The Benefits of a Temporary Assignment 

If you are like many people who are unfamiliar with the temporary staffing industry, you may be resistant to taking a temporary assignment in lieu of focusing solely on a direct hire position.  However, what many jobseekers have learned is that a temporary assignment can have many hidden benefits. 

Develop new skills and experience. 70 percent of temporary employees gain new skills through their assignments.  Temporary work is a great way to build your skill sets while getting paid for your efforts.  In fact temporary assignments help to make an easy transition for those jobseekers looking to enter the workforce for the first time, or reenter the workforce after an extended leave. 

Flexibility.  64 percent of temporary employees say flexible work time is important to them. Temporary assignments are ideal for jobseekers who need additional time for family, school or the flexibility to continue their pursuit of a direct hire position. 

 
Variety.  29 percent of temporary employees prefer the diversity and challenge of different jobs. The variety and challenge of starting a new position with more frequency is very attractive to jobseekers that are easily bored with the monotony of working the same job for years. 

 Assess differing work environments. 79 percent of temporary employees work full time. Employment is a two-way street, and every job, or company, isn’t right for everyone.  By working a variety of positions at different companies, you can gain valuable insight into what type of position and company you are happiest in.

 The opportunity for long-term or full time positions.  One million new jobs have been created by staffing companies over the past eight years. A temporary assignment could last anywhere from four hours to more than four years.  Clients often extend assignments, or decide that an employee is such a good fit with their company that they would like to hire them as their own employee.

 Get your foot in the door.  72 percent of temporary employees obtain a position with a client while working for a staffing company. In addition to the perks listed above, there is one overriding theme to working a temporary position.  A temporary assignment opens a window of opportunity that you can’t find in an interview.  You are able to prove your skills, evaluate the work environment and build a relationship with the people you work for.  This may just be the evidence an employer needs to bring you on as a full time employee.  The more that you prove yourself to be a valuable member of the team, the less likely it is that a company will risk letting you go.  After all, you are already trained, they know you have the skills and you both know that you are a good career fit.

So, the next time that your Staffing Consultant calls you with a temporary assignment, don’t immediately dismiss it.  It could be the window of opportunity you have been waiting for.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of working a temporary position, please contact your Staffing Consultant to discuss you employment options and goals.

Statistics Source: American Staffing Association.

Copyright © 2001-2007