Steady Temporary Work A Resume Booster Or Buster?

MENLO PARK, Calif., Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Having a history of temporary work can make a lasting impression on employers, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. More than half (51 percent) of senior managers interviewed said when it comes to evaluating someone's work background, a long period of consistent temporary assignments is comparable to full-time employment.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 300 senior managers in the United States at companies with 20 or more employees.  

Senior managers were asked, "When evaluating job applicants, would you consider a long period of consistent temporary work as comparable to full-time work?" Their responses:

"More companies rely on interim professionals for their staffing needs, and employers see the value of temporary work on a resume," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Temporary assignments help job seekers build new skills, gain exposure to a variety of industries and learn to adapt to different work environments."

Hosking added, "On their resumes and during interviews, candidates should make clear how their temporary work is relevant to the position for which they're applying."

OfficeTeam offers five tips for maximizing temporary assignments:

1. Ask the experts. Work with a specialized staffing firm. These recruiters are in-the-know about the newest opportunities and can match you with jobs that suit your preferences and skill set.
2. Aim to impress. Approach each assignment as you would a full-time job. You never know if it could turn into a full-time position.  
3. Be personable. Take the time to get to know people you work with at each company, even if you're on assignment for only a few days. Talking to colleagues in the break room or during lunch can help you expand your network.
4. Seek variety. Challenge yourself by accepting projects that allow you to bolster your skills and marketability.
5. Show off. Include temporary work on your resume, listing the staffing firm as your employer. Note responsibilities and accomplishments from assignments as bullet points within this section. 

About OfficeTeam
OfficeTeam, a Robert Half company, is the nation's leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled office and administrative support professionals. The company has more than 300 locations worldwide. More information, including online job search services and the OfficeTeam Take Note blog, can be found at officeteam.com.

SOURCE OfficeTeam