You want to gain experience in different roles. What's the best way to use temporary and contract work?

Temporary and contract work can be a great way to explore different career paths, learn new skills, and expand your network. Whether you are looking for a change, a challenge, or a chance to grow, you can benefit from taking on short-term assignments that match your interests and goals. Here are some tips on how to use temporary and contract work effectively.

1 Choose your agency wisely

Not all staffing agencies are created equal. Some specialize in certain industries, sectors, or roles, while others offer a wide range of opportunities. You want to work with an agency that understands your needs, values your skills, and supports your development. Do some research on the agency's reputation, track record, and client base. Ask about their screening process, training programs, and feedback mechanisms. And make sure they pay fairly, promptly, and transparently.

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Chloé Charles

Consultante RH, Recrutement & Evolution professionnelle
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Un autre bon moyen d'évaluer la qualité des offres d'emploi consiste à lire les annonces. Cela vous permettra de répondre aux questions suivantes : Est-ce que les missions et environnements professionnels sont intéressants ? Est-ce que l'agence a des critères réalistes sur le profil requis ? Est-ce qu'elle offre une expérience candidat intéressante ?

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Zahyd S

HR Leader @ Dubizzle Labs | Driving Talent Growth
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Utilizing temporary and contract work can be an excellent strategy for gaining experience in different roles. Then, seek out temporary or contract opportunities that align with these interests, whether they`re in different industries, functions, or levels of responsibility. By strategically leveraging temporary and contract work, you can gain a breadth of experience across various roles, ultimately enhancing your marketability and career prospects.

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2 Be flexible and adaptable

One of the advantages of temporary and contract work is that you can try out different roles, environments, and projects without committing long-term. This means you have to be ready to adapt to new situations, expectations, and challenges. You also have to be flexible with your availability, location, and preferences. The more open you are to different opportunities, the more likely you are to find the ones that suit you best. And the more you can demonstrate your versatility, the more valuable you are to employers.

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Chloé Charles

Consultante RH, Recrutement & Evolution professionnelle
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Il est vrai que de courtes expériences réussies mettent en avant la capacité d'adaptation et la polyvalence qui sont des qualités très recherchées par les recruteurs. Mais il est difficile d'avoir un poste à responsabilités où les projets que l'on doit mener se réalisent sur le long terme. Le risque est de limiter la mobilité professionnelle ascendante. Dans ce sens, l'intérim est surtout adaptée aux plus jeunes professionnels. Le fait de rencontrer des contextes et défis différents vont leur permettre de développer fortement leurs compétences. Ils pourront dans un second temps prétendre à un poste à responsabilités de manière durable.

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3 Build your network and reputation

Temporary and contract work can help you expand your network and reputation in your field. You can meet and impress people from different organizations, industries, and backgrounds. You can also showcase your skills, work ethic, and personality. To make the most of your connections, be proactive, professional, and positive. Communicate clearly and regularly with your agency, your clients, and your colleagues. Seek feedback and guidance from your managers and mentors. And follow up with thank-you notes, referrals, and recommendations.

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Gokulnath Vaithiyanathan

Talent Acquisition Partner @ Wells Fargo | Ex - Larsen & Toubro (Compensation & Benefit, HRBP)| Executive MBA (HR)
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- Network with professionals in various industries and roles. - Demonstrate reliability and professionalism in each assignment. - Seek opportunities for diverse skill development. - Request feedback and incorporate it into your performance. - Stay connected with former colleagues and supervisors. - Leverage temporary assignments to explore different career paths. - Showcase your adaptability and willingness to take on new challenges. - Use contract work to gain exposure to different company cultures.

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4 Update your resume and portfolio

As you gain experience in different roles, you should update your resume and portfolio accordingly. You want to highlight your achievements, skills, and learnings from each assignment. You also want to show how you contributed to the goals and outcomes of each project. Use specific examples, numbers, and results to demonstrate your impact and value. And don't forget to include any certifications, awards, or recognitions you earned along the way.

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Chloé Charles

Consultante RH, Recrutement & Evolution professionnelle
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Il est évident de mettre à jour ces documents de candidature quand on a une nouvelle expérience. Reste à savoir comment ! Je préconsie de faire un CV thématique. C'est à dire de regrouper des expériences similaires, en sous-catégorie d'expériences professionnelle. Ça donne beaucoup plus de lisibilité pour les recruteurs qui comprennent facilement la qualité des expériences en lien avec un domaine de compétence. Pour le dossier de compétences, noter un maximum d'éléments car vous risquez d'oublier avec le temps. Ex pour une expérience : effectif, typologie de clients, stratégie de l'entreprise, projets de votre service, vos responsabilités, vos missions, vos résultats, ce qui vous a plu, déplu... A relire avant un entretien.

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5 Plan your next move

Temporary and contract work can be a stepping stone to your next career move. You can use it to explore your options, identify your strengths, and discover your passions. You can also use it to bridge any gaps, fill any needs, or solve any problems in your current situation. But you also need to have a clear vision of where you want to go and how you want to get there. Set realistic and measurable goals for yourself. Evaluate your progress and performance regularly. And seek new opportunities that align with your aspirations.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You want to gain experience in different roles. What's the best way to use temporary and contract work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose your agency wisely

2 Be flexible and adaptable

3 Build your network and reputation

4 Update your resume and portfolio

5 Plan your next move

6 Here’s what else to consider

Global Talent Acquisition

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You want to gain experience in different roles. What's the best way to use temporary and contract work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose your agency wisely

2 Be flexible and adaptable

3 Build your network and reputation

4 Update your resume and portfolio

5 Plan your next move

6 Here’s what else to consider

Global Talent Acquisition

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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