The Benefits of Temp Work

There are many reasons as to why candidates choose to do temp work. Some may have been made redundant or quit their last role and are looking to quickly gather some income, others may fit temp work around another commitment such as a creative pursuit or parenthood, or often, candidates choose to work in temporary positions to gain the relevant experience. Temporary work can range in length – some temp placements can be for a day, others can be for a number of months.

Could temping be for you? With plenty of benefits, it could just be the perfect career path.

It presents a challenge

Temporary assignments can be extremely challenging as you will need to pick up processes, procedures and policies very quickly. It is likely that you will be required to cover a workload for a member of staff who is out of the office, so there’s a chance there won’t even be a handover. For this reason, you’ll need to be able to pick up tasks with little to no direction, using your common sense and initiative to figure tasks out. You’ll definitely not be bored!

Confidence boost

Starting a new job can be daunting, whether it is temporary or permanent . Taking those first steps into work are nerve-wracking. However, taking on temporary work placements mean you’ll be required to do this on a regular basis, which will increase your confidence immensely. You will build your people skills each time you step foot in a new office and find new ways to strike up a conversation or get to know your colleagues. Building your confidence will also help you when it comes to interviewing elsewhere for new roles.

Networking opportunities

Sometimes, when candidates first move to an area, they are without a job. This is where temp work can work for them – they are able to walk straight into a great temporary job and gain experience and income quickly. Moving to a new area can be difficult and the idea of leaving friends and family behind is a scary thought. By working as a temp, you will be meeting new people on a regular basis. You will be constantly building new relationships and gaining great friends!

Flexible working

The flexibility of temp work is what makes it so appealing to so many people.  As long as you relay your availability to your consultant, the temporary working world is your oyster. You can work one week and not the next, or choose to book placements around a holiday.

As temporary working assignments can vary in length, you can choose exactly how long you’d like to work for, making your work life work for you.

Experience

Working as a temp will allow you to develop your skillset and gain fantastic experience, which you can then add to your CV. A broad CV that displays a number of skills is very appealing to employers and may well get you the job over another applicant.

Remember to regularly update your CV whilst temping, making a note of key achievements within a role. Think about what will be appealing to those reviewing your CV and try to sell yourself.

Temporary work works extremely well for those straight out of education, as it allows you to ‘try before you buy’, while building up essential experience that will bode well when you eventually decide to pursue permanent work.

Paid holiday

Did you know that temporary workers also have the rights to claim holiday pay? The Agency Worker’s Regulations, introduced in 2010, states that all temporary workers should receive a minimum of 28 days holidays a year, pro rated against the hours they’ve worked. Holiday pay is accrued at 12.07% of your gross pay. When temping through Tiger, you remain on our payroll, so your holiday pay accrues across all placements. You can usually get this paid out should you not want to use it. If you have any questions about holiday pay as a temp, feel free to get in touch with the temp team.

Opportunity

Temporary work could be that all important foot in the door with employers. Blow your employer away by working hard, and they could ask to have you back each time to cover absence. Not only this, but temporary work could in fact lead to a permanent position within the company. Your employer may see great potential in you and will not want to let you go. We see a high instance of candidates starting in a temporary role going permanent. Think of every temp job as an interview and initial introduction to a company.
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Want to look into temp work? The Tiger team can help. Get in touch today!

Author Rebecca Siciliano Tiger Recruitment Team