Is it ever a good idea to take a temporary position instead of holding out for a full-time position? The answer is… Yes!
Sometimes a temp job provides the perfect opportunity to test drive a new career. If you’re seeking to make a significant career change but aren’t landing the positions you dream about because you lack the required experience, a temporary position could be your ticket to success.
Here’s how to use a temp job to maximum career advantage:
Gain Relevant Experience
Given the opportunity to gain relevant experience in a new field or industry, go for it. Be clear about your goals and seek every possible opportunity to gain experience and exposure. Do the work you are assigned very well, and then offer assistance with additional projects.
Demonstrate your interest and passion for the work and your willingness to do whatever needs to be done.
Network as Much as Possible
It’s always easier to network from inside an organization. Meet as many people as possible for lunch or coffee to learn more about what they do in the organization, their path to their current position, critical skills for success and more.
Let people know this is work you hope to do longer-term. Learn as much as you can while you’re there.
Track Your Accomplishments
You are gaining valuable experience, so keep track of your accomplishments. This will be critical in updating your resume to reflect this experience.
Become a “Go-To” Resource
Deliver high-quality work that is accurate and on time. Go the extra mile wherever possible to demonstrate added value. Become the individual they turn to when something just needs to be done. Strive to be such a valuable member of the team they can’t imagine working without you. (Tweet this thought.)
Maximize Your Opportunities
Be open to opportunities within the organization, and be flexible. Consider extending the temporary assignment if that option is offered, and you could continue to gain valuable experience.
Don’t assume that your temporary position assures you a full-time position down the road. Demonstrate your appreciation for the opportunity and pick up on the signals so you know when you need to ramp up your external job search.
Test driving a new role or industry builds valuable transferable skills that will help you land your full-time position. It also helps confirm your interest in working in the new field. While taking a temporary position may feel like an off ramp on your career journey, it may give you the experience to move full speed ahead.
Have you ever worked a temp job? How did it serve your career? Share in the comments!
This post originally appeared on the Get To Work blog.
Image: Flickr
