In my last blog, I discussed the increase in temp job opportunities in the Ballarat market. As a Recruitment Strategist specialising in temporary placements, I’m regularly talking to candidates who are looking for work in the Ballarat region and am finding that many don’t know what temping is all about. In this current market, we are seeing a growing trend in candidate’s commencing in short term contracts and being offered longer temp or permanent job opportunities as a result of their work performance. These roles are often filled without advertising, and quickly! In order to educate those considering taking the plunge into the world of temp, I’ve recently interviewed some of Inspire HQ’s temps about why they choose to temp and their experiences working in a temporary capacity.
Over the next two weeks, I’ll be sharing these insights in our blog and hope they may answer some questions for those considering working in a temporary capacity:
⇒ How long have you been temping for?
Karen: Almost 6 months
Tom: This is my first temp contract, I started 3.5 weeks ago, where has that time gone?!
Kerryn: Off and on for over 25 years
⇒ What initially attracted you to temp work?
Karen: It gave me the flexibility to not be committed to one employer.
Tom: The ability to learn and develop new and existing skills in various workplaces.
Kerryn: I needed to re-enter the workforce after the kids were all enrolled in primary school and was a bit down in confidence, so took a temp opportunity to gain confidence and didn’t look back.
⇒ What have you found are some of the benefits of temping?
Karen: It gave me an opportunity to try different roles that I may not have ordinarily applied for. It also allowed me to explore different workplace cultures. I have been able to reflect on what my next move is while still earning an income.
Tom: Meeting new people, experiencing a different type of organisation that I normally wouldn’t have had before, and also opening my eyes to where my transferable skills fit within different industries and environments.
Kerryn: Variety; always learning new processes, which is confidence building. If you don’t like the role and are offered a permanent position, you can say no and move onto the next placement.
⇒ What’s a skill or something you’ve learnt while temping?
Karen: I have been able to develop an open and flexible mind. I have a lot to offer to the right workplace.
Tom: Having experience in a new industry and learning more “behind the scenes” insight in how they operate from an administration perspective.
Kerryn: It’s where I got my foot in the door to property management, resulting in 2 jobs over 14 years.
⇒ What do you like most about temping with Inspire HQ?
Karen: You know you have a professional team behind you that you can call on if you need. You know that Inspire HQ work with workplaces with positive cultures.
Tom: The support from professional experts, who place you in the appropriate workplaces that are suitable for your skills and knowledge. Also, the understanding and belief that they won’t place you in an environment that you are not suited to and you’re able to fit in within that workplace.
Kerryn: Friendly and supportive staff with a care factor.
⇒ What advice would you give to someone who is looking to temp?
Karen: Give it a go. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.
Tom: Do it! If you’re looking for a way to improve your skills and knowledge in a new and exciting way, temping is a great move for your professional career. You never know who you are going to meet in the process and where it can lead you later in your professional career.
Kerryn: Take the plunge. If you’re not sure of the exact office environment you’d like to work in, i.e., blue/white collar, it’s the best way to try a few options…and chances are you might be offered permanency or become a recurring temp.
Thank you to Karen, Tom and Kerryn for sharing your experiences with us!
Stay tuned next week for more insights into the world of temping………to be continued.
Disclaimer: The material contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice. If you wish to act based on the content of this publication, we recommend that you seek professional advice.
