Temporary employment refers to work opportunities of a non-permanent background. Some examples include internships, part-time jobs, contract positions, etc.
For those of you who’ve been there pushing through crowds to take an order, picking up clothes strewn all over the dressing room floor, listening to an unhappy customer berate you for something way out of your control; take a deep breath cause it’s not for naught! Believe it or not, these mundane tasks are actually how temporary jobs can benefit you!
Some of us are very familiar with these daily scenes. We have learnt and grown from these part-time jobs. The odd-hour shifts, back-breaking chores and sore legs from standing the whole day, has given us things of value to take home besides an hourly paid salary.
As minute as the duties of temporary employment may seem, these little experiences have played a huge role in preparing many for their future jobs.
A word of caution
A word of caution before we delve into the article: this written piece aims to function as a guide and should not be read as a comprehensive or exhaustive list of advice when it comes to recruitment-related processes. The best way to find out what may work best would be by conducting ample research.
As such, this written piece aims to function as a guide and should not be read as a comprehensive or exhaustive list of advice when it comes to working a temporary job. The best way to find out what may work for your success would be by conducting ample research.
Browsing through this article could function as the first step you take into exploring different ways to succeed at work.
Without further ado, let’s get right into the article!
1) Gain experience with temporary employment
I still remember the day I had joined a F&B outlet as a part-time employee. It was a messy day and I felt very out of place. I wasn’t sure I was doing all the tasks that were required of me correctly.
With the introduction of table-service to customers, I felt as though I was intruding on customers’ private space. But, all that changed after one particular customer spoke to me. This lady greeted me by my name tag as I served her lunch. This lady was a complete stranger but she called me by my name and stopped my spiralling thoughts.
The badge I wore said that I was new and she asked if it was my first day here, to which I smiled and nodded. She then complimented my smile and asked me to relax, that wearing a smile could help put both myself and the customers at ease.
It was an experience I’ll never forget. The biggest thing I learnt or took back from this temporary job was the need to understand and express empathy.
Also, I learnt the humility behind serving. Besides meeting the needs of customers, I aim to exceed them. The tone, body-language, questions I ask and small little things I remember (name, face, favourite drinks or orders etc.) contribute to the entire service experience of a customer.
Empathy can help you better connect with fellow people working in the same line of work as we were used to. We learn to recognise their hardships and to respect them for their work. These experiences are some of the biggest plus points when it comes to taking on temporary employment opportunities.
2) Make new connections
Equipped with experience, having important contacts can leverage you into a very advantageous position career wise. Occasionally, we bump into successful/big people during our part time jobs.
It is important to not let such an opportunity go by! Build a good rapport with every individual, when given the chance. Sometimes, be brave enough to go grab that chance too!
It definitely pays if they’re a regular as well. Because then, it becomes easier to leave a lasting impression. If they’re comfortable with you, more often than not, they’d usually ask for your service again.
Taking on temporary employment also allows you to build friendships with your colleagues. Your co-workers can help you with testimonials and references in the future. After all, the more friends you have, the merrier it gets! 🙂
3) Responsibilities, time management skills & more
Depending on your bosses and the industry you work in, temporary employment positions can be very flexible as well. Juggling a few commitments at once can be daunting. However, it also teaches you to be more organised. Remember that it’ll take some time getting used to a new routine/lifestyle.
Jumping through different kinds of jobs, we take up different and new responsibilities each time. It is inevitable that there’ll be a few hiccups here and there. That being said, we grow by learning from our mistakes and reminding ourselves to avoid them in the future.
Sometimes, we find ourselves shouldering more than what we’re being paid for. But remember, with more responsibilities, the faster we learn! I also managed to take back a few handy business “lessons”. This can be achieved through the a simple reflection of past hiccups along our employment journey.
It may be tough at the start but just heed these wise words from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: “Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room!”
To wrap things up...
In conclusion, there are numerous advantages when it comes to taking up a temporary employment opportunity. After all, there is a possibility that you may find the job of your dreams through your temporary employment too. So, keep on grinding peeps!
And there you have it – a compiled list of 3 advantages of taking up a temporary employment opportunity. With all that being said, we have to come to the end of this article!
We hope this written piece has provided you with some insights as to why you should consider taking up a temporary work opportunity. Especially, as to what sort of steps you can take to help boost your career in the future!
In the meantime, if you’re on the lookout for job opportunities at companies within Singapore that are looking to hire individuals like yourself, read on! 😉
Need some career resources?
As was briefly covered above, GrabJobs shares career resources in the form of articles for people at different stages of their work lives. Our resources share details on how freshers can start to look for jobs more effectively. We also share the best job interview practises, how individuals can grow their career and so much more!
These are just some of the topics we explore, namely.
Feel free to visit GrabJobs here for more information and interesting reads! We hope you find our resources helpful and useful 🙂
On the lookout for a job?
If you’re just about to begin the job hunting process, why not consider giving GrabJobs a visit?
GrabJobs is an efficient recruitment platform that connects thousands of job-seekers and employers around the world on a daily basis. Individuals can rely on the platform’s free job search functionalities to receive job matching alerts, access the career resources library and online courses to build their career.
With its instant live chat feature with employers, job seekers can expect to not miss a single opportunity. Receive timely updates about your applications as well as automated reminders when you’re invited for an interview!
Through the platform, you’ll be able to filter through specific industries, part-time, freelance and full-time positions too. No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
