What do you think of when you hear the term “temporary employment”?
Most people regard temporary work as a means to earn extra cash, maintain a flexible work schedule, gain work experience or fill employment gaps. Did you know, however, that temporary employment can also be a great option if you’re looking to change careers?
With a broad range of assignments and projects available, temping can be a highly effective way for you to break into a new field – but it probably won’t happen by accident. To use temporary employment as a true career change catalyst, you must intentionally structure your work experiences. Here are a few tips:
Choose the right type of staffing service for your career interests. Before registering with a staffing service, visit their website or contact the office directly to find out what types of placements they specialize in. Some staffing firms place people in a wide range of industries and positions, while others specialize in a specific field.
Be upfront with your staffing specialist. When you interview with a recruiter, let him know that you are looking to change careers. Tell him about your skills and experience and ask how they might transfer into a new field. Discuss your need for challenging assignments that will help you try out different jobs, develop new skills and evaluate new career options. When a staffing specialist understands your needs, he can do a better job placing you in opportunities that will drive your career change.
Treat every assignment as a learning experience. In addition to performing your required job duties, use each assignment as an opportunity to learn about the employer, the industry and potential career opportunities. Ask questions, observe co-workers, talk to your supervisor and let him know that you’re looking to make a change. Take as much knowledge and experience away from each assignment as you can.
Build new skills while on assignment. Most staffing services offer free skills training to individuals who register with them. While on assignment, use non-work hours to take advantage of training resources, building skills that will help you in your next career.
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Tips for Managing Career Changes
If the thought of changing jobs and/or careers causes you anxiety, you’re not alone. The truth is, there is a certain amount of instability inherent in changing jobs. Here are a few suggestions to help manage the stress:
Focus on developing your skills. Choose projects/assignments/jobs that help you build new skills and develop expertise in a certain area. When your learning curve flattens out, ask to be reassigned or look for another opportunity. Continually building your skills will ensure you’re in demand.
Adopt a job changing mindset. Instead of focusing on the instability of a job change, view it as an opportunity. Get used to the notion that you will change jobs frequently throughout your career. When it’s time to make a move, your job changing mindset will make the transition much easier.
Keep your job changing skills sharp. You’re not going to stay at any job forever, and you don’t know how long it will last. But if you keep your job hunting skills sharp – networking, interviewing, keeping on-top of temporary opportunities that serve your career interests – you will always be able to get work when your needs, or your company’s needs, change.
Wood Pesonnel – Your Career Change Partner
At Wood Personnel, we do more than just place you in a position. We listen to your needs, learn about your skills and experience, and then present you with work opportunities that are a perfect match for you. If you’re looking to make a job change, Wood Personnel is the ideal partner. Contact us today to learn more about job opportunities throughout Middle Tennessee.
