ll still meet challenges, your staffing partner will also be there to help you along the way. So, it’s best to choose reputable firms that specialize in the fields you want to embark on.
5. Network Expansion
Connecting with new coworkers can be challenging. This is why you need to be prepared before taking up a temporary role. However, if you have excellent collaboration and teamwork, temporary jobs can offer you a vast professional network.
Temporary workers often partner with staffing firms. You don’t have to do it alone. In this partnership, you’ll have the chance to work with different companies, depending on the company’s needs, your performance, contract length, and available opportunities.
Furthermore, there’s a chance that the people you meet can connect you with various opportunities. They can provide you with recruiter references and land you an interview in the future. Since you’ve already worked with that specific company, you’ll have boosted your chances of impressing their recruiters and hiring managers.
6. Increased Technology and Industry Knowledge
Temporary work can be extremely beneficial for IT professionals. Technology is quickly developing, and your skills and expertise may be dated in just a few years. By keeping yourself relevant to the new technologies and tools in the market, you remain competitive in the market.
Look for various opportunities, varying projects, or new technologies you can acquire. Keep developing your skills through reskilling and upskilling your abilities.
Read more: The Future of Administrative Work: How Emerging Technologies Are Changing the Game
BOOST YOUR CAREER WITH ACS PROFESSIONAL STAFFING
Temporary work is an opportunity for professional growth, skill development, and long-term career progression. If you’re looking for temporary, permanent, or temp-to-hire opportunities, ACS Professional Staffing can be your staffing partner.
With us, you’re not just an option to fill an open role. We value both our employees and company partners. When you partner with us, you won’t have to think of the disadvantages of temporary work stated in this blog – only the benefits!
Let us help you find a fulfilling career. Contact us today.
References
- “Staffing Industry Statistics.” American Staffing Association, 28 Jun 2024, https://americanstaffing.net/research/fact-sheets-analysis-staffing-industry-trends/staffing-industry-statistics/
