Have you heard the term temp to hire? For gig workers and freelancers, it’s either a term that is coated in appeal or laced with dread. If you are a gig worker looking to take on a full-time position, this can be the perfect opportunity for you. On the other hand, if you are a gig worker who wants to stay on a freelance basis, this may not be the gig you want to take. But why? What’s it all about? Let’s take a look and see.
Temp to hire meaning
Temp to hire is a term we hear pretty often these days. But first, let’s define temp worker. Is it the same as a gig worker? Well, it is and it’s not. Here’s what a temp worker does according to myworkchoice.com – they fill in gaps in areas when companies need extra help. It may be when someone is on maternity leave or during a busy season. Think of supply/substitute teachers as temp workers. One benefit we see is that these jobs provide short-term opportunities to get paid without commitment.
Now let’s talk about temp to hire. A temp to hire position is one where a temp is hired on a short-term basis with the option to become long-term or full-time when the position is over. This is dependent on both parties agreeing. It’s a great chance for both to see if the job is a fit. For instance, with that substitute teacher, they can see if they like the school, and the school personnel can see that the teacher meets their expectations. The same holds true for any other type of work. It’s a great way to test the waters if you’re looking to become full-time.
Sometimes, if the work is contract or gig work, there may be a chance to renew the contract or extend the gig. For example, if you are a math tutor, the parents may hire you for a month to begin, and if all works out, they may extend a contract for the entire school year.
For some positions, like the tutor, the job will still be freelance. But for the teacher who is hired by the school system, they’ve now become a full-time employee, receiving benefits, insurance, and paid days off.
A little history of temp jobs
The term gig economy may be on the newer side, but temp jobs certainly aren’t. Temp jobs got their start way back in 1946. If you’ve heard of the Kelly Girl, you may know the story. William Kelly started a company in Detroit where he supplied female workers to help out with typing and accounting services at firms around town. This soon became the Kelly Girl Service known for its low-maintenance and inexpensive help.
Sure, that was the traditional women helping out in offices, but temp work has turned into work in all areas. You’ll find temp nurses, teachers, paralegals, chefs…you name a field and there’s bound to be temp work in it. With people taking more time off in the workplace, there’s more of a need for temp work. And they’re no longer low maintenance, inexpensive help. Temp workers can be highly skilled, highly sought-after professionals.
Temp to hire jobs
If you’re a gig worker looking to attain a full-time job, this is a perfect scenario for you. As much as we love the gig economy, there can be some disadvantages. Some people need the benefits and other legal protections that a full-time job can offer no matter how motivated and industrious they are. Others want the security of a full-time job. We understand that. So how does a temp to hire job work and what can you do to increase the chances you’ll be hired?
As mentioned, a temp to hire job offers an option to stay on as a full-time employee if both parties agree. Usually, these are the longer jobs, like a six-month temporary gig rather than a one-week stint. These are great for those who want to make sure they love the workplace, too. Also, another great plus for temp to hire job applicants is they are a golden opportunity to showcase your skills. Maybe you don’t come across great in interviews, but once they see you in action, you’re a superstar. That makes temp to hire jobs perfect.
You have the option to say yes or no to the full-time job, just like the company has the option to offer it to you. This means you don’t run the risk of leaving after a short time if the job isn’t working out. You can scoot out after your temp period is over if you don’t want to stay. And in the meantime, you can make great connections, get some new skills, and build your resume.
Gig jobs provide some of these benefits, too, like networking and building connections. They also help build your resume and gain experience, but there’s not usually the full-time prospect at the end. Which often is fine as gig workers aren’t always looking to take on a full-time job.
Strategies to win the job
So you are in the position to get hired when you’re temp period is over. And you are learning you want this job. What can you do to make sure it’s yours? Here are a few tips to help yourself win the prize:
- Offer to do other work when you see an opportunity
- Maintain a positive, upbeat attitude
- Get to know the people you’re working with
- Be on time and look the part
- Make connections, ask questions, and stay engaged
- Convey your desire to stay
Just like anything, project the image you want to convey, be inquisitive, positive, and helpful. And of course, do your job!
Temp to hire or gig work? Which one is for you?
So now that the temp to hire scenario makes sense, do you think it may be for you? Of is gig work still your best choice? You can ask yourself some questions to help figure out where you want to be.
Do you want the company benefits, vacations, and insurance plans that come with full time?
If you answer yes to this, you may want to investigate the temp world and look to move on to full-time. One of the disadvantages of the gig economy is the lack of security that you get with a full-time job. There is something to be said for job security.
Do you love the autonomy, the flexibility, and the variety gig work can offer?
If this is you, gig work sounds more like your cup of tea. Maybe you’re lucky and your spouse has you covered under insurance. Maybe you can provide your own insurance and security. If you love the ever-changing focus of gigs and have that entrepreneurial, autonomous spirit, stick with gig work.
How long do you want to work at one job?
If you love the constantly changing face of the gig economy, you may have found your place here. However, if you want to be able to spend more time in a single job or gig, you may want temp work. If you love the camaraderie of getting to know people at work, temp may be better. If you love switching it up constantly, gig work is great.
Benefits of both
Either of these formats of jobs is great for leading to a permanent job if that’s your end goal. Whether you are working in the gig economy or making your way in the temp world, it’s easy to fall into a full-time position. Both are going to open you up to a new network that is constantly evolving, and you never know where it can take you.
Both are excellent resume builders. The temp who is taking on a paralegal position for three months is going to get great experience for a resume. So is the gig worker who uses their editing skills to help the lawyers out on their briefs. If you can use your skills and attributes to be successful at whatever you do, you’re setting the path for a secure future in the world of work.
Temp jobs and gig jobs both provide flexibility and a place to utilize your skills. They can both lead to bigger opportunities, new experiences, and networks of people. As much as people love the traditional work world, it’s encouraging to see the new platforms and ways of work that are taking off.
You also can keep doing your gig work in combination with a full-time job. Remember most people who are in the gig economy either have a regular job in addition to their gig, or they have a number of gigs.
The gig economy
Even though temp work may not completely fall into the gig economy like the freelance and gig work we often see, temp work is a part of our economy that is a win-win for those involved. Because companies don’t always need full-time, long-term employees, there are plenty of methods to get work done in the way it needs to be done. Temp employees know they have a limited span and can plan for what comes next.
The gig economy allows nontraditional work styles to move to the forefront. With numbers only growing in the gig economy, we expect to see nontraditional jobs and work styles stick around. We know we love this type of work at Bunny Studio. We get the best work from our pros and they get a chance to showcase their skills.
If you are interested in the gig economy and would like to learn more about what we do, please reach out to us at Bunny Studio. Whether you are a creative looking to get more involved in the gig economy, or you’d like to partner with us to find the best creatives for your needs, we’d love to help. After all, it’s what we do!
