Employment experts have been telling us that the world of work is changing. The job for life is no-more. One of the main implications of this change is that people are getting the most out of temping jobs. Indeed the number of temps operating in the UK has trebled in five years. Temping is no longer the last resort before the dole office, but a legitimate career option. Candidates are now looking for temp work in order to take control of their careers.
Temporary work affords a greater degree of control for candidates to pick and choose across industries and markets. Greater flexibility is offered when considering start times and durations. Undertaking a broad spectrum of assignments allows the candidate to immerse themselves in a particular industry and evaluate whether it is right for them or not. It also follows that a temp is particularly well placed to be considered when a permanent role is available.
It is also no longer true that temp will be moving from workplace to workplace on a daily or weekly basis. This is possible, if desired, but many assignments can last for a number of months, when covering maternity leave for example. Temps can be utilised for a variety of tasks including senior level project work or assignments.
It is important to use the temping system to your advantage and advance your career. Use agency work to find a permanent career. Too many temp jobs will result in a CV that tells employers that you cannot settle.
When temping, remember why agency work is currently right for you. Know what you want and let your agency know. Be clear about what you are prepared to do and let them know. You should select an agency which specialises in the industry in which you want to work. There are thousands of specialist recruitment agencies in the UK, do your research and pick to one which is right for you.
Do not underestimate your market value. Just because you are contracting does not mean that you need to sell yourself short. Get what you think you are worth. Remember that the recruitment agency will be making a commission from you which strengthens your position. Play them off against each other. See their initial offer as a starting point for negotiations.
Build relationships with successful recruitment consultants. Register with a few agencies and learn who offers the most interesting and well paid work. Select a few and keep in touch. Ring them on a regular basis when not working to see what contract or temping jobs have come in. If you are successful in building relationships with consultants, you will have the pick of jobs. Choose jobs that enhance your skills base and improve your CV. Take jobs that have a longer duration. This will reduce any negative impact on your CV and also make career planning more simple.
Do not be a dogsbody. Flexibility in the workplace is a major advantage in the workplace. However, you should not be seen a someone who is there to do what others will not. Affirm yourself as a valuable individual who is doing an important job in the company. Get a job description and ensure that you are doing the job for which you have been hired.
Improve your pay as you increase your skills base. You should develop with each new temporary assignment that you undertake. Your value as a reliable temp should and skills base should be represented in your wage. Speak to your recruitment agency and ask for more money in recognition of your value.
Use the system. Take temp jobs until you are placed with a company that you want to work for. Once you are working there then the company can see your true value without the risk. Show your worth and you will be ideally placed to secure a permanent position.
