The process of searching for a temporary job is fairly simple. It is similar to applying for a job by submitting your resume to an agency (online or offline). You will fill out an application form and attend an interview.
The interview for an entry-level job can be brief; but, if it is a highly paid job, it may be similar to an interview for a full-time job. Certain agencies may have a screening phase to conduct drug tests and run background checks.
How to Find a Temporary Job?
When you are searching for temporary jobs by yourself, simply follow these steps.
- Find Your Fit
It is very important to know your strong suits as it will allow you to narrow down or broaden your temp-job search criteria. However, you must remember, the more general skills or positions you are willing to work at, the easier it is for you or an agency to find something that fits.
- Stand Out from the Crowd
Use your resume to showcase your expertise, your general skills, and your positive personality traits. Focus on things that make you an ideal candidate for a position (without sounding too arrogant).
- Know the Search Hacks
Whether you recently lost a job or ready to jump ships, chances to find a position through a “wanted ad” are next to nil. The good news is – there are numerous avenues you can pursue to find a temp job such as online job portals, LinkedIn, etc.
There is a healthy competition in the market amongst temp-job agencies both online and offline. Many agencies even specialize in certain niche and professions.
For example, if you are a supply chain professional looking for a job in your niche, search for a temp agency with expertise in supply chain jobs.
How to Quickly Find Your Next Job?
It should be a top priority to find your next job as soon as possible. Why not consider participating in a gig economy and look for an on-demand position. Many people find gigs to work as freelancers to complete short and long-term projects for different companies.
However, you must use all available resources and connections to find your next job quickly.
- Use Your Previous Job Experience to Find the Next Job
Finding a new job is just like marketing yourself. Use your resume or online LinkedIn profile to showcase your previous job experience, your achievements, projects handled, and employer’s appraisals and feedback as highlights.
Let the temp agency and employers know what value you will be bringing to the table.
- Tap Your Network
Everybody knows somebody these days. Some people in your network may know about job opportunities, but they just have not thought about you. It can be colleagues from a previous job or alumni from your college days.
Create a list of your professional connections, touch base with them, and meet them for lunch or coffee. This way, not only will you strengthen your professional network but increase your chances of finding your next gig.
Do not rely on an on-demand position or gig economy as these jobs are mostly temporary, and you do not want to go through the hassle of jumping from one job to another every few months.
Hiccups in Job Hopping
One of the biggest drawbacks of constant job-hopping is the inability to build a consistent portfolio with actual accomplishments and results. This is hard when you stay at a job for less than a year.
When you are constantly jumping ships, it is not easy to develop and maintain camaraderie with your colleagues. Moreover, a scattered work experience on your resume reflects badly on your commitment level. Employers do not want to take a risk with someone with an unreliable employment record.
Let us be honest; job hunting is not a walk in the park. Too many rejections can hamper your confidence and make you increasingly uncomfortable.
Pros and Cons of Being a Temporary Worker
Like anything in life, being a temporary worker has its benefits and drawbacks. Let us have a quick look at some of them.
Advantages
- A temporary job might exactly be something you are looking for with a time limit on the job commitment.
- It can offer you an income stream while you continue searching for a real job. They usually call it a “salary continuation plan.”
- A temporary job may give you a chance to ‘Test drive’ a new job, career, employer, profession, or industry.
- It can fill a gap in your experience needed for your next job.
- It can fill a gap in your employment history.
- Sometimes taking on a temporary job can lead to a permanent position with the employer.
- Some temporary jobs offer benefits such as health benefits and insurance etc.
Disadvantages
Of course, there are downsides associated with temp-jobs.
- Temp jobs (by definition) are short-term gigs – usually, less than a month and some often last a week or so. So, if you are looking for a long-term temp job without full-time employment, freelancing or contracting may be your thing.
- They are not a reliable or stable source of income.
- Many temp workers reported feeling isolated and not respected by full-time employees. Surely, this culture may vary by corporate culture in different companies; but it does happen.
- You may not get enough salary for what you do unless you possess a scarce skill.
- You may secure fewer job benefits such as paid vacations, sick days, etc. (depending on your temp agency).
- The full-time employees and site manager may not be supportive or help you get through the learning curve.
Do not let the drawbacks hold you from pursuing a temp opportunity. Even if you face any of the above issues – remember they call them “temp-jobs” for a reason. So bear with it – people and culture will change with each job.
Conclusion
Most importantly, COVID-19 has reset the employment practices. As the world adapts to social distancing SOPs, companies realize they can fill many positions with temp or remote workers.
According to Gartner, 32 percent of the companies are now replacing their full-time employees with contingent workers as a part of a cost-saving measure.
According to a Forbes report, the majority of Google’s employees are contractual, and one of the biggest post-COVID predictions is that companies will increasingly rely on gig-workers rather than taking full-time employees on board. If you are a professional looking for your next job or just a temporary opportunity, finding a specialist temp agency is the best solution. Ideally, look for an agency specializing in your field and discuss your aims and expectations with them.
