When I was in my twenties, I often worked as a “temp” as a way of exploring different kinds of jobs and companies. It was fun because I would have new experiences and if I didn’t like a company, I knew my temp job would end soon and I could just move on to the next job. I thought this was the best way to figure out what I might like to do and where I’d like to work. I thought of it as kind of an adventure.

Mostly, these jobs only lasted for a week or so and along the way I did learn a great deal about myself, about what I liked and didn’t like about different jobs and the corporate world. And, lo and behold, I did get offered jobs from a couple of these companies. Why? Because I didn’t work like a “temp.” Even as a  “temp,” I showed up and gave 100% and worked like an employee who cared about my job and had a sense of pride in what I was doing.

People do notice these things. So, given the job market, maybe temping could be a viable solution for many who are jobless right now?

Here are some of the benefits of taking a temp job:

1. You gain new experience from different types of companies.
2. It’s a great way to get paid to network — you never know who you can meet on the job!
3. Some temporary agencies also provide benefits.
4. You can gain access to potential job opportunities that you might not otherwise discover.
5. Many employers hire their “permanent” employees from temporary staffing agencies.
6. Do a great job and one of your temp job employers might just want to hire you – for good!

So if you’re unemployed, you might want to give “temping” a try. It can’t hurt and you never know…you might just be pleasantly surprised.

Best of luck!