Benefits of Temping

Temporary recruitment has many benefits for both Employers and Employees. Probably the most important factor for many people is that it gives you a "foot in the door". This combined with strong hourly rates in the present market and the chance to gain experience, often with the added benefits of lots of variety and flexibility.

In detail, the benefits include:

The potential opportunity to have greater control of your working life, within reason. If you have a transferable skill set you can decide when to work and for how long
Temporary employment gives you the opportunity to experience many different styles and types of companies and can give you the chance to sample various cultures and working practices before making any long-term commitments
The opportunity to test your skill set in a host of different environments thus allowing you to analyse your strengths and weaknesses and make career decisions accordingly.
An opportunity to develop new skills in a "live" environment
A chance to gain some time, whilst adding to your experience before making long term career decisions
An opportunity to work in a company that may well be on your "wish list" of desirable organisations but may not be attainable to you via the normal permanent interview process. Once "on the inside", it is an opportunity to impress, make you as indispensable as possible and even apply for positions which appear on an "internal" basis
A chance for an employer to assess you without either side needing an immediate binding decision. Temp-to-perm opportunities are very common and give both sides a chance to "try before you buy"

Successful Temping

The same rules apply to temporary work as permanent employment. Below are a few useful tips to ensure that you are able make the most of the situation:

Punctuality is very important, especially taking into account that you are being paid by the hour
Quickly learn all the names of your colleagues, and especially your new boss!
Try to expose yourself to new skills and willingly volunteer for any additional projects which will improve your marketability
Be pro-active and ask for work if you are not busy
Pick instructions up quickly, so be alert at all times. If you really don't understand something, do not be afraid to politely ask
Be focused on the tasks you are given. Try not to get distracted by other people who may not be as diligent as you