If you’re looking for a new job, or you’re considering switching positions, temporary work positions might seem confusing or negative. However, temporary positions can have a variety of benefits and hold a lot of value. In this blog we’ll discuss what a temporary work position is, what the benefits are, and why you might want to consider a temporary work position!
What is a Temporary Work Position?
A temporary work position is a contracted position that is only guaranteed for a certain amount of time. Temporary work positions are an agreement between the employer and employee that there is no guarantee that the job will extend beyond a certain period of time. Temporary positions can be extended into permanent positions, but neither the employer nor the employee is obligated to stay passed the contractual time.
There are a few standard rules for temporary work positions that you can use to define and understand the position. First, that there is a defined contract that lays out the payment, length of employment, and any other terms including benefits (as employers are not required to provide benefits to temporary employees). Another rule is that temporary work contracts cannot exceed one year.
Why Would Businesses Hire Temporary Positions
Temporary positions are used by businesses for a variety of reasons. Some temporary positions are put in place due to needing specialized positions that are only needed for certain projects or seasons, they could be used to cover the leave of a permanent employee, or a temporary position might just be used as a trial so that an employer is not liable for any severance if things don’t work out.
Specialized Temporary Work
Temporary positions may be necessary for specialized roles and projects. Temporary positions allow an organization to hire someone who may not typically be necessary for their business. An example of this could be hiring a subject matter expert to consult on a project, hiring people with particular skills such as professional designers or engineers, or finding someone to perform internal projects for a short period of time.
Employee Leave
There are many forms of leave, and if an employee in an organization takes an extended leave it can be difficult to cover their position. For almost all types of leave, the organization is not allowed to replace the employee, they can only hire someone to fill the position until the original employee comes back. Here are some examples of employee leave:
- Parental leave
- Medical leave
- Disability leave
- Compassionate Care Leave
- Reservist/Military Leave
Seasonal Jobs
There are many jobs that are only required during certain seasons. As such, employers won’t want to hire permanent employees if they are only needed for a few months at a time. Examples of seasonable jobs include landscaping, snow removal, garden centers and farm hand positions, vacation destination staff, and more.
Trial Positions
Having a position start as a temporary one is a great way to relieve some of the stress of new hires. If an organization is looking to hire a new role, but they aren’t sure about how long the position will be needed or about the prospective employee, temporary positions can be a great solution. Offering a temporary position is a great way to let organizations test the waters. Trial positions are often able to be extended and made into permanent positions.
Benefits of Temporary Work Positions
There are many benefits to accepting and providing temporary work positions.
1. Learn More About an Industry
Temporary positions are great if you’re looking to enter a new industry. Temporary positions are often less competitive than permanent positions, so if you have little experience in an industry, you may still be able to get the temporary position and gain some valuable experience.
2. Gain Work Experience
If you don’t have a lot of work experience, temporary positions are a great way to gain experience and build up your resume. As stated previously, temporary positions tend to be less competitive, so if you’re looking for new experience when your resume is relatively bare, a temporary position may be a great fit!
3. Try Out New Roles
Temporary positions offer the chance to grow and learn more about yourself and what you want from a job. With a temporary role, you can gain specialized experience from a variety of positions and roles to become a very well-rounded employee.
4. Builds Your Network
Having a strong network is incredibly valuable in the job market. Working in temporary positions allows you to build your network of connections in a variety of industries and businesses. You can get a nice balance of references and connections through temporary work.
5. Less Risk
As an employer, temporary work positions are a fantastic opportunity to try out a new role or employee without the risks associated with permanent hires. Temporary positions give you a chance to try new organizational structures and hires out. There is both a reduced cost for the company and a longer evaluation period for employees.
6. The Potential for Permanence
Many temporary positions offer the chance for extensions and permanent positions. If you’re a great employee who makes a positive contribution and impression on the company, many organizations will consider hiring you full time if they can make room within the budget and company structure.
Should You Take on a Temporary Work Position?
Temporary positions can seem daunting at first. Looking for new opportunities and applying for jobs can be stressful, and wondering if you’re going to have to do it all again in a few months can make the idea of a temporary position less appealing. However, there are many benefits to temporary employment. If you’re looking for work, having a temporary position can remove the financial stress of being out of work. On top of this, you are able to gain a vast amount of experience in a variety of industries and roles. Temporary positions are a great way to get to try out different roles, learn new skills, experience a variety of industries, as well as earn an income. If you’re considering a temporary position, we would definitely recommend it!
Recruitment Partners can help you find the perfect fit. Our team of recruiters will work with you to help you edit your resume, work on your interview skills, and find a fantastic position for you. Recruitment Partners works within hundreds of industries and has a variety of temporary positions available.
