When in Doubt, Take the Temporary Position

When looking for a new position, it’s extremely unlikely that your dream job is going to fall right on your lap the second (week, month, year) you begin your job search. Whether you just graduated college, are trying to re-enter the work force after some personal time off, or just lost your job, sometimes the only work available is temporary work. Although that may sound unappealing, taking a temporary position could be the smartest move you could make.

Here’s why:

Fills Time Gaps on Your Resume

While looking for a new job when unemployed, job seekers either wait for the perfect opportunity so long that the time gap since their last position looks unprofessional on their resume, or they panic and take the first position they can find. A great alternative for either of these situations would be to take a temporary position. Candidates that are working are always more attractive to hiring managers or recruiters. The awkward time gap will be filled with experience and show that you want to work, and it will buy you time so you don’t feel pressured to take a permanent position you know you won’t like.

Gets Your Foot in the Door

Even though the job is temporary, you should still always be on top of your game professionally. Many temporary positions are temp-to-hire, meaning the company wants to make sure you’re the right person for the job before making you a permanent employee. Once you have proven yourself, your temporary assignment can turn into a stable job. Sometimes this isn’t an option, though, and the assignment is to only cover a maternity leave or it’s a short project. But, that doesn’t mean that another opening won’t come up within the company when the assignment is over. You have some training and knowledge of the business giving you the upper hand over an external candidate.

And if none of that works out, you’ve met a group of new professionals. Add them on LinkedIn when your assignment is over to stay in touch. Although a position didn’t present itself at that company, leaving the assignment on a good note might open up other doors with your new connections instead.

Teaches New Skills

No matter how short the temporary assignment might be, you are bound to learn something new. Absorb as much knowledge as you can that relates to your dream job. If you’ve been out of work for awhile or have been out of your desired field for some time, temp positions present a good opportunity to touch up on the skills you already possess as well.

Lets You Test Out a Career Change

Maybe you dislike the career path you have chosen and are looking for a complete change. Before putting yourself on the wrong track again, test out the type of position you think you would prefer. Apply for a temporary position where there aren’t any strings attached to see if it’s a good fit before you apply to a permanent role. This will also help you gain experience in a brand new field to eventually land the position you desire.

Fuels Motivation

A temporary job may be all you need to get yourself moving again. Getting back to work in any capacity can motivate you to work harder to get back in a permanent role.

Provides a Steady Paycheck

If you don’t need the experience or you don’t care about networking, think about it this way, any work is better than no work. Think of the temporary assignment as steady income for the duration of the project. Unemployment won’t last forever and the bills aren’t going to pay themselves.

Key Resource Group loves nothing more than an open-minded, ambitious candidate who is willing to do whatever it takes to benefit themselves and their career. Being open to a temporary assignment proves just that. Although accepting a temporary position may seem like a step back for you professionally, it can be incredibly beneficial for your future while you continue to seek out your dream job. Check out the temporary, and permanent, positions we have available here.

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