The U.S. job market has been on a growth streak for the past 8 years, and the momentum is still going strong. Employers across all industries have more open positions than they can fill, putting demand for talented employees at an all-time high. It’s a job-seeker's dream scenario, but that doesn’t mean playing the market to your advantage is easy or obvious. Moving to temporary or contract work offers a ton of benefits that can skyrocket your career to the next level.
Why contract work? The job market has evolved to offer more flexible options and it can be to your advantage to jump on the trend. According to the American Staffing Association, during an average week, there are over 3 million contract employees working for staffing companies across America. Here are 4 reasons you should give contract work a try:
Reason #1: Diversify Your Experience
Working as a contract employee allows you to experience all different types of roles without making a long-term commitment. You can try out different work environments, from larger corporations to a 20-employee organization. You can broaden your skills by working under multiple types of managers. By navigating from role-to-role you’ll gain exposure to new workflows, types of technology, and encounter challenges that will strengthen your marketability as a candidate. More so, by testing out different scenarios, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what you want out of your career.
Reason #2: Get Your Foot in the Door
There are many reasons for an employer to use contract workers. Often, it’s for shorter-term projects or to fill in for someone on leave, but sometimes a hiring manager needs to prove the value of increasing their headcount. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your positive impact and potentially lead to a permanent position at the company.
Reason #3: Expand Your Professional Network
You can expand your network through social media platforms and industry conferences, but do you know what’s better? The bond you form by working alongside your co-workers. You never know the impact a great professional connection can make on your future. As a contract employee, you have the opportunity to expand your reach further than ever before.
Reason #4: Transition to a New Career Path
Temporary work is a great way for unemployed workers to re-enter the workforce or try out something completely new that could change the future of their career. Due to its flexible nature, many people even decide to make contract work a permanent career choice. In best case scenario, they are working through a staffing agency where they can receive a benefits package such as health insurance and paid time off.