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The Rise of Temporary Work: Pros and Cons for Job Seekers
On an average week, nearly three million temporary and contract employees are at work for staffing companies in the United States – in virtually all occupations and industry sectors. Working as a temp can be a smart career move if you enjoy variety, change, flexibility, and control over when and how often you are on the job. But, there also may be cons to temporary work.
The smartest way to decide whether temping is right for you is to consider the various up and downsides. Here’s a bit of a deep dive into both:
Flexibility and Career Growth
If you’re seeking optimal schedule flexibility or want to try a job out without making a long-term commitment, temporary work may be just the answer for you.
- One in five workers cite flexibility as their reason for choosing temporary roles. Temping allows you to work as many or as few hours as you want, try new things whenever you feel like making a change, and tailor your work to your own unique needs and interests.
- Temporary jobs can lead to long-term employment. It’s not a given, but employers often prefer to hire someone when they have already proven they know the company, are a good cultural fit, and can get the work done effectively and on time.
- As a temp, you can stay on top of and master new skills. This is a great way to enhance your value to future employers and strengthen your resume and profile.
- Temping can fill employment gaps. Speaking of your resume, temporary jobs can look great there – and this includes those that fill what would otherwise be employment gaps. In addition to the skills and experience you gain, this shows your commitment to stay current in your field, contribute, and grow in productive ways.
Uncertainty and Feeling Like an Outsider
On the flip side of temporary work: You are just that: a temp.
This may mean a lack of stability, as you may have to change roles and income more frequently than you would otherwise. Also, an employer can end your employment with little to no notice, leaving you searching for your next opportunity. So, as a temporary employee, always be prepared for some unpredictability.
- Sometimes, temps find it challenging to bond with their coworkers. This can be difficult, unless you prefer to work independently and are not reliant on your job to build social connections. You also may be excluded from some business or company-related meetings or other forums.
In today’s market, the right job is closer than you think. At PrideStaff, our career network is constantly in motion, offering full-time and temp-to-hire, as well as temporary opportunities. As a leading staffing firm and recognized community partner, we work hand in hand with the region’s best employers – and we’d love to welcome you into our professional family. Reach out to us today to learn more.
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The Hidden Job Market: Strategies for Tapping into Unadvertised Opportunities
Being aware of advertised openings is always important to your successful job search, but often, the real power lies in the hidden job market – those opportunities that are not publicly advertised or promoted.
Employers typically opt to keep such vacancies discreet because it’s more cost effective, the positions are of a sensitive nature, or they value the referrals of their current employees and other company stakeholders, hoping to find their hires with this approach before going public.
How to Tap into the Hidden Job Market
Okay, so this potentially lucrative job market is hidden. How do you find it?
In a nutshell, it’s about putting yourself out there. Here are some tips to help you think creatively and strategically about your approach:
- Start at your own company. If you’re currently employed, feel out potential opportunities that may be right under your nose. Engage in conversations with colleagues and segue into discussion of your career aspirations. Employers often prefer to promote internally or even create new opportunities for the right people.
- Go back to school. Not literally … but take advantage of your alumni network and connections. There’s a unique bond that stems from having attended the same institution. Be aware of networking opportunities at reunions, workshops, and sports and social events.
- Attend and participate in conferences. Not just at your alma mater, but within your preferred industry. Be an active attendee: presenting is ideal, but you can also join planning committees or make an extra effort to actively engage during breakout sessions, coffee breaks, or post-conference happy hours or dinners.
- Learn to cold pitch. This tactic may naturally make you feel anxious, but taking the initiative to cold pitch employees at companies that interest you shows you’re professional and proactive, traits that employers highly value. An important note: It’s not about spamming a generic message to a long list of people. Research and customize what you say and craft personal notes. For instance, talk about a recent project an employee has been involved in, or a skill or interest that the two of you share.
- Dig into social media. In addition to company platforms, look for opportunities to follow organizational leaders on LinkedIn and elsewhere. Real-time chats on X can also be helpful. And, engage with hiring managers by commenting on their posts and sharing relevant content.
- Subscribe to news alerts. When you’re job searching, as in all aspects of life, knowledge is power. News alerts and company newsletters provide openings to learn more details and stay current on businesses and industries on your career radar. For instance, a company announcing an expansion might signal hiring as it blends new teams or creates new departments.
The right career counselor can also be instrumental in helping you find the right career opportunity – find this expert resource and more – all you need to take your career to the next level – at PrideStaff. Contact us today to hear more.
