We often talk about the benefits temping can bring to our careers…
Aside from the obvious practical boost it can give to your CV, when it comes to experience, added flexibility and the opportunity to learn new skills, there can be few career choices quite as rewarding. However, for those who’ve not been there before, it can be a daunting prospect.
So, what’s it really like?
To find out more, we asked five recent or current temps about their experiences, and for their top tips on how to pursue a career in temping:
The Student
Horus Rajani has been temping for the last 12 months whilst he’s been studying for a Masters degree.
Why did you start temping?
I needed to earn some money to afford to be able to do my Masters and temping was also a great way to stay flexible.
What kinds of roles have you taken on in your temping career?
I’ve mainly worked in events, and have worked everywhere from a waiter in bars and hotels, right through to bespoke high profile functions. I’ve even worked as part of the match day hospitality staff at Emirates Stadium, which as an Arsenal fan definitely stands out for me.
How did the flexibility of temping help you?
It allowed me to focus on my studies when I needed to. I had one temp position for the first few months of my course, and then when the winter exam period came, I was able to stop temping and focus on my exams.
If you could give temps one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make sure the agencies you’re signed up with know your availability, otherwise you’ll end up having to turn down opportunities which you can’t fulfil. If you know you have to be somewhere everyday at 4 o’clock, don’t agree to a temp job that requires you to work until 5:30.
The Temp to Perm
Eloise Barnett is a full-time HR Assistant in Birmingham, a position she found whilst temping.
Why did you start temping?
After graduating in June 2010, I immediately went travelling to Australia for six months. But when I got back and started looking for a permanent job, I struggled to find anything suitable.
After about six weeks, I decided to give temping a go. I figured it was a good way to start paying off my debts and gain some experience at the same time.
What type of temp roles did you do?
I worked in a busy shop over Christmas to help develop my customer facing skills, I spent a few months in a call centre to build up my customer service skills and I also worked as a PA where I got experience on how to use lots of different software packages, like PowerPoint, Excel and the CRM system the company used.
How did temping improve your chances of getting a permanent job?
My only work experience before temping was a part-time retail role I’d done on and off at Uni, so I wanted to gain more experience in different types of businesses and pick up skills to make me a more attractive candidate when I was ready to apply for a permanent job.
If you could give temps one piece of advice, what would it be?
Treat your temp role as a trial run. Make yourself part of the team, give your full effort all the time and show the company you’re a valuable and indispensable asset.
The Fresh Starter
Hayley Coyne has been temping since being made redundant in September 2012.
Why did you start temping?
I initially struggled to find permanent employment after being made redundant, so I decided to try a temp job as it allowed me to earn relatively good money, but with additional flexibility so I could go back to studying.
What type of temp roles did you do?
I’ve mainly worked in health and social care positions, including working as a Care Assistant, Residential Worker and as a Support Worker.
Do you think temping will improve your chances of getting a permanent job?
Definitely. Doing different types of temp work has helped me build up my experience in the social care sector, not to mention my skill set. Also, it looks great on my CV, and demonstrates my practical knowledge when applying for permanent jobs.
If you could give temps one piece of advice, what would it be?
Make sure you have a good relationship with your temp agency. This will definitely help you when you’re looking for your next temp role, as they will know you well and will think of you first when new positions come up.
The Returning Parent
Teresa Hawkins has been temping since her son started school nearly a year ago.
Why did you start temping?
Returning to work after starting a family seemed like a great opportunity to try new things and temping seemed like a good way to start. It’s flexible, so I can spend plenty of time with my son.
What type of temp roles have you done?
Mainly office-based work, although I did work in a local delicatessen for a while, which I really enjoyed.
Do you have plans to find something permanent?
Not right now. I’m enjoying meeting new people and not feeling beholden to work. It suits my lifestyle really well.
If you could give temps one piece of advice, what would it be?
Ask as many questions as possible before the assignment starts. That way you’ll have a good idea of the work you’ll be doing, and there will be no surprises on your first day.
The Career Temp
Wayne Vernon has been employed either as a temp or as a contractor for nearly 22 years.
Why did you start temping?
Initially I think it was just a lack of direction. I didn’t feel qualified for a number of other positions, but wanted to gain as much experience as I could to compensate for this.
What kinds of roles have you taken on in your temping career?
I’ve worked in all areas of finance, particularly Credit Control, Management and Supervision.
Temping’s given me a breadth of experience, allowing me to work in all sorts of organisations at various levels. It’s been a real eye-opener.
You must have had plenty of offers of permanent work, but you’re still temping. Why’s that?
I’ve done really well out of temping. Working on a temporary or contract basis usually means earning a fair bit more money than being permanently on the books.
I’ve got a mortgage, a newish car and go on great holidays. In fact, holiday is another great thing about temping: it’s flexible enough that I can take five or six weeks off at time.
If you could give temps one piece of advice, what would it be?
Temping is a great option at all times, but especially during a recession. I’ve worked through a couple and, if you do a good job, you’ll always find work as a temp.
