Value seen in consistent temporary work

In recent years, it was more common for businesses to consider hiring candidates who have worked solely in full-time, rather than casual or temporary, positions.

However, a recent poll by recruitment authority OfficeTeam reveals that hiring managers are beginning to warm to the idea of temporary workers entering their workforce.

More than 300 senior managers were interviewed about what a history of temporary work on a CV meant during the recruitment process and if this lead to a perceived work attitude or value system. It was found that more than half (51 per cent) of survey respondents said that when they were analysing a candidate's working history, "a long period of consistent temporary assignments is comparable to full-time employment".

Although temporary workers aren't in the office all day or even every day, they can bring benefits to the table. This includes fresh and innovative ideas, lower running costs in the office and diversity in the workplace.

Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam, also believes that temporary workers may have different skills sets they have gained from multiple jobs rather than a candidate who have spend five years doing the same work.

"More companies rely on interim professionals for their staffing needs, and employers see the value of temporary work on a resume," he said.

"Temporary assignments help job seekers build new skills, gain exposure to a variety of industries and learn to adapt to different work environments."

Mr Hosking noted that it should be up to candidates to link their temporary work experiences to the position they are applying for.

Businesses that offer a mix of temporary and permanent job opportunities are suggested to invest in recruitment software. Access analysis to look for permanent, temporary, contract or casual vacancies and check candidate availability in a single recruitment database.