Temp Work as a Career Option

Temp Work as a Career OptionTemp Work as a Career OptionThanks to continued low unemployment, temp work is gaining traction as a career option. More managers are open to hiring interim workers than they were just two years ago - and they value experience through frequent temporary work the same as full-time employment when it comes to job qualifications.These findings come from a recent Accountemps survey on trends in temporary staffing.It turns out that many accounting and finance professionals are choosing temporary work for the plethora of benefits it provides - and helping to dispel the persistent myths surrounding temp work.First, what are the benefits of taking on temp work in this field?A variety of engagements that allow job seekers to hone existing skills and develop new ones as they build their resumesExposure to a diverse platzset of professionals - critical for building strong networksFinancial freedom that allows workers to be mora selective about the full-time opport unities they may apply for while theyre generating incomeA flexible schedule for those who want to spend more time with their families or focus on a hobby or other interestAnd second, here are six misconceptions about temporary work we want to set the record straight about.Myth 1 Temporary work is low-levelReality As the needs of businesses and workers have changed over the years, the temporary industry has evolved. Today, the fastest growth is occurring in professional and technical occupations as businesses and professionals from all backgrounds and skill levels have come to realize the benefits of having greater flexibility.For their part, companies have found they can readily gain access to highly skilled finance professionals who supply specialized expertise - ranging from bookkeeping help to interim CFO duties - for immediate and long-term projects. Should they have entry-level positions to fill, they have access to candidates at this stage in their careers, as well.See the temporary accounting and finance jobs we place.Myth 2 Temp work will hurt my prospects of getting hiredReality Quite the contrary. Many businesses view interim hiring as a way to evaluate individuals for full-time positions. To bridge gaps, theyre bringing in the most accomplished interim professionals they can find using a temp-to-hire strategy. They evaluate the skills and workplace-culture fit of these individuals with an eye toward making them full-time employees.Myth 3 Temporary work is short term, sporadic and low payingReality Although project consulting frequently offers the option of working fewer hours than a full-time role might require, highly skilled professionals usually find they can work as much as they want. In fact, many temporary professionals and contractors work the equivalent of full time hours. Also, temporary assignments can last from a few days to more than a year.As for wages, many temporary positions pay on par with salaried ones, and individuals with the most sought-after skills can often command a premium. To attract top temporary talent, staffing firms offer competitive wages and benefits, which can even include access to health insurance, vacation and holiday pay, and retirement plans.Myth 4 You cant include temporary work on a resumeReality As the temporary industry has grown and expanded, interim assignments have come to be viewed more as high-level consulting projects and less like entry-level positions. Hiring managers understand that project work provides valuable experience that enhance a candidates abilities.Read more about how to reference temporary work on your resume.Myth 5 You cant develop new skills this wayReality Accounting and finance professionals who work on a temporary basis are often involved in projects that are as interesting and challenging as those they might encounter in full-time positions. In addition, a staffing firm specializing in accounting and finance positions stays abreast of the latest industry d evelopments and offers complimentary training opportunities to help project professionals upgrade their skills - and even earn accreditations.Myth 6 If youre working, you cant continue your job searchReality Depending on how much you choose to work, you may need to make some adjustments as to how and when you conduct your job search, but it shouldnt be too difficult. It may involve simply shifting your networking and research activities into the early morning or evening hours, or possibly during your lunch break.Also, keep in mind that your temporary assignment can help you advance your job search. You never know when a position might open at the company where youre working. Or you might meet people during the course of your assignment who are willing to recommend you for a position in their network.So now you know You can do rewarding work, make a major impact in companies and build your career as atemporary worker. So get startedSUBMIT YOUR RESUME