Temporary Employment, Internships, Good Idea or Not?
Why should you consider a temp job?
Two reasons:
- Because today there is a hiring mentality of “try before you buy”. Offering temporary employment allows a company to test the suitability of a potential employee and reduce the risk of hiring someone that won’t work out—which is expensive on many levels.
- Studies show that people who stop working are less likely to go back to work. No matter what, you should keep working. Even if it’s not a job you want. A client and recent grad worked at an eatery. He asked the manager to work most of his entire 40-hour week on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays, so his weekdays were open for his job search.
GRADS:
Most grads know to look for internships. If they haven’t graduated yet, then they may land an unpaid internship. Once they have their diploma, a paid internship is often the way to permanent employment.
Tips:
- Apply early!
- Apply for opportunities that appeal to you and emphasize the aspects of your degree that you enjoy the most.
- Check the company website for required application forms that are not mentioned on the job postings.
- Be enthusiastic about the potential.
- Use the opportunity wisely: Network, ask for referrals, build your LinkedIn profile with recommendations and connections.
- If you don’t get permanent employment, leave well and stay connected.
- See the tips below as well.
Mid-Career:
For the mid-career job-seeker, temporary work may be called project work, consultant opportunities, or contract work. The pay is not likely to be as good as permanent employment. However, if you interview for a position and are offered a temporary assignment, realize you are likely being scrutinized for future employment.
Tips:
- Consider it an extended interview, an audition, a proving ground.
- Show flexibility and initiative.
- Be a team player.
- Be enthusiastic about the potential.
- Use the opportunity to network, find references, build up your LinkedIn profile.
- If you don’t get permanent employment, leave well and stay connected.
Additional Links
- Katherine Hansen, Creative Director of Quintessential Careers
- Brent Rasmussen, President of CareerBuilder
- Tom Eagan, VP at Veritude
Need help? Consider a Forward Motion Differentiation Workshop, where you will learn how to carefully assess and respond to the Job Requirements section using the Forward Motion Template.
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