In Focus: the 21st Century Temporary

• The nature of our workforce is changing.

  The recent recession, a truly global economy, the advent of technology that allows people to work from anywhere at any time – these factors and more have fundamentally shifted the way employers get work done.  More and more, temporary employees are becoming a permanent part of today’s workforce.

  If you still think all temporaries are either receptionists or line workers, think again.  Here is a look at the changing face of today’s temporary employee:

  Who is the 21st century temporary? According to the AMERICAN STAFFING ASSOCIATION, virtually every occupation has a place in today’s staffing workforce.  Here is a sample list of job titles from the ASA website:

  • Office–Clerical: Secretaries, general office clerks, receptionists, administrative assistants, word-processing and data entry operators, cashiers, etc.
  • Industrial: Manual laborers, food handlers, cleaners, assemblers, drivers, tradespeople, machine operators, maintenance workers, etc.
  • Technical, Information Technology, and Scientific: Engineers, scientists, laboratory technicians, architects, draftsmen, technical writers and illustrators, and computer programmers and designers
  • Health Care: Physicians, dentists, nurses, hygienists, medical technicians, therapists, home health aides, custodial care workers, etc.
  • Professional–Managerial: Accountants, bookkeepers, attorneys, paralegals, middle and senior managers, advertising and marketing executives

  Why do today’s workers choose temporary employment? People opt for temporary work for a variety of reasons:

  • Explore career options. For those who are new to the workforce or are considering a career change, temporary employment facilitates career exploration.  Temporary employees can accept a variety of assignments to try out different types of job responsibilities – in any number of work environments – and learn what jobs best suit them.
  • Build experience and skills.  Temporary work helps individuals make themselves more employable by working in a variety of positions and settings.  Over time, these temporaries will improve their acumen, gain valuable experience and build their résumés – enhancing their chances of landing the jobs they want.
  • Work while searching for direct employment. Many choose to work as a temp while on the job hunt.  In addition to providing extra income, temporary assignments keep job seekers’ morale up, prevent résumé gaps, help job seekers get a “foot in the door” with desired employers and create new networking opportunities.  In fact, companies often hire temporary workers directly.
  • Enjoy freedom and flexibility. Many individuals consider themselves “career temporaries” – those who love the flexibility temporary employment affords them and don’t want to work within the confines of a “regular” job.  Assignment-based work allows these people to earn extra cash without a long-term obligation.

  Thinking about becoming a 21st century temporary? Keep these important points in mind:

  • Work with a well-known staffing and direct placement firm that serves your occupational niche and request specific assignments for the kind of work that interests you most.
  • Accept a variety of assignments to keep your skills sharp, continue learning and stay on the cutting edge of your industry.
  • Remember that the temporary and contract job markets are rapidly growing.  Even if you are searching for direct employment, you should consider accepting a contingent position if it’s with a good employer.
  • Realize that the stigma which may once have been associated with being a “temp” is disappearing.  When it comes down to it, it’s better to have a temporary position than no job at all.

  seekers’ morale up, prevent résumé gaps, help job seekers get a “foot in the door” with desired employers and create new networking opportunities.  In fact, employers often hire temporary workers directly.

• Enjoy freedom and flexibility. Many individuals consider themselves “career temporaries” – those who love the flexibility temporary employment affords them and don’t want to work within the confines of a “regular” job.  Assignment-based work allows these people to earn extra cash without long-term obligation.

Thinking about becoming a 21st century temporary? Keep these important points in mind:

• Work with a well-know staffing and/or direct placement firm that serves your occupational niche and request specific assignments for the kind of work that interests you most.
• Accept a variety of assignments to keep your skills sharp, continue learning and stay on the cutting edge of your industry.
• Remember that the temporary and contract job markets are rapidly growing.  Even if you are searching for direct employment, you should consider accepting a contingent position if it’s with a good employer.
• Realize that the stigma which may once have been associated with being a “temp” is disappearing.  When it comes down to it, it’s better to have a temporary position than no job at all.