Berks & Beyond Blog

Recently downsized or laid off?  New to the workforce?  Looking to earn extra cash?  Trying to break into a new field?

Consider working as a temporary.  Today’s staffing firms employee millions of individuals in virtually all fields of work, from day labor to executive, and offer a variety of advantages:

• Flexible work options.  Work when and where you want to work.  You can work only during school hours, take the summers off, or take an extended break.  As a temporary employee, you have the freedom to accept assignments that work with your schedule.
• Employee benefits.  In addition to a paycheck, many temporary staffing agencies provide benefits to their workers.  These benefits typically include vacation pay, sick pay, access to medical insurance and a 401(k) plan, and are available to employees who fulfill certain employment requirements.  Be sure to inquire what benefits are offered when you apply or interview.
• Opportunities for direct employment.  Temporary assignments allow you to get a foot in the door with an employer.  If an employer is impressed with your skills, work ethic and job performance, he can work with the staffing firm to offer you direct employment.
• Gain experience.  If you’re a recent graduate, re-entering the workforce, or would like to make a career transition, working as a temporary can help you gain valuable on-the-job experience.  In addition, many staffing firms offer free training to build or enhance your skill set.
• Variety.  If you enjoy new experiences or are unsure about your career path, temporary work can provide the variety you need.  You can test out different jobs, companies and industries – without long-term commitment – and find out where you fit best.

Ready to take the next step?

Join the Berks & Beyond team.  We’ll provide you with a rewarding temporary assignment that offers the variety, flexibility, benefits and job experience you need.

Flexibility.  Extra income.  Work experience.  An avenue to direct employment.  The reasons people choose temporary work are as diverse as the assignments they select.

But whether you are looking to earn some extra cash, or are seeking full-time employment, here are several things you can do to make the most of temporary assignments: 

1. Dress the part.  You will fit in, perform, and feel better if you’re dressed appropriately for the type of work you’re doing.
2. Act as if the job is permanent.  Give your best effort on each assignment – you never know where it might lead.  If an employer is impressed with your performance, he can work with your staffing service to offer you direct employment.
3. Learn all you can.  Each assignment provides fresh opportunities to learn.  From practical job skills to industry-specific knowledge, capitalize on every chance to gain valuable skills and experience.
4. Test the waters.  If your career path is uncertain, temporary work affords you the ability to try out different jobs, at different companies, in varied industries.  Find out where you fit by accepting diverse assignments.
5. Network.  A temporary assignment puts you in a unique networking position.  While at work, you have the opportunity to interact and develop relationships with business colleagues whom you might not otherwise meet.  Leverage this “inside track” access by sharing your career interests and goals with managers you encounter on the job.
6. Communicate.  If you enjoyed an assignment and would like to work for the employer again once it’s over, say so.  Your staffing consultant and supervisor can look for additional opportunities for you to work in a different area of the company.  And if the assignment was not right for you, consider why.  Try to understand why the job or the employer didn’t meet your needs, so you can choose an assignment that’s a better fit the next time.

We want to help you get the most from your experiences as a Berks and Beyond temporary employee.  Please visit our website to learn more about the services, support, and resources we provide.