Temporary roles can provide flexibility, diverse experiences, and the potential to transition into permanent positions. Another appeal about temporary work is that candidates often land job roles more quickly than traditional positions. Did you know that in 2023 there were nearly 2.5 million contract and temporary workers in the U.S, and that 73% worked full time? By the way, that’s about the same as the overall workforce, of which 75% worked full-time.
However, job as a temporary worker often requires a unique approach compared to traditional job searches. If you’re seeking jobs through staffing or temp agencies, here’s how to enhance your job search and make the most of the opportunities.
1. Crafting Your Resume for Temporary Roles
Your resume will be reviewed by the staffing agency and if they think you’re a good fit for a job assignment then they often forward your resume to the employer. Your resume is your first impression, and it’s important to tailor it for the types of positions you’re applying for through staffing agencies. Instead of focusing solely on long-term roles, highlight your adaptability and skills that apply across various industries.
- Emphasize flexibility: Showcase past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments, technologies, or roles.
- Include transferable skills: Skills such as problem-solving, communication, and time management are valuable across different temporary roles.
- Temporary work history: If you’ve had temporary roles in the past, list them clearly, detailing the skills and knowledge gained. Temp agencies often appreciate seeing relevant short-term job experience.
2. Writing a Standout Cover Letter
Cover letters are an opportunity to provide a narrative that explains the information on your resume. Tailor your cover letter to each agency, reflecting on how you align with the needs of their clients. Here’s some tips for what to include:
- Why temporary work suits you: Mention the benefits you find in short-term assignments, such as learning new skills or gaining experience in different sectors.
- Your availability and flexibility: Staffing agencies love candidates who can fill in on last-minute assignments or step into roles with little notice.
- Specific industries of interest: If you have a particular industry you’d like to work in, mention this upfront. It helps the recruiter match you with the right roles.
3. Using Job Boards Effectively
While many temp roles are filled through staffing agencies, online job boards can still be valuable in your search. Many agencies post their open roles on job boards, so it’s worth keeping an eye on these platforms. Here are key platforms to check:
- Indeed and Glassdoor: These boards feature a variety of temporary roles posted by staffing agencies.
- Specialized temp agencies: Many agencies have their own job boards, so once you identify agencies you want to work with, make sure to check their websites for open positions, for example, here’s our job board. As you can see, you can filter by location and use keywords to narrow your search results.
Another tip for conducting your search is to use keywords like “temporary,” “contract,” “temp-to-hire,” or “seasonal” to filter results. These will help you narrow down opportunities suited for short-term roles.
4. Building and Maintaining an Online Profile
Many staffing agencies use platforms like LinkedIn to scout for potential candidates. Ensure that your LinkedIn profile and other online job board profiles are up to date and reflect your interest in temporary work. Engaging with staffing agency posts and recruiters on social media can further amplify your visibility and build rapport. Be sure to include information like the following on your profiles:
- Your willingness to take on temporary or contract roles: Mention this clearly in your headline or profile summary.
- Skills section: Make sure it accurately reflects the industries and roles you are interested in, whether administrative, light industrial, or customer service work.
- Showcase flexibility and breadth of experience: Mention your ability to step into different roles on short notice, as this is highly valued by temp agencies.
5. Networking with Staffing Agencies
While networking traditionally involves connecting with other professionals, in the temporary job market, networking with staffing agencies is equally essential. These agencies often serve as a direct link between you and potential employers, giving you access to jobs that may not be advertised publicly. Building a strong relationship with recruiters not only helps you stay informed about available positions but also allows recruiters to better understand your skills and career goals, making it easier for them to match you with suitable temporary roles. Here are a few ways to effectively network with staffing agencies:
- Be proactive: Don’t wait for roles to be posted. Reach out directly to agencies, introduce yourself, and express your interest in temporary work. By doing so, you position yourself as a motivated candidate ready for opportunities as they arise.
- Tailor your approach: Each staffing agency may focus on specific industries or types of roles, so it’s important to research which agencies specialize in your field. Customize your outreach to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the roles they typically fill.
- Stay organized: Keep track of the staffing agencies you have contacted, the recruiters you’ve spoken with, and the roles you’ve applied for. This will help you follow up more effectively and ensure that you are consistently on their radar for future openings.
- Follow up regularly: Once you have applied or introduced yourself to an agency, don’t assume the ball is entirely in their court. Following up periodically can remind recruiters of your availability and interest in temporary roles, especially when new opportunities come up.
- Be open to temp-to-hire: Sometimes temporary roles can evolve into full-time positions if you prove yourself to be a valuable asset to the company. Make sure to communicate your openness to temp-to-hire opportunities when applicable. This demonstrates your flexibility and long-term career interest, which can make you a more attractive candidate to both agencies and employers.
Networking with staffing agencies is not a one-time event—it requires continuous effort and communication. By being proactive, following up, and staying organized, you can increase your chances of landing a suitable temporary job and possibly even transitioning into a long-term role.
6. Preparing for Interviews with Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies often interview you before recommending you to their clients. This is a major step as they assess your skills and how well you’ll fit into various temporary assignments. Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your interviews:
- Highlight your flexibility: Be clear that you are open to different shifts, locations, and last-minute placements.
- Show reliability: Temporary roles require someone dependable. Make sure the recruiter knows you are punctual and have a strong work ethic.
- Talk about past temp roles: If you’ve worked in temporary positions before, discuss the challenges and how you succeeded.
7. Following Up After Assignments
One of the key strategies for success in the temporary job market is maintaining relationships with the agencies you work with. After completing an assignment, follow up with the agency to express your interest in future roles. This can help keep the momentum going so you do not have downtime between assignments.
- Ask for feedback: Request feedback from the agency and the client you worked for. Positive feedback can strengthen your profile for future placements. It also shows that you actively participate in your career development.
- Keep your availability updated: Always update the agency when you are available for new assignments.
- Show appreciation: A simple thank you after an assignment can go a long way in maintaining a good relationship with an agency.
Temporary workers who utilize staffing agencies for job hunting have unique opportunities to gain experience, build their resumes, and explore different industries. By taking a proactive approach—whether networking with agencies, tailoring resumes for temp roles, or being flexible in assignments—you’ll stand out and increase your chances of finding temporary positions that suit your needs.
Whether you are new to temporary positions or a seasoned temporary worker, you’ve come to the right place. Learn about our hiring process and benefits here!
