Temporary Work: A Bridge To Full-Time Employment

The prospect of finding that first full-time job after graduation is quite often a daunting one. But rest assured, there is light at the end of the academic tunnel. Not only is a college degree more valuable than ever, the demand for talented graduates among companies today is extremely strong.

As you approach graduation you may ask yourself, "What kind of company do I want to work for? How do I get an accurate picture of the corporate culture there? What if I'm faced with accepting a job I'm unsure of just because I need the experience?"

It's not always possible to be certain -- based on a resume and one or two interviews -- that a particular job will be a good fit. That's why many job candidates and companies are getting to know each other on a trial basis first through temporary assignments.

Temporary work is an effective way to sample various positions, companies and industries without committing to anything long term. It allows you the time and flexibility to make the right career decisions, while simultaneously earning an income. This type of employment is becoming a viable option for job seekers in a growing number of fields.

What are some of the benefits of working as a temporary? To begin with, it affords professionals with an opportunity to explore career options, develop new skills, attain flexibility in their work schedules, expand their networks or segue into full-time positions.

Temporary services, which for decades focused almost entirely on secretarial and light industrial types of positions, have diversified, and now cater to the professional segments of the workforce. The fastest growing segment of today's temporary workforce is college-educated, mid- to senior-level professionals. They include accountants, managers, physicians, finance officers, paralegals, engineers and computer professionals, among others.

Growth in the use of temporary services can be attributed to the need for companies to staff more strategically, using specialized temporaries and contract consultants as a long-term solution to avoid overstaffing, traumatic layoffs and costly retraining. This flexible, cost-effective approach enables employers to hire full-time employees only if there is ongoing full-time work. The benefits of strategic staffing are becoming particularly apparent in the professional and technical fields. The project-oriented nature of information technology, for example, lends itself to the use of contract professionals.

Accounting, on the other hand, is more seasonal and cyclical in nature with predictable peaks in workload that can be handled effectively by temporary employees.

For temporary employees themselves, the lifestyle benefits are greatly appealing. This type of work provides the flexibility to pursue other interests both personally and professionally. It is also an attractive employment option for students who wish to schedule work time around classes.

Temporary assignments can also lead to full-time positions. According to industry studies, 38 percent of temporary assignments become full-time jobs. And temporary work looks good on a resume: In a survey commissioned by Robert Half International, 78 percent of executives polled said they consider a long period of consistent temporary work comparable to full-time employment.

Temporary Work As Career Tool

A temporary position is a form of "audition." It is a way for both employee and prospective employer to evaluate how well each meets the other's needs. For a recent college graduate, it is an excellent way to ease the financial pressure of searching for a full-time job, while simultaneously experiencing different kinds of work and work environments. For example, if you are seeking an entry-level accounting position, but are unsure of whether a public or corporate setting is where you would be happiest, a temporary stint in each environment could help you make a more informed decision than one or two interviews with a hiring manager.

Another topic of considerable interest to those entering the professional workforce is corporate culture. In a recent survey commissioned by Robert Half International, 34 percent of executives said applicants asked about corporate culture during job interviews almost as much as they inquired about benefits. What better way to sample a company's culture than by experiencing it firsthand?

Temporary assignments also provide the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and expand your network of contacts.

There are basically two ways to work on a temporary basis. By broaching the subject on your own during an interview with an employer, or by signing on with a staffing service.

Although some companies recruit temporary workers on their own, the vast majority of assignment work is handled by temporary services firms. Many firms specialize in certain fields, while others offer more generalized services. When choosing a firm to work with, opt for one that focuses on placing professionals with your academic background.

While temporary work is not for everyone in every field, its benefits are worthy of exploration as you prepare to enter the workforce, as well as throughout your career. It may just lead to that first full-time professional job, and if nothing else, it could help make the difference between taking a job because you have to and accepting an offer because you want to.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

The following topics are covered in Job Hunting For Dummies, a comprehensive job search guide published by Robert Half International and IDG Books Worldwide.

Will I have to pay a fee to work through a temporary service? Charging applicants fees has long been considered an unacceptable practice. Like recruiters, temporary services get assignments from client companies and then locate qualified people to fill those assignments. As with any reputable recruiting firm, you, the employee, should never have to pay a fee.

Can I negotiate my pay rate? You may have some room to negotiate with the temporary service you're working with, but not much. Typically, you will be paid an hourly wage, but the amount may vary from one assignment to the next, even if the jobs are similar. Fees paid to temporary workers are frequently subject to market pressures, and sometimes special situations -- weekend work for example -- warrant a higher wage.

Should I sign on with more than one firm? Nothing is stopping you from using more than one service. Keep in mind that if a service calls you repeatedly and you are unable to fill assignments, the firm is likely to lose interest in you.

How long does a temporary assignment last? Temporary assignments can last from a few days to more than a year.

How do I work on a temporary basis and keep my job search going at the same time? You'll need to adjust your job search program. This may involve doing your research in the evenings, and scheduling job interviews for early morning or after work. As a temporary employee, you should never make job-related calls on company time or on company phones. It isn't ethical, and it could cost you future assignments. Instead, make them on your lunch hour on a public telephone outside the firm's offices. If this is difficult, see if the complex you are working in has a community conference room with a phone you may use if the space is available. Or, try to arrange a shorter workweek with the temporary firm and make your calls on your free days.

How can I increase my chances of landing a full-time job? Remember, by working for a firm on a temporary basis, you've already gotten your foot in the door. Take advantage of this opportunity by letting the company know you are available for full-time work, so those you're working for can evaluate you appropriately. In addition, let your staffing manager know the type of assignments you prefer, how often you'd like to work and if you'd like temporary work to be a stepping stone to full-time employment, so that he or she can place you in positions with the greatest potential to convert to full-time.

From Accountemps