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What Kinds of Positions are Available As Temporary Jobs?

Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Temporary jobs provide short term help for companies who need extra assistance. Workers sign up through a temp agency, and are matched with an employer who can use their services for a short time. Temporary job positions may last a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. In some instances, temporary workers are hired on to the company they are working for, if they perform exceptionally well, after a trial period. Temporary positions are typically entry-level, and do not require a lot of experience or training.

Temporary jobs are available in many industries. One of the most popular areas of temporary employment is in the general labor industry. Temp workers may work in factories, warehouses, custodial positions, and in other fields that require laborers. The skills of the temp worker will be matched to the needs of the company. For example, a worker with a commercial drivers' license (CDL) might be placed as a truck driver for a road work company during the summer, when the company needs the extra help.

Food service staff may work on a temporary basis for events.
Food service staff may work on a temporary basis for events.

Office positions are also common temporary jobs. Accounting and bookkeeping jobs, especially near the end of the year and during tax season, are common. There are also positions in billings, payroll, office support, and data processing. Being proficient in computer systems, along with having some previous experience in other office positions, make a temporary worker a good match for one of these jobs.

Applying to most temporary positions requires the completion of a job application.
Applying to most temporary positions requires the completion of a job application.

With the right experience, workers can get temporary jobs in a lot of great fields. Research and laboratory assistants may be hired through a temp agency, as well as some health care positions. Customer support centers may hire temporary workers to provide phone or internet support for their products.

There are also temporary jobs in the service industry. These positions include ushering, cooking, catering, cashier positions, and event planning. Housecleaning companies, hotels, and landscaping or yard work companies also hire temporary workers. These positions do not generally require a lot of training, and may be a good match for workers who do not have training for other temping positions.

Cashiers often work on a temporary basis.
Cashiers often work on a temporary basis.

Working in temporary positions is a great solution for workers who have been laid off and are looking for a new job. They can give workers the experience they need to get into a new position. Temporary jobs provide a paycheck for workers while they are looking for a better job, and can be a great way to make ends meet in the meantime.

Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...
Margo Upson
Margo Upson

Margo has a varied academic background, which has involved everything from psychology and culinary arts to criminal justice and education. These wide-ranging interests make her an ideal WiseGEEK writer, as she always enjoys becoming an expert on new and unfamiliar topics.

Learn more...

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    • Food service staff may work on a temporary basis for events.
      By: mertcan
      Food service staff may work on a temporary basis for events.
    • Applying to most temporary positions requires the completion of a job application.
      By: Karen Roach
      Applying to most temporary positions requires the completion of a job application.
    • Cashiers often work on a temporary basis.
      By: Kadmy
      Cashiers often work on a temporary basis.
    • Seasonal work, such as ski instructor, is a temp job.
      By: The Photos
      Seasonal work, such as ski instructor, is a temp job.
    • Cleaners and maintenance workers may be hired on a temporary basis.
      By: mariakraynova
      Cleaners and maintenance workers may be hired on a temporary basis.
    • People with a CDL may find a temporary job as a semi truck driver.
      By: Gilles Paire
      People with a CDL may find a temporary job as a semi truck driver.
    • Many people work on a road crew as a temporary job.
      By: dbvirago
      Many people work on a road crew as a temporary job.
    • People may work in an office as an administrative assistant on a temporary basis.
      By: V&P Photo Studio
      People may work in an office as an administrative assistant on a temporary basis.
    • A stint as a hostess or cashier may be a good fit for a college student who needs a temporary job during the summer.
      By: bst2012
      A stint as a hostess or cashier may be a good fit for a college student who needs a temporary job during the summer.