A temporary job can be a good option

Stability is often associated with having a job, but not a temp job. When you take, for instance, a six-month assignment to fill in for a permanent staff member who is on a study or maternity leave, you expect a countdown as of your first day.

You may often worry about what you will do when your contract expires or if you will be missing out on better opportunities during your limited commitment.

Additionally, if money is at the core of the decision-making process you may find it tough to ignore how most temp jobs don't compare to permanent opportunities in terms benefits and perks.

All of the above are legitimate concerns. However, today's tough job market may limit those better alternatives and if the only option on the table is a temp job, it might be a good opportunity not only to put some cash in your pocket, but also to get your foot in the door of a desired employer or to allow for a career change.

A recent survey in the United States found that temp jobs were no longer seen as a dead-end move. EmploymentGroup, the staffing firm that commissioned the survey said that temp jobs which once were seen as beneath the dignity of established professionals were now a viable option for those who have been laid off. The findings were supported by the growing number of people who were accepting such jobs.

To find out whether a particular temp job is right for you, balance a few general pros and cons within your individual situation. Here are a few tips:

The deal

Temporary jobs are not all the same. Compensation and benefit packages can greatly vary from one company to another. Some larger companies do offer perks such as allowances, paid vacations and medical coverage to their temporary workers and even though they may make it clear that you won't be hired at the end of your contract, they still include you in their training programmes. But this is the exception rather than the rule. So in most cases consider whether you will be to afford the lack of such perks or negotiate a higher compensation to make up for it.

Be selective

If you have a choice, select a job that you would take if you were offered as a full-time position. Pick the one that is challenging and fun and likely to provide a strong addition to your resume.

Before you accept it, check the employer's training initiatives and corporate culture to ensure that even if you won't be hired when your contract expires, you will end up with a new set of skills that opens other doors. A positive corporate culture can help you integrate into the work place if you're proactive in taking part in long-term projects and becoming part of the team. The bottom line is if you're seeking a full experience of your work stunt, don't alienate yourself as a temp.

Top performance

Never compromise on the quality of your work even if the end of your contract is in sight. The importance of a temp job is no less than any other job and you never know when you will need a positive reference to move forward. Additionally, it is a great professional time to cultivate contacts and position yourself for recommendations and possible placement within the company if the situation changes.

Distinguish the experience. One of the most important tips for resume writing is to explain between the lines the progress of your career while you distinguish each job in terms of what it added to your knowledge and experience. And while temporary jobs may not offer you the best financial or benefit package, they can easily fill in such a requirement and serve as an evidence of hands-on experience regarding a specific area in your sector. Emphasise this link in your resume and explain it in your cover letters and personal interviews.

The next step

One benefit of a temporary contract is you know when exactly you will be back in the job market.

Therefore, you should have a plan in place for what to do next. Your experience through the temp job in itself is an asset. However, you still need to begin to survey job opportunities well ahead of the end of your contract to avoid a big resume gap.

The common saying that it is easier to find a job while you're working is absolutely true. Do job interviews while you're still attractive and note to future employer your commitment to your current contract.

Getting your foor in the door

•  Temp jobs come without perks. Try to negotiate a higher compensation to make up for that.
• If faced with a choice, select a temporary position that relates to your career - one that you would take if offered as a full-time position.
• Check the employer's training initiatives, so that you can add to your skill-sets.
• Never compromise on the quality of your work, even as the end of your contract nears.
• Have a plan in place for what happens next when the contract ends.

business@gulfnews.com