Temporary work can be a fantastic way to gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and expand your professional network. However, many job seekers struggle to showcase their temp roles effectively on their resumes. The key is to highlight the value you brought to each role and how it has prepared you for future opportunities.
How to make your temporary work experience shine on your resume:
1. Clearly Label Temporary/Casual Roles
Avoid confusion by clearly indicating that a position was temporary. Use terms like:
- “Temporary [Job Title]”
- “[Job Title] (Contract)”
- “Seasonal [Job Title]”
This ensures employers understand the nature of the role and won’t assume frequent job-hopping.
2. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities
Hiring managers want to see the impact you made, not just a list of tasks. Highlight measurable achievements or contributions, such as:
- “Increased customer satisfaction scores by 15% during the holiday rush.”
- “Processed 50+ transactions daily with 100% accuracy.”
- “Successfully managed inventory for a team of 10 during a high-demand season.”
Quantifying your accomplishments makes them more impressive and relatable.
3. Tailor Your Experience to the Job You’re Applying For
Link your temp work experience to the requirements of the job you’re targeting. If you’re applying for a customer service role, emphasise skills like problem-solving and communication from your temp job. Adjust your descriptions to align with the job posting’s keywords.
4.Emphasise Transferable Skills
Temporary roles often require adaptability, time management, and teamwork—skills that are highly sought after across industries. For example:
- “Adapted quickly to new systems and processes in a fast-paced environment.”
- “Collaborated with diverse teams to meet tight deadlines and exceed targets.”
These transferable skills can set you apart from other candidates.
5. Highlight Short-Term Successes
Temporary work is often fast-paced and goal-driven, which gives you plenty of opportunities to demonstrate how you hit the ground running. For example:
- “Delivered results within two weeks of starting by [specific accomplishment].”
- “Achieved project milestones ahead of schedule during a 3-month contract.”
Employers value candidates who can make an immediate impact.
6. Include the Employer or Agency
If you worked for a recruitment agency or through a staffing company, include their name alongside the client or role. For instance:
Administrative Assistant
[Company Name] via [Recruitment Agency Name]
This demonstrates professionalism and provides context for your temp assignments.
7. Add a Temporary Work Section
If you’ve had multiple temp jobs, consider creating a dedicated section for them. For example:
Temporary Work Experience
- Customer Service Representative – ABC Company (Holiday Contract)
Delivered exceptional service to over 100 customers daily during peak season.
- Warehouse Assistant – XYZ Logistics (3-Month Contract)
Coordinated inventory management, ensuring 99% order accuracy.
Grouping your temp roles highlights your ability to adapt to various industries and environments.
8. Don’t Forget Soft Skills
Temporary jobs often help you develop critical soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Mention these in your skills section or incorporate them into your achievements.
9. Add Relevant Keywords
Use industry-specific keywords to optimise your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS). For example, if you worked in logistics, include terms like “inventory management” or “order fulfilment.”
10. Show Career Progression
If your temp work led to permanent roles or promotions, make sure to include that. Employers appreciate candidates who turn short-term opportunities into long-term success.
Temp Work: A Stepping Stone to Success
Temporary work experience is more than just a filler on your resume—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your versatility, reliability, and ability to make a difference quickly. By framing your temp roles strategically, you can show employers that you’re not only capable but also a valuable asset to their team.
At Lowie Recruitment, we’re proud to help candidates gain meaningful temporary work experiences that can boost their career growth. If you’re looking for your next opportunity, check out our latest job openings.