Why a Temp Job Is the Best Answer to Your Job Search

by Isabel Dorfman on March 9, 2023 in Career Advice

You are at a crossroads in life: you need a new job, and while social media platforms and online job boards are full of options, how can you know which one is right for you? And will you actually hear back from potential employers if you apply? What’s the best way to find a new job?

Before you go and spend hours upon hours on a wild goose chase, there is an option that allows you to connect with actual human beings, have real-life conversations, and discern your career trajectory before you commit long-term. The answer? Temp jobs. Here’s just a few of the benefits of a temp job and why it’s an answer to your job search.

Temp Jobs Offer Speed & Flexibility

Maybe you are just entering the workforce or are new to the DMV area. Or perhaps you are experiencing an unexpected layoff, leaving you with a feeling you need to find a new job yesterday. Regardless of the reason, time is of the essence. And that’s exactly how a temp job can help you.

Across the country, agencies employ thousands of people. In fact, staffing firms in the US employ about 2.7 million people weekly. In the DC area specifically, 37,400 workers are employed through an agency. All that to say recruiters know how to find jobs that align with both the needs of professionals and clients, all within the right time frame, lowering your chances of having significant gaps in your resume.

How do they make accurate matches with such speed? Many agencies have connections you likely couldn’t find otherwise. They’ve been working with clients in your local business community for years. They’ve earned the trust of hiring managers and organizational leaders. And reputable agencies often know about positions in a company before it’s advertised publicly. This allows you to bypass normal barriers to find a role quickly.

And if you’re attempting to break into a brand-new industry, recruiters can be your personal cover letter. For example, if you want to have a prominent role in a government or charitable organization, your recruiter can talk about your previous office experience that, while not industry specific, would lend well to the detail-oriented skills required for that position. With recruiters, you can get a foot in the door, fast-tracking you to your ideal career.

Develop Skills, Build a Network, & Gain Direction

If you don’t know what your ideal career is yet, that’s okay! Each temp position can be a piece in the puzzle, gaining you valuable experience as you seek to determine what picture you’re trying to complete. So instead of having those dreaded gaps in your resume, you can gain an array of skills, demonstrating versatility and adaptability.

For instance, if you spent six months as an administrative specialist in a trade association, three months as a customer service agent at a solar energy consulting firm, and nine months as a clerical assistant at an international nonprofit, you have well-rounded office and communication skills that would be advantageous for many jobs.

And these experiences add up. You can learn what abilities may come naturally and which ones may require a little more discipline. The variety of positions available in temp roles can open your eyes to what you want to do (or don’t want to). Have fun with it – try new things and see what you learn about yourself.

And with each new opportunity, you gain more than just skills. You gain connections. One finance survey found that 73% of professionals were hired in the past based on a previous connection made through a simple introduction (aka, networking!). The moral of the story is to say yes whenever you can.

If your temp job gives you the opportunity to attend an all-company event or participate in a local chamber organization, make the effort to connect with as many people in different departments or in your community as you can – the more time spent with new faces, the better. Each new conversation about who you are and what you do (or would like to do) builds a wider web of connections for your future career.

So, there you have it – the advantages of a temporary position. You can find a job in a shorter turnaround time and attempt new roles while getting paid – a safe way to experiment with a new career path, all while gaining new connections in your network. Are you ready to give it a try?