One often overlooked technique for landing a great job is working as a temp. If you’re currently unemployed and looking for a job, there’s no better way to keep yourself sharp within your industry, gain new experience and get paid while you look for work.
If you’ve never temped before, there are several reasons why this may be the right strategy for you.
1. Test out companies before getting hired. It’s one thing to think a company is a great employer when you’re on the outside looking in. As a temp, you’ll be getting the real story on some of the best companies in the business today. You’ll be able to get a feel for the type of management each company has, and it will help you narrow down your choices. Hands on experience with a company will show you much more than you’ll ever learn just reading about them.
You’ll also have the ability to show the management staff exactly what you can do and you’ll be building a history with that employer that can go a long way towards helping you land a permanent position. Once you’ve got your foot in the door, it’s a lot easier to open it the rest of the way.
2. Improve your skill set. This is one of the premier benefits of temping. You’ll be gaining valuable, on the job experience that you simply wouldn’t get unless you take this route. In fact, it may show you where your true skill set lies and help you broaden your career horizons. Working as a temp, especially in a position that requires you to stretch your knowledge, will help you improve your resume, your skills and your hireability.
3. Finding new opportunities. You may never consider a particular position or a company until you actually start working for them. Be open minded and you never know what you’ll end up really enjoying when you’re temping. This is a great opportunity to try new things, meet key people, and help steer your career path, all at the same time.