The Benefits of Taking a Temporary Job for a Career Boost
Posted August 31st, 2016
During periods of unemployment, it can be easy to focus solely on finding long-term, permanent work. While that may be understandable, a temporary job may provide the career boost you need to move onto your next employment opportunity more easily. If you have never considered using a temporary assignment to forward your career goals, consider these benefits.
Smaller Gaps in Employment
One challenging thing to overcome when looking for a new job is an extended gap in your employment history, which may serve as a red flag to certain employers. In order to close this gap, consider taking a temporary assignment. Not only will this show that you were dedicated to working during the period, it can also improve your current skill set.
Expanded Skill Sets
Assignments within your own field can be seen as applicable experience to your next job, while those in adjacent fields may provide new skills that can be carried forward throughout your career. Additionally, being able to adjust to the new work environment can be seen as a benefit to employers who value adaptability, and may also provide you with knowledge that can improve processes in their company.
Increased Connections
As with traditional employment opportunities, temporary assignments provide you with an avenue to increase your network and meet people who may be able to help you along your chosen career path. You may hear of new opportunities from people who appreciate your work, and they may serve as solid references for future employment opportunities.
New Opportunities
If you are looking to make a change from your previous career, accepting temporary positions can help you add the experience you need to gain a foothold in the new industry. Certain businesses may be open to taking on the risk of less experienced workers in cases where the position is designed to be temporary from the beginning. It can also be used as a way to demonstrate how transferable your skills are from one industry to the next.
A Permanent Position
Many temporary positions can result in an offer to become a permanent employee. If a hiring manager within the business values your work and dedication, they may be inclined to try and keep you on staff if the current circumstances allow them to make an offer. In fact, certain business do the majority of their hiring by starting people in temporary positions as a trial run. This allows both the employer and the temporary employee to determine if a person is a good match for a position without either party having to make a large commitment.
Career Flexibility
Even if you are open to temporary work, that does not mean you have to take every offer that comes your way. Ultimately, you are in control of which assignments you accept and which you allow to pass by. This can be especially useful when you are examining opportunities in different industries, as you can make determinations based on what seems like the right opportunity for you at the time.
Whether you are looking for short-term options while you look for your dream job, are interested in expanding your skill set, or are looking for a job with long-term potential, here at Bayside Solutions, we have the experience to help you further your career in whichever direction you prefer. Contact us today to see what job opportunities may be available to you.
