When companies need short-term workers, (or if they just want to “try before they buy,”) they’ll hire temporary employees—also known as “temps,” consultants, freelancers or contractual workers. There’s no guarantee those positions will parlay into permanent ones, but it is possible if you play your cards right.

Advantages of Taking a Temporary Job

A temporary job definitely offers some advantages to the job seeker:

1. It may be exactly the job the job seeker wants, with a time limit for the employment commitment.
2. It provides an income stream while the “real” job search continues.  (We called this the “salary continuation plan” in the past.)
3. It fills a gap on the resume – a gap in experience needed for the next job or a gap in the resume’s employment history.
4. It may give the job seeker a chance to “test drive” a job, an employer, or an industry.
5. Sometimes, it provides both income and benefits (health insurance, etc.)
6. Sometimes, it opens the door to a permanent job, often referred to as “temp-to-perm.”

With luck, a temporary job may provide all of these benefits and more.

Disadvantages of Taking a Temporary Job

Many temps report feeling isolated and not well-respected by other employees.  I’m sure this varies by organization and “corporate culture,” but it may happen.

Most temps are not paid top dollar for what they do, unless they have a skill that is quite scarce.

Bottom Line

It’s a balancing act.  For some people, being a temp is perfect for them.  For others, being a temp is a hopefully short stop before a full-time “permanent” job is found.