And Why it is Here to Stay
The perception of temporary employment has drastically evolved since the recession of 2008 when it became a fixed pillar of the job force. However, many still view temporary employment not as an alternative to permanent positions, but as a demotion.
“This very thinking is limiting job seekers from an entirely new field of work that is lucrative, flexible, and incredibly in demand. Instead of filtering out temporary employment, this is an excellent time to lean into temporary positions and reap the benefits that can help your career both short term as well as long term.” Says Alyssa Mastrangelo, CSS PSG National Recruiting Director.
Here are just a few reasons to embrace this shift in employment instead of waiting for what you think might be your perfect position:
1. Diversify Your Skill Set
No matter what position you accept, there will always be something you are unfamiliar with, especially in the first few months. That can be a software, platform, or specific skillset, and it can often feel like you are playing catch up with your co-workers who can perform said skillset in their sleep so much so that it becomes muscle memory. When searching for temporary positions, you can pursue a role that places a heavy emphasis on a skill you are looking to learn or strengthen. This way, you are spending your day to day expanding your expertise in something that will enhance your resume and support your long term career growth.
2. Expedited Hiring Process
Temporary positions exist to fill an urgent gap in the industry. Because of this, the hiring timeline is expedited, resulting in you securing a position quicker than a full-time job. Hiring Managers are given the authority to act quickly as there are less contract stipulations and logistical hoops to jump through compared to a permanent role. If you are urgently seeking employment, temporary employment offers an added value of a faster time to hire, resulting in securing financial stability.
3. Psychological Boost
Assuming the identity of “unemployed” can take its toll on your mental health. You might feel that you lack a sense of purpose or motivation. Aaron Guerrero, Contributor to U.S. News notes that “if you’ve been out of work for a while, a temporary position can give you the psychological boost you need to know you’re capable of landing a job. In addition, it can provide you with structure and a sense of meaning.” This confidence is critical as it affects every facet of your life outside of your job. It can also ensure that you apply for long-term positions you are qualified for rather than those beneath your skill set due to that lack of confidence.
4. A Robust Resume
Although employers are understanding when it comes to gaps in employment amidst the pandemic, the longer the time period, the less understanding they are. Accepting a temporary position is a great way to lessen those gaps and give you additional talking points when you begin the interview process. Even if the temporary employment you secure is not directly correlated to your industry, the Hiring Manager will immediately pick up on your drive as a person.
The past two years have completely altered everything we know about employment, and specifically secure employment. The climate has shifted to a more malleable approach, tailoring jobs to the person. Temporary employment allows you to find a position that works for you now rather than down the line. It is gaining traction in the current job market and becoming a permanent fixture in the way we think about employment. According to Business Wire “the number of those taking full-time jobs has declined by 56% since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. In comparison, those taking temporary jobs has increased by 66%, and those accepting part-time employment has risen by 13%.” Because these temporary jobs are so in demand, companies are matching their value by increasing compensation to make them as attractive as possible to the job searcher.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that the only thing which is certain, is uncertainty. Temporary employment can interestingly offset that uncertainty just by knowing it exists. Contemporary Staffing Solutions can help you find the right position, especially if you are in a state of flux. We understand the weight these decisions have on your career and we are with you every step of the way.
About CSS PSG
CSS PSG (Professional Staffing Group) has been a leading provider of contract, temporary, and direct hire solutions. Nationally supporting staffing solutions with a focus in Accounting & Finance, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, and Call Center & Office. Everyone at CSS operates with pro-active pipelines, the highest business ethics, a winning spirit in our approach, and a team-oriented workflow with real cross-training. The CSS team coaches you with current business intelligence so that we can timely deliver solutions to meet your expectations.