We all know the current job market is in the tank. Employers are laying off workers in record numbers due to the horrid dips in the economy. There is hope for us all, though. With the increase of thousands of jobs due to the Census 2010 hiring workers, the unemployment rate is going down, and companies are deciding to hire temporary workers.
Temporary jobs or temp assignments are great for those who are looking for immediate work. Most agencies can get you hired for an assignment rather quickly after giving you a series of tests and interviewing you for your skill level. Temp jobs are usually available in major companies where the working conditions are pleasant and positive. Most people in this economy need work now instead of later and a temp assignment is one way to get your foot in the door in a company in which you may want to work for permanently.
A temp assignment is also another way to try out a company or position. Just as they are trying out you as an employee, you are trying them out as well. Temping at a company can help you decide if you want to work for them permanently or not.
There are cons as well to temping. First off, working a temp assignment can make it difficult to go to other job interviews or field other opportunities. Also, most temporary assignments do not pay as well as a permanent assignment does. Most agencies are free to the potential employee but charge the employer. Thus the hourly wage paid for you to work is usually higher than the normal rate, but is cut down by the agency because they must get paid for their services, thus leaving you with a smaller piece of the pie. You can try to temp directly with company to cut out the middle man, but it is usually easier to go through an agency, especially in an office position.
In addition, temporary agencies for the most part do not offer benefits such as sick leave, PTO, vacation, 401k, etc., but there are a few who do. There are also some agencies who offer health insurance at a group rate to their workers, which can help you when you or your child gets sick.
Being a temp can also keep you on the merry-go-round. Once you are hired on as a temp, it is hard to get out of that cycle. When you are done with your assignment, the agency usually places you in another temp assignment and so on and so forth. You can avoid this by opting to be temp to perm only. This means you are a temporary employee for 90 days or so, and then are hired on permanently. If that is your wish, make sure that you make that clear to the temporary agency before starting the assignment.
Temping is a great way to get some money in your pocket, at least for the short term, but make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into. Before starting an assignment, make sure you know the job description, the duties that you will be performing and the goals and expectations set upon you. Always act professionally on a temp assignment, and treat the job as you would any other employment opportunity. You never know if they may decide to keep you on.
We all need to earn a living, right? And temping could be a great way to bridge that gap!
(Source- NPR)
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