The Benefits of Temping

Working as a temporary worker at a company has its advantages. Being a temporary worker can be a great way to update your skills, gain valuable work experience, and have a flexible lifestyle. Temporary workers usually sign up with a temp agency, go through a screening and testing process, and get offered temporary positions at different companies.
Flexibility:
Perhaps the biggest advantage to temping is flexibility. You can choose assignments when you are available for work according to your schedule at locations you want to work at. If you want to take time off, you simply let your agency know that you're unavailable for work for that time period.
Experience:
Temping is a great way to improve your skills, meet new people, and discover new industries. Because your assignments can vary often, you get a chance to try out many different work ennvironments, thus adding to your bank of skills. For those who are unsure which industry they'd like to work in, it's a great way to find out what you like. For first-time job seekers or recent grads, this offers transferable experience and skills. It's also a great way to fine-tune your existing skills with on the job experience.
Insight:
If you are new to an area, this type of work is a great way to gain experience in the local job market. Since you might not be aware of the different companies that are hiring, by working with a temp agency, you can benefit from their experience and knowledge of the job environment.
A Foot in the Door:
Being a temp gives you valuable insight on how a company works. You can use this insight and experience to become a permanent worker. Often, companies will prefer to hire someone they've worked with before. And you'll have a better idea of the job, what it takes to work there, and if it's really for you. Temping at a company you'd like to work at also offers you the opportunity to "interview" for a job. By working hard and going the extra mile, you give your supervisors a chance to see you perform at the job successfully. It's also a great opportunity to network with your new colleagues should openings not be immediately available at the company.
Slow Economy?
Temping is a great way to take advantage of a slower economy. Many companies prefer to hire temporary help when times are leaner. If you've recently been laid off, temping can provide you with a way to stay in the job market and keep your skills current while you look for a permanent job. Many temporary staffing agencies also offer benefits to their temp workers, so it can be a great way to continue to have some security while changing careers or work situation.