Temp staff can benefit from broad range of experience
CONTRACT OR TEMPORARY jobs are rarely a top choice for Hong Kong employees because these roles offer little job security. But an increasing number of professionals are beginning to recognise that by taking up non-permanent contracts they gain a range of career-enhancing benefits.
From a practical perspective, taking up a temporary contract can ensure that candidates have something relevant to discuss at an interview. 'During the recent recession many candidates found that taking up temporary contracts helped them maintain some continuity on their resumes,' Links Recruitment temp and contract division manager Ellen Lin said.
Short-term contracts can also ease the financial pressure. With an income from temporary work, a candidate can be more selective about the permanent jobs they accept. For job seekers who are not entirely clear on their career goals, temporary work offers the opportunity to see a range of industries and organisations first hand and the chance to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses and working preferences.
'Temporary contracts provide a trial period for the candidate and the employer in which they can both evaluate whether the candidate fits the corporate culture and has the right skills to do the job. The main benefit for candidates is they can explore the market without having to make a long-term commitment,' Ms Lin said.
Working within a range of organisations also provides an ideal opportunity to build confidence and develop new skills.
Pricilla Lau took a temporary job as the personal assistant to the chief operating officer of a leading insurance provider. 'I took up a temporary position because I had been out of the job market for a while and wanted to build up my confidence. I also learned new computer skills, which will be useful for my future career,' she said.
Some companies employ temporary staff in positions that have not yet been approved in the head count. Therefore, temps have a huge advantage, gaining access to positions before they are openly advertised.
Ms Lau was quickly offered a permanent position. She said: 'It's a win-win situation. If you do a good job as a temp, you will get good references to pass on to future employers and employers might also consider you for permanent jobs in the future.'
Many contract roles are ideal for fresh graduates who demonstrate good interpersonal, language and PC skills. More employers are employing graduates on a temporary basis, allowing them to gain working skills and confidence before offering a permanent contract.
Ms Lin said: 'We do see graduates move into permanent roles. We recently placed an inexperienced graduate as a temporary researcher in a bank. He treated the assignment professionally and was promoted to a permanent analyst position within two months.'
Opportunities exist for all types of candidate, regardless of age or background. In addition to secretarial vacancies, trends suggest an increase in demand for staff to help with call centres, exhibitions and employee benefits administration. 'The growth has been rapid over the past three years,' Ms Lin said.
While younger professionals take up temporary work to enhance their longer-term job prospects, contract work can be equally valuable for experienced executives who want to take greater control over their careers and leverage specific skill sets.
At more senior levels, contractors are known as interim managers.
C.L. Tham manages a pool of highly skilled executives at Executive Interim Management and places them on interim projects with his clients.
'They are employed to create very specific results, such as establishing a new manufacturing operation. They apply their knowledge and experience, much like a consultant. But instead of telling a client what they need to do, an interim manager will roll their sleeves up and implement their recommendations.'
With extensive experience of the China market and effective problem solving and people management skills, Eddie Hurrip is one such example.
'I use my experience to define the problems and restructure businesses more effectively. I love the challenge I get from different projects and from creating results. When there is nothing more I can do, then I move on,' Mr Hurrip said.
