A Concise Guide to Temporary Jobs in Ireland
The level of part-time employment in Ireland has increased markedly in recent years. In July 2017, an estimated 434,000 people worked on a part-time basis. That figure reached 490,000 by the beginning of 2020. It was also a time when the number of people in jobs reached a record level in Ireland.
However, the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland has taken its toll on the labour market and employment. If for the first time, you are considering a temporary job then this guide lays out the pros and cons of temporary working, gives you tips on how to land a temporary job and reveals how you can make that temporary job permanent.
Never miss an opportunity. Click the button to get Temporary Jobs delivered directly to your inbox.
Setup a Temporary jobs Job Alert
Employment figures often don’t tell the full story. They tell you how many people are at work but don’t specify an employee’s status. We know there are full-time and part-time jobs, but the temporary position is also growing trend.
View and apply to more Temporary jobs
What is a Temporary Job?
As the name suggests, temp work involves working for a specific period. It includes fixed-term, project-based, and casual/season roles. The notion of a temporary job only became well-known when it was introduced to the labour market around 30 years ago.
Fixed-term contracts (FTCs) involve working for a company on a short or medium length contract. The firm typically hires you for three or six months and reviews your situation at the end. The company may give you another temp role, award you with a full-time contract, or inform you that they have no further use for your services.
When you get a temp role with an organisation, the FTC could include illness cover, maternity leave, and increases in workload. It may also entitle you to holidays on a pro-rata scale.
Another type of temporary job is ‘casual’ work, which is popular in the emerging ‘gig’ economy. Casual jobs can include roles like handyman, construction worker, or even a freelancer. Overall, the length of time you work in a temporary position can vary from a day to a year. An increasing number of companies embrace temp roles because it enables them to alter structure more efficiently without spending money on redundancy payments.
Pros and Cons of Working in Temporary Jobs
There are pros and cons involved in temporary work for employees as well as employers.
Pros
- Gain Experience: If you are changing careers or else you are just entering the workplace; a temporary job is a golden opportunity to gain valuable experience with minimal pressure.
- A Clearly Defined End Date: By knowing when you are about to leave, it gives you the chance to hunt for other jobs well in advance.
- Flexibility: As you are not tied to a permanent role, you have the chance to search the market without pressure. While permanent positions often require a lengthy notice period, you can usually leave a temp job on 1-2 weeks’ notice.
- Freedom: Some Ful time workers could be dissatisfied with their working environment and feel trapped. As a temp worker, you can test whether it is the right company or even the correct industry for your career goals. If you can’t stand the office culture, it is easier to tick off the days until you leave.
- Payments: Some temp roles offer weekly or bi-weekly pay. This is more felxible than waiting for a monthly top-up to your account.
- Experiment: Changing jobs and even careers are relatively common processes right now. The practice of temping is a bit like wine tasting: You get to try a few samples to see what you like.
- Permanent Possibility: Some organisations offer ‘temp to perm’ jobs, which means you have the chance to earn a permanent spot with the company if you impress management.
Cons
- Lack of Respect: Some temps feel as if they are not afforded respect due to their temporary status. They find it hard to mingle with other staff members and can become isolated.
- Fewer Benefits: Although it depends on the contract, you could receive fewer sick days and holiday time than a permanent employee.
- Lower Wages: Even if you have the skills, you will likely receive a lower rate of pay in a temporary job.
- Instability: While you get to leave a workplace you don’t like, there is also a chance of you having to leave a company you loved working with. Continually looking for new work is exhausting, and can cause anxiety.
- CV Concerns: A CV filled with temporary work doesn’t necessarily reflect well on you. Switching roles more than five times in 10 years is a red flag, according to most Human Resources managers.
Tips for Getting Temporary Jobs
- Visit Irishjobs.ie: You can find an updated list of temporary roles. Each position comes with a full job description created by the employer.
- Contact an Agency: While you won’t find many specific temp agencies in Ireland, well-respected companies such as Hays usually have a long list of possible roles available.
- CV & Cover Letter: Develop a flexible CV and cover letter using our templates, and make sure you tailor them to each temp job that comes available.
- Take the Interview Seriously: Don’t fool yourself into thinking a temporary job interview isn’t essential. Follow our interview tips to impress the hiring manager.
- Know Your Availability: Be honest about when you can and can’t work. This process enables you to find the right fit.
Tips for Making Your Temporary Jobs Permanent
While there is no guarantee your temp role becomes a permanent one (many companies even explain there is no possibility), there are a few ways to increase your chances if a contract is on the table:
- Be Reliable: Treat the role as if you are already a permanent employee. That means being punctual, helpful, and delivering high-quality work regularly.
- Mentality: It is imperative to begin with the mindset of a person who wants the job permanently. This means being prepared to work extra hours, showing initiative, and making yourself available for challenging projects.
- Show Genuine Interest: Your goal is to show that you are indispensable. Anticipate what is needed, rather than waiting for your orders.
- Network: Your foot is in the door. Now it is time to take advantage by establishing contacts in the company or industry.
- Fit In: Do your upmost to embrace the company culture. Become known as someone friendly and approachable, and you may even get asked to come on post-work drinks.
- Work on your Soft Skills: This means being a good team player, showing motivation & enthusiasm, not to mention excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Find other similar Temporary jobs
Recommended reading for Temporary Jobs
IrishJobs.ie has been helping people find the job they want for over 20 years. Our team is delighted to share our job hunting tips and advice with you.