As the festive season draws closer, companies have started recruiting across the job boards and seasonal roles are being advertised for stock replenishment, seasonal warehouse operatives, delivery drivers and retail staff to list a few.

Available seasonal jobs may be in different sectors than you would like to work long term, but they are still a beneficial way to upskill, network and understand more about alternative sectors. They are also another way to demonstrate how you have used your time effectively whilst searching for a more permanent role, as well as often developing into permanent or other career opportunities.

Here are 5 reasons why considering a temporary contract during the Christmas period and beyond could be good for your career.

Improve your skills

For any short-term contract, being able to come in and ‘hit the ground running’ is a necessity. In most instances, you will receive some form of training, however, in other instances you may have to learn on the job. Learning new skills or undertaking tasks you have not been exposed to before will add value to your CV.

A temporary assignment could help you to upskill in various aspects of your career, or it may help you to identify the skills you do and don’t enjoy using when considering that next career move. With a temporary contract, you need to be able to integrate into a new organisation and role as quickly as possible. This is a skill and could provide confirmation that you flexible and adaptable when being interviewed for a permanent role.

Assess what is important to you

A lot of job seekers are unsure about their next career move and direction. Use your temporary contract to assess what is important to you before you commit to a more permanent role. Working for other companies will also introduce you to new working styles, values and company cultures. If you are looking to change career or take on a less responsible role, temporary assignments are a great way to try before you buy – so identify assignments that match some of your criteria to gain first-hand experience.

Expand your network

You may be one of many temporary employees hired over the Christmas period, so this could be a great opportunity to build a new network of contacts. Take the time to get to know your new colleagues and understand more about them. What is their experience, and what could you learn from them? If they are an existing permanent employee, they may be able to give you some insight into potential permanent roles within the organisation.

Expand your new network; get to know new contacts in the business or offer to help in other departments. These new contacts could hold the key to your next career move. Connect with them on LinkedIn so they can learn more about your professional experience to date.

Close any career gaps

Taking on a temporary contract will immediately allow you to close any gaps on your CV.  If your previous role was made redundant or you have been seeking employment for a significant period of time, employers and recruiters will see that you are keeping your skills current and that you are open to taking on new responsibilities. If you are temping through recruitment agencies, any positive feedback they receive regarding your temporary contract will encourage them to search for permanent opportunities for you.

Financially rewarding

As obvious as it may be, you will be paid for your temporary assignments.  There could be opportunities for overtime or to take on additional hours or shifts. A lot of job seekers volunteer to gain more experience or pay for training in areas they want to upskill in. Paid temporary contracts may provide you with both!

So, whether you choose a short term or long term contract, there are lots of benefits of taking advantage of any temporary opportunities available over the Christmas period.