What is a Temp Job?
If you’re a job seeker who is trying to define your career path, then a temporary or short-term job may be a great solution. Temp jobs can help fill an employment gap if you’re in between jobs or potentially prepare you for permanent employment.
What is a temp? And, what is a temp job? Simply put, a temp is an employee who works for a company for a defined period of t
ime. Sometimes temps fill in for a permanent employee who is on leave, and other times they may be brought on board to assist with a short-term project. In some cases, temps are hired on a trial basis, and if it’s a good fit for both parties, it may lead to permanent employment, known as temp to hire.
Now is a great time to seek out temporary work, as the demand for temp workers is on the rise. In fact, GlobeNewswire
reports that the demand for temporary workers in the United States is expected to increase 45.0% on a seasonally adjusted basis for the 2021 second quarter, when compared with the same period in 2020, according to the Palmer Forecast.™ The same report indicates a 19.1% increase in demand for Q3 over 2020 – and this is positions across the board from forklift drivers and operators, to warehouse, production, assembly, food processing and manufacturing.
So, how do you get started?
In this blog, we’ll discuss how and where to find a temp job, help you determine if a temp job is right for you, and share the advantages and disadvantages of temping.
How to find a temp job
There are many staffing agencies that specialize in finding temporary work for job seekers such as SURESTAFF and many of these firms are tailored to specific fields. For example, SURESTAFF specializes in Light Industrial, Manufacturing, Skilled Trades, and Onsite Services such as recruitment, orientation, and more.
Most job search sites also allow you to search for temporary jobs. You can typically use an “advanced search” button to narrow down your search by location, industry, and type of job. Sometimes there is even a “temporary jobs” button, or you can simply use “temporary job” as a keyword in your search.
How do you know if a temp job is right for you?
If you’re not sure if a temp job is right for you, you may want to consider the following situations. If any of these scenarios resonate with you, then a temp job might just be the ticket!
Changing your career path
If you’re looking to make a change from your current career, and you need time to figure out the next steps, temp work will allow you to try jobs in different industries and companies. Think of it as a “try before you buy” scenario.
Seeking immediate employment
Staffing agencies don’t guarantee immediate work, but they may be able to send your application to several different employers they have established relationships with, and help you find work more quickly. They are a great place to look for seasonal jobs as well.
Looking for a temp-to-hire opportunity
Hiring temp employees helps companies narrow down potential candidates by allowing them to evaluate if they’re the right fit for the job before offering a permanent position. In some cases, an employer may even create a position for a temp if they excel in the role. This scenario also allows you to determine if the company and the job is the right fit for you.
Advantages and disadvantages of temping
Just like anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to working a temporary job. There are definite benefits to the job seeker which include:
- Working a flexible schedule
- Earning money quickly
- Trying out a new career
- Gaining new skills
- Gateway into “permanent” jobs
- Exposure to a variety of companies and industries
There is also a potential downside to temporary work. The following will of course vary by the organization:
- Temp jobs are usually short-term and can last as little as a month or less.
- Typically, there is lower pay unless you are working in a specialized area.
- Feelings of isolation or lack of respect from permanent employees can occur.
- Fewer benefits are offered such as no sick pay or PTO for example.
The takeaway
Job flexibility is more popular than ever, and temp jobs can offer just that, but ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and determine if temping makes sense for you.
On the plus side, temporary work can help you navigate career transitions, expand your skill sets, and diversify your resume. And post-pandemic, there are a growing number of temporary opportunities available. As companies recover, many are turning to freelance and temporary hires to get important projects off the ground and keep up with increasing demand. So, if you’ve ever considered temp work, now may be the perfect time to give it a whirl.
After all, “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.” – Seth Godin, American author
How to get started? Find your next opportunity with SURESTAFF today! Surestaff has been named one of the top 100 staffing firms in the United States.
About the Author
Kim is a seasoned content marketing professional with over twelve years of corporate communications experience. Her sweetspot is with creative writing both short and long-form, and she has a proven track record working with IBM, Jackson Healthcare, and Walt Disney World, among many others. Kim is also a singer and actress and has been performing on stage and screen her entire life and has a great passion for TV and film production. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn.