As with most things, temporary jobs have their pros and cons. On the plus side, the employee has ample flexibility and the opportunity to test out different employers and jobs for the start of a career. On the negative side, the employee might go months without work or pick a company that is a poor fit for them.
To make the most of your temporary position, there are several things you can do beforehand and during your work term. Find below six tips on how to make the most of your temporary job.
1. Flexibility
Take the term “flexibility” with a grain of salt when it comes to temporary jobs. Flexibility is true in the sense that you can choose your work terms to your benefit, for example, if you don’t want to work for a summer, then you don’t have to.
On the other hand, flexibility is not true when you’re on the job. You’ll be expected to work hard, meet deadlines and be present. Once it’s all said and done, that’s the end of the road for you. Be sure that you’re comfortable with the nature of temporary positions before you move forward with your decision.
2. Goals
During the selection process of a temporary job, consider what your goals are and what bigger achievement you’re working towards. The short term benefit to a temporary job is the money, but you need to take into account other potential factors of the long term.
Examples of things you should think about is knowledge you’ll gain, skills and abilities you’ll acquire and professional relationships that you’ll develop. All of these components can help you with your career down the road if you’re strategic.
3. Know the Limitations
If you’re replacing someone specific temporarily, know that you can’t be that person you’re replacing. All you can do is try your best to fill the role in their absence.
Try not to let this discourage you, other employees will understand the limitations and will appreciate your hard work and efforts to be the best you can. Those characteristics are remembered by coworkers and supervisors, it can help you snag a full-time position in the future.
4. Don’t Harp Full-Time Work
Even if your temporary employer has hinted that your job could become full time, don’t pester coworkers and supervisors for status updates. It is not common for temporary jobs to become full time, sometimes employers only say this to attract talent and harbour productivity.
Instead, keep your head down and do your job as well as you can. This will ensure that you build a good reputation with the company and, should a position open up in the future, the employer will think of you.
5. Develop Abilities and Skills
Temporary jobs are good for learning new skills and abilities that you otherwise would’ve never had the chance to learn. By acquiring new abilities and skills, you’re improving yourself as an employee which will go a long way no matter where you end up working. Take extra steps to learn about new technologies, systems, applications and programs in addition to the company’s history, operations and industry.
During your work term and at the end of the term, make sure to ask your supervisor for constructive feedback. Not only does this show the employer your initiative, it gives you the opportunity to reflect on your work and discuss opportunities to work with the company again.
6. Network
You may never work for the company you temporarily worked for again, but while you’re there make efforts to meet and connect with coworkers. In today’s world, your network is a great source for future career opportunities. In addition, you should also network with whichever temp agency or employment agency you used to ensure more career opportunities come your way.
