Learn About Working Temporary Jobs

Working full-time isn’t ideal for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a career change or just entering the workforce, getting a temporary job helps you narrow your goals and interests. Temporary jobs usually come without contracts or benefits, allowing you the freedom to leave when it feels right. 

These positions last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Some positions even turn into permanent work. For more information about temporary jobs, continue reading the topics listed below.

About the Pros & Cons of Working Temporary Jobs

There are many different types of jobs available in a variety of industries. If you’re considering working a temporary job, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of such a position. Here are a few things to consider before starting a temporary job.

Pros

• Get a weekly paycheck. If you’ve been unemployed for a while or are in between jobs, temporary positions provide you with a source of income. 
• Gain hands-on experience for your resume. Working a temporary job is a great opportunity to learn more skills and gain experience, which you can use to get competitive and higher-paying jobs.
• Avoid long gaps in employment. Most hiring managers exclude candidates who have long periods of time between jobs. 
• Expand your network. Your bosses and fellow employees at your temporary job may know of other employment opportunities for you. 
• It could become a full-time job. If you work hard and impress your managers, that temporary position just might transition into permanent work.

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Cons

• It might be too temporary. Working for a few days here and there could interrupt your schedule.
• Lack of workplace relationships. It’s difficult to make lasting impressions with colleagues in a few short days. 
• Fewer benefits. Most temporary jobs do not offer sick time or paid vacation. 
• Lower salary. Many temporary positions pay minimum wage or just above, which may not be feasible for your lifestyle.

How to Find Temporary Jobs

Finding a temporary job is similar to searching for any other career. However, you have a few unique resources at your disposal. Here are a few steps you can take to find temporary jobs in your industry. 

Tip #1: Search Online

The first method of finding a temporary job is to browse internet job sites. Use a few popular online job boards such as Indeed or Monster. These websites have special filters and search tools for isolating temporary positions, helping you find one that fits your career interests.

Tip #2: Attend Job Fairs

Companies from all industries and work environments seek hardworking individuals at job fairs and expos. These events are perfect opportunities for you to find temporary work. They also expose you to dozens (if not hundreds) of temporary positions in all sorts of fields, expanding your employment prospects and helping you find a great fit. Remember to dress appropriately, as if preparing for a job interview, since this will be your first impression to the company’s representatives. 

Tip #3: Work With a Staffing Agency

If you’re struggling to find temporary work on your own, consider working with an employment agency. These organizations are notorious for matching employees with temporary positions. You can work directly with an agent to determine the best types of jobs for you based on your work history, skills, qualifications and interests. When one temporary job ends, the agency works to place you in another position, helping ensure you do not go long without a job.

Reasons to Work Temporary Jobs 

There are many reasons why people just like you choose to work in temporary positions. Choosing to look for temp jobs is a difficult decision to make. Before counting yourself out, read a few of the following reasons why working a temporary job is an ideal fit. 

• Flexibility. Temporary jobs are not bound in contracts and do not carry many benefits, allowing you the freedom to come and go as you please. If you truly hate the position in which you’re working, there’s nothing stopping you from leaving and finding a new job. If you need some time off for any reason, simply pause your job search and resume it when you’re ready. 
• Demand. If you’re having trouble finding full-time or part-time work, you can always count on temporary work. More and more employers are cutting their full-time staff and preferring to use temporary workers to save money. This means there’s an abundance of temporary positions just waiting to be filled in every job field imaginable. 
• Family obligations. Raising a family with a full-time job can be extremely difficult. If you have young children or are considering starting a family, temporary work may offer an ideal schedule. You can work the days you’re free and stay home when the kids need your care. 
• Benefits for seniors. Many seniors choose temporary work as a way to earn a bit of extra income in their retirement without overdoing it. 

Learn About the Top 10 Best Temporary Jobs

Here are the 10 best temporary jobs available across a variety of job industries:

1.  Receptionist 

Administrative work is one of the most common types of jobs in the United States. When a receptionist or other office personnel member calls in sick, takes maternity leave or goes on vacation, employers hire temps to fill their roles.

2. Substitute Teacher

If you’re interested in becoming a teacher but don’t have the necessary qualifications just yet, becoming a substitute gives you hands-on experience to continue with the process. 

3. Human Resources Specialist

Temporary human resources (HR) specialists fill in when part-time or full-time workers are out for the day, week or months. This job is one of the fastest-growing temporary positions, according to CareerBuilder.

4. Travel Nurse

It may come as a surprise, but registered nurses can work temporary jobs too. Agencies place RNs in health care facilities across the country for up to 13 weeks. Housing, benefits and incentives are included. 

5. Construction Laborer

Short-term construction projects are common in cities and towns across the country. As a laborer, you’d be doing demolition, clearing debris, operating machines and unloading materials. 

6. Relief Postal Carrier

Temporary mail carriers take over the routes of carriers who are ill, on vacation or on paid leave. You typically use your own vehicle during these routes, so you may be paid by the mile as well. 

7. Translator

If you’re bilingual, you can find temporary work as a translator in nearly every job industry. Attorney offices, medical centers and public schools are just a few of the temporary translator positions most commonly available. 

8. Tutor

Help students of all ages by tutoring in one or more academic areas. Temporary work as a tutor is prevalent in public schools, community colleges and vocational schools.

9. Software Developer

Employment in the information technology (IT) industry is in high demand. Temporary software developers work on a project-to-project basis as independent consultants or contractors. 

10. Clinical Research Associate 

Studies and research projects are conducted every day in medical and science labs across the country. Temporary clinical research associates assist scientists and doctors with screening candidates, conducting tests and recording data.

How to Turn a Temporary Job Into a Full-Time Position

Temporary jobs don’t have to be short-term. Many employers hire temporary workers with the intent of keeping them on long-term. Here are a few tips for transforming a temporary job into a full-time position.

Tip #1: Don’t Slack Off

Just because you’re working a temporary job doesn’t mean you can take it easy, especially if you’re interested in turning it into a full-time position. Show your managers and supervisors that you mean business. Bring your best attitude to the job each day and go above and beyond to get your work finished.

Tip #2: Say “Yes” to Training

Whether training is offered at the staffing agency you’re using or by your employer, never turn down an opportunity to get better. Training is free and the skills you acquire from participating in a workshop are priceless.

Tip #3: Expand Your Network

Go out of your way to meet everyone at your job. Remember their names, ask about their job there and take an interest in their responses. You never know who can put in a good word for you. If your managers are considering you for a full-time position, your colleagues may seal the deal if they like you.

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