HELPFUL RESOURCES

We are in the hear of the holiday season, when many local companies are looking for seasonal workers. Here are the top five reasons you should consider seasonal work (even for other holidays!):

1. Get a Foot in the Door. If you are looking for permanent work doing seasonal work can give you a leg up over your competition. Being a seasonal worker helps the employer see just how great of an employee you would be and gives you an opportunity to learn the specifics of a job. Both those things can help you when a permanent position opens up.
2. Discount. Many companies offer all employees, including seasonal workers, a discount. While the amount of the discount varies across industries, having that extra percentage taken off helps your limited cash go further, and can save you a lot on big-ticket items you would normally have to pay retail for.
3. Resume Gaps. Explaining a gap in your resume is never easy, but taking a seasonal job helps you fill the gap if you are currently unemployed and looking for full-time work. It also tells potential employers that you did not just sit around waiting for the next permanent job to drop into your lap. Regardless of the type of seasonal work, you will learn new skills that you can add to your existing ones, and maybe walk away with a nice letter of recommendation if you do a good job.

Studies have shown that individuals who find purpose in their jobs have higher energy and focus, and less stress, depression, and anxiety. Having a job that provides purpose – and is more like a calling – can also help you live longer. Zach Mercurio, Purpose Expert and Author of The Invisible Leader, says purpose is your usefulness – the unique contribution that you and your job makes on others. But what if you’re a temporary employee who goes to a different job every week?  Does your “purpose” need to change every time you have an assignment? Fortunately, the answer is no.

Know your values

As a temporary employee, you can find purpose and meaning in your work regardless of the assignment. First, you should know your values – what means the most to you. For example, you might feel the most energized when you are helping others, either through good customer service or directing people to the right location or person to meet their need. In this instance, your value could be service. If you can’t live without personal contact and communication with others, your value might be connections. Or perhaps your value is to be a good provider, having the money and means to buy food and housing for your family. Once you know what you value, you can find it in any position you’re assigned.

Understanding Temporary vs. Temp-to-Hire

If you’re looking for work, you’re bound to come across the terms “temporary” and “temp-to-hire.” But what, exactly do they mean and how do you know which is best for you?

According to BusinessDictionary, temporary employment is where you are expected to remain in a position only for a certain period of time. That time could be based upon completion of a project, availability of funding or other circumstances, like replacing someone on leave who is expected to return.

This type of work is also referred to as seasonal employment – like at a retail shop during the Christmas season, or summer work at a pool. Other terms you might see used are: temps, contract, interim, outsourced or freelance.

When you’re looking for a job, you’re sure to come across employment agency ads for workers. They often look like this screenshot (to the right) from Indeed.com:

But maybe you’ve never used an employment or staffing agency, so how do you know if you should apply?

First you need to understand what an employment agency does. The American Staffing Association (ASA) has a great description:

Companies need employees. Workers need jobs. And the staffing industry brings them together. Whether for temporary or seasonal assignments, contract engagements, or permanent placement, the staffing industry gives employees a bridge to permanent employment and it gives businesses the skilled labor and flexibility to create effective workforce solutions.

How does it work?

That depends on the type of position that is being filled – temporary or permanent – but the way it starts is the same...