Do Temporary Jobs Help or Hurt My Resume?

As a job seeker, having a winning resume is a non-negotiable if you want to impress hiring managers. Your resume should have a pleasing layout, keywords related to the job description you are applying for, and most importantly, clearly outline your work experience. Many potential employers will jump straight to the "work experience" section to see if you are suitable for the position or not.

It is advisable to list your relevant jobs on the resume, including temporary jobs you have worked before. However, the big question is: do temporary jobs help or hurt your resume? The most straightforward answer to this question is that it depends. This article will explain how you can use temporary positions to boost your resume rather than hinder it.

Use Temp Jobs Related to the Position You Are Applying For

Taking temp jobs is a great way to earn money, especially if you are not a full-time employee. Each job will help you develop your skills. When applying for a position, it is important to list previous temp jobs if they are related to the role you are applying for.

For instance, if you worked temporarily as an accounting assistant, you could include that when applying for accounting-related jobs such as accounting assistant or staff accountant. The secret is to align the temp jobs roles and skills learned to the job description.

Highlight Your Achievements

You can list multiple temp positions on your resume, but they won't impress potential employers if you don't highlight your achievements from each of those roles. Hiring managers are looking for results-oriented employees with specific skill sets. Be sure to indicate how you can use what you've learned from your temp jobs to benefit your new employer.

While listing your achievements from each temporary job, make sure you include quantifiable data. For instance, if you worked as a marketing agent, you could add that you helped the company increase sales by 20% within four months.

Cover Gaps in Your Resume

Having gaps between jobs on your resume can lower your chances of getting hired. Therefore, in this instance, it is good to add temporary positions to fill those gaps, even if they are not related to the job description. Many employers will appreciate that you have shown your desire and readiness to work and take opportunities that come your way. Sometimes, it is hard to find a well-paying full-time job, and taking temp roles helps you earn money and enhance your soft/hard skills in the in-between.

Bundle Temporary Jobs

If you took several temporary jobs, you should group them on the resume. Why? 24% of hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds skimming a resume. Listing too many temp jobs may overshadow key points potential employers might be looking for on your resume. If your temp roles were not relevant to the job you are applying for, bundle them and label them as "Various Temporary and Consulting Positions" on your resume.

Final Thoughts

How you list temporary jobs on your resume matters a lot. It is advisable to list temp work related to the job description you are applying for. Most importantly, be proud of your temp job experiences and showcase your achievements for each role.

With a well-written resume, your chances of getting hired are high. At Lutz, you can find many job opportunities you can apply for. Visit our website today to learn more about our Lutz Talent staffing services or contact us if you have any questions.