One of the main advantages of temporary staffing is the ability to work on different projects, tasks, and teams, depending on the needs and goals of the organization. However, this also means that you need to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations, requirements, and feedback. You need to be able to learn new skills, tools, and processes quickly and efficiently, as well as adjust your communication and collaboration styles to suit different audiences and contexts. Flexibility and adaptability are essential for temporary staff to cope with the uncertainty and complexity of the digital environment.
If you are going on a temporary role for the first time, it can be daunting to show up and take everything in. There is a higher expectation of a quick launch into the work vs. full-time onboarding. If you can show on your resume multiple ways you have ramped up quickly in a project, new role, acquisitive integration, etc., that will put the client company at ease that you can hit the ground running. Make sure that you use the keywords of flexibility and adaptability on your resume and be ready to talk about your success in this area in the interviews, even if the hiring manager doesn't ask specifically. Before you start the new role, make your own list of what you need to know to start quickly and get the info.
Another key skill for temporary staff is digital literacy and proficiency, which refers to the ability to use, understand, and evaluate digital technologies and information. You need to be familiar with the basic functions and features of the devices, platforms, and software that you use for your work, as well as the best practices and standards for data security, privacy, and ethics. You also need to be able to access, analyze, and create digital content, such as documents, presentations, images, videos, and audio files. Digital literacy and proficiency are crucial for temporary staff to perform their tasks effectively and efficiently, as well as to demonstrate their value and credibility to their clients and employers.
Many times when a temp role says they need someone with X software or tech skill, it's because no one on the team has it. Contract roles are generally more specific about exact skills matches. I will say that in my experience placing temps, the most requested and converted candidates were the ones with the best digital skills combined with their subject matter expertise. Having access to tools like LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, and YouTube are your best friends when it comes to getting tech help and keeping your skills sharp.
A third skill that temporary staff need to thrive in a digital environment is creativity and problem-solving, which refers to the ability to generate new and original ideas, solutions, and approaches to various challenges and opportunities. You need to be able to think outside the box, experiment with different options, and test your assumptions and hypotheses. You also need to be able to identify, analyze, and resolve issues, conflicts, and errors that may arise during your work, as well as to seek feedback and improvement opportunities. Creativity and problem-solving are vital for temporary staff to innovate and add value to their work, as well as to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
A fourth skill that temporary staff need to thrive in a digital environment is communication and collaboration, which refers to the ability to interact, coordinate, and cooperate with others effectively and efficiently. You need to be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and respectfully, using various modes and channels, such as email, chat, video call, and social media. You also need to be able to collaborate with diverse and distributed teams, using various tools and methods, such as cloud-based applications, project management software, and online meetings. Communication and collaboration are essential for temporary staff to build trust and rapport with their clients and employers, as well as to deliver high-quality results and outcomes.
A fifth skill that temporary staff need to thrive in a digital environment is self-management and motivation, which refers to the ability to plan, organize, and execute your work independently and proactively. You need to be able to set your own goals, priorities, and deadlines, as well as to monitor your progress and performance. You also need to be able to manage your time, energy, and resources effectively and efficiently, as well as to cope with stress, distractions, and isolation. Self-management and motivation are key for temporary staff to achieve their objectives and expectations, as well as to maintain their well-being and satisfaction.
A sixth skill that temporary staff need to thrive in a digital environment is continuous learning and development, which refers to the ability and willingness to update and upgrade your skills, knowledge, and competencies constantly and consistently. You need to be aware of the trends, developments, and opportunities in your field, industry, and market, as well as the gaps, needs, and demands of your clients and employers. You also need to be able to access, evaluate, and apply various sources of learning and development, such as online courses, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and mentors. Continuous learning and development are critical for temporary staff to stay relevant and competitive in the digital environment.