Temporary workalso known as agency work or temporary employment, is the springboard into the world of work for many young professionals. Instead of hoping for callbacks for months on end, the motto here is: Application in, job out. More and more graduates and new specialists are turning to temporary work to smoothly master the often bumpy career start. And this is not just a gut feeling: in 2016, over 53 % of career starters used this option, and the trend is rising. Why? Because as a newcomer, you can really get involved right from the start. This article shows why temporary work can be a real career boost for career starters and how you can make the most of this opportunity.

Why does temporary work offer career starters a quick entry into working life?

Who wants to send off endless applications when you can do it faster? Temporary work is the fast track to a career: instead of waiting months for rejections or struggling through tough selection processes, you can often land a job within just a few days thanks to recruitment agencies. And that's no joke: according to surveys, 51 % of temporary workers snag their first assignment within two weeks and a further 26 % are in place after six weeks at the latest.

For you, this means less twiddling your thumbs and more practical experience. And before you can even google "motivation letter", you'll already be starting your new job - welcome to the world of work!

Temporary work for career starters: Application light, job deluxe

Anyone who has ever written a letter of motivation that was longer than their actual CV knows that applying for a job can be a real pain. But don't worry, because temporary employment for young professionals is the shortcut through the application jungle. Your recruitment agency takes care of the paperwork, matches your skills with suitable jobs and sends you straight to your new job - without 37 open tabs on StepStone.

For employers, too, the whole thing is not groping in the dark: they first get to know candidates in "test mode", without long-term commitments. And if it's a good fit, then it's off to a permanent position. In this way, temporary positions often quickly become permanent. There is hardly a more efficient way to start a job.

How can career starters gain valuable work experience through temporary work?

Anyone fresh out of training needs one thing above all: experience, and very quickly. Temporary work for career starters is like fast-track career training: Today production sector, tomorrow logistics,the office the day after tomorrow, you collect skills.

Instead of being allowed to make coffee in a single company forever, you rotate through different industries, get a taste of new technologies and learn how the hare (or forklift) runs everywhere. The result? With each new temporary position, you close any gaps in your CV. Temporary work allows you to gain practical experience immediately and apply your theoretical knowledge instead of spending a long time looking for a permanent position after your studies or training. Employers value this practical relevance. Because "tailor-made" employees are often not available, many companies now also give graduates a chance. Temporary work helps you to find suitable positions even without any professional experience. With every assignment you complete, you gain experience in different areas, which will be useful for your career planning in the long term. 

Instead of waiting in the career waiting room after graduation, you can gain your first professional experience directly with temporary work. Even without: "We're looking for someone with ten years of experience and 22 years of age." Every assignment is a valuable building block: you apply your knowledge practically, learn on the job and avoid embarrassing "What did you do last year?" moments in the interview. And because perfect candidates are often so rare, more and more companies are turning to motivated newcomers.

How does temporary work improve the chances of finding a permanent position?

A frequently cited argument in favor of temporary work for career starters is the increased likelihood of obtaining a permanent position at the host company. Temporary work is used by many as an entry into the labor market. Around 66 % of employees see temporary work as an opportunity to obtain a permanent position. If you prove yourself in temporary employment, your chances of being taken on increase significantly. Companies are happy to take on employees with whom they have already worked successfully.

You also have the opportunity to improve your chances of being taken on through temporary work. You have the chance to "gain a foothold" at reputable companies and demonstrate your skills. If your performance is convincing, the chance of being offered a permanent position is not small. The high takeover rates of recent years prove that temporary work offers a real chance of permanent employment. Even if you are not offered a permanent position immediately, you will have gained relevant experience that will be an advantage for your next application.

What networking and contact opportunities does temporary work offer?

Anyone who says that networking is only for suits at after-work parties with a buffet has never done temporary work. Because here you make contacts in passing, for example over coffee together during a shift, in the break room or between two machine stops. Temporary work for career starters catapults you directly into different companies and industries and your professional address book grows with every assignment.

The best thing is, these contacts are worth a lot: superiors who recommend you, colleagues who drop job tips or HR managers who keep you on their radar. Some references are so good that they are almost better than your CV and much more likeable. Even when the assignment is over: a professional LinkedIn contact or a good recommendation remains. You don't make a career alone and with temporary work you start directly with a solid network.

What advantages do temporary employment agencies offer in terms of applications and career advice?

Temporary employment agencies or personnel service providers are not only job brokers, but also career coaches. They don't just throw an employment contract at you, but guide you through the often chaotic rush hour traffic like a navigation system.

For newcomers in particular, this support can be the difference between "I have no plan" and "I've got the job!". Because instead of wandering around without a plan, you get help and guidance here. Here are a few points:

• You benefit from the comprehensive expertise of experienced recruiters who provide professional support during the application process.
• Many service providers actively help with the creation or optimization of your CV.
• You will receive specific feedback on your application documents and tips on how to improve your self-presentation.
• Individual preparation for job interviews gives you more confidence when presenting yourself to potential employers.
• Recruitment agencies often offer personal career advice tailored specifically to young professionals.
• Over two thirds of 18 to 29-year-olds attest to the temporary employment industry's high level of competence in individual career support.
• Reputable temporary employment agencies have a vested interest in your success, as your successful placement reflects their quality of service.
• The brokers have excellent market knowledge and are familiar with current industry requirements and sought-after job profiles.
• Your applications are forwarded to suitable companies, which significantly increases your chances of being hired.
• As an applicant, you will receive a comprehensive all-round carefree package, from the initial application to the employment contract.

Through their close support, temporary employment agencies not only offer you access to vacancies, but also valuable insights and contacts that can have a positive influence on your professional future.

How do career starters benefit from flexibility and orientation through temporary work?

Not sure yet whether you're more of an office team player, a machine whisperer or a field service adventurer? That's no obstacle for temporary work. Temporary work is the career buffet mode: you can try things out without having to commit to the main course. IT today, logistics tomorrow, production the day after tomorrow? Go ahead!

Changing assignments not only give you valuable insights into different companies, but also help you to get to know yourself better. A survey shows: Over 52 % of employees use temporary work specifically as an orientation phase. While others are still working on their application folders, you have already tested three sectors and know exactly where you fit in. There is hardly a more flexible way to start your career.

Many people appreciate this variety: almost 30 % of temporary workers prefer to work at different locations. This illustrates the increasing popularity of flexible working in temporary employment. In addition, the entry into the profession can be organized in such a way that you do not have to commit to a single employer right from the start. Temporary work for career starters is therefore definitely worthwhile for networking.

What financial and social benefits does temporary work offer?

In addition to a quick start to your career, temporary work also offers specific financial and social benefits. This combination of fair remuneration and protection under labor law is particularly attractive:

• You receive a collectively agreed wage and most temporary employment agencies are bound by collective agreements.
• They are paid at least the minimum wage, but often according to industry-specific collective agreements.
• They benefit from sick pay and paid vacation, which unpaid internships often do not offer.
• Temporary workers are fully subject to social security contributions, including health, pension, long-term care and unemployment insurance.
• According to statistics, over 94 % of temporary workers are covered by social security, a higher figure than the average outside the sector.
• Many temporary employment agencies offer permanent employment contracts, which means additional security.
• As a permanent employee of the temporary employment agency, you enjoy protection against dismissal and comprehensive social benefits.
• At the same time, you will experience professional diversity through changing assignments at different client companies.
• A personal contact person at your temporary employment agency will support you with all administrative tasks - from payroll accounting to the organization of your assignment abroad.

Temporary work combines flexibility with social security, a model that gives career starters in particular a secure and varied start to their working life. Temporary work is a wise choice for those who want to combine financial stability with professional development. 

Temporary work or internship - what's better for career starters?

Many career starters ask themselves the question: temporary work or internship? Although both paths provide an insight into the world of work, temporary work offers some clear advantages compared to a traditional internship. With temporary work, you are paid according to the collective wage agreement or at least the minimum wage, and this includes all the rights of an employee. An internship, on the other hand, is often only marginally paid or not paid at all. As a temporary employee, you earn your own money right from the start and enjoy greater financial independence.

Secondly, in temporary employment you are considered a regular employee with an employment contract. You have access to all social security benefits (such as health insurance, pension contributions, etc.) and have a legally advantageous status. The learning effect is also often more pronounced in temporary employment. Of course, an internship also has its value, for example to gain an initial insight into a particular profession. Nevertheless, temporary work gives you the opportunity to gain experience, earn money and provide social security.

Temporary work for career starters with Zeitarbeit International: Your uncomplicated entry into professional life

If you're just starting out in your career, you often have a lot of questions and have to deal with forms and decisions. Zeitarbeit International relieves you of this stress and accompanies you on your way to a successful career:

• Comprehensive support when getting startedZeitarbeit International not only offers jobs, but also an all-round carefree package for your start in the world of work.
  
• International perspectivesWhether you want to gain experience in another European country or start as a junior employee from abroad, the team provides tailor-made solutions for international assignments.
  
• Legally on the safe sideZeitarbeit International is familiar with all relevant legal requirements and ensures that your career start is clean, safe and correct.
  
• Application? Already done.The entire application process - from job search to contract conclusion - is handled by the service provider. You concentrate on the job, not the paperwork.
  
• Individual career adviceInstead of standardized placement, there is personal support. We focus on your qualifications, interests and career goals, so you don't just find any job, but Your.
  
• Seamless transition between applicationsEven after the end of an assignment, Zeitarbeit International is ready to find the next suitable position for you.
  
• Time savings through efficient processesLean processes ensure that you can get started faster, whether in your region or abroad.
  

If you want to start your career with temporary work, Zeitarbeit International is an experienced partner at your side. This not only makes your career start easier, but also more sustainable. If temporary work sounds interesting to you, you are welcome to send us a non-binding inquiry.

Conclusion

Anyone starting out in their career needs one thing above all: opportunities, practice and a little tailwind. This is exactly where Temporary Work International can help you. Instead of waiting forever for your "dream job", you get started straight away, gain valuable experience and don't just knock on the door of your dream employer, you start straight away.

Not only does your know-how grow with every assignment, but also your professional network. You make contacts, discover new sectors and find out step by step what suits you and what does not. At the same time, everything is there: standard pay, social insurance and continued payment of wages.

Temporary work for career starters is not an emergency solution, but a smart start with prospects. Take advantage of the platform offered to you and take the first step towards a career.

FAQ

How does temporary work work?

Temporary work means that you are employed by a temporary employment agency and loaned to a company for work. You sign your employment contract with the personnel service provider, who offers you a position with a client company as part of the temporary employment arrangement. This means a quick start for career starters, as the temporary employment agency finds suitable positions for them. 

Do career starters in temporary work earn enough?

Yes, employees in temporary employment receive at least the statutory minimum wage or the collectively agreed industry wages. Many temporary employment agencies have collective agreements that guarantee fair wages. Although the starting salary is not always higher than for direct hires, your salary is paid on time and includes vacation pay or industry-specific bonuses. 

Do temporary workers really have a chance of permanent employment?

In any case. Temporary work often offers an opportunity to get a permanent position, even with temporary work and not only if you already have experience. If you are convinced by the company you are working for, you are more likely to be taken on. After a certain period of time, many companies take on good temporary workers as permanent employees; studies show that around one in three temporary workers is offered a permanent position. Your performance in the company increases your chances. 

How long do career starters stay in temporary employment?

The length of time can vary. Some use temporary work to gain initial experience in just a few months, while others stay for one to two years or longer until a suitable permanent position arises. The decisive factor is flexibility. You have the opportunity to determine how long you want to work in temporary employment based on the offer and your individual plan. Some assignments last longer than 6-12 months.

Do temporary workers have the same rights as other employees?

As a temporary worker, you are normally employed and have the same legal rights as regular employees. You are entitled to social insurance, continued payment of wages in the event of illness, vacation days and all relevant occupational health and safety rights. The principle of "equal treatment" ensures that you may not be treated less favorably in fundamental aspects than the permanent staff of the company in which you are employed.

Can temporary work make it easier to start a career after graduation?

Temporary work for career starters enables a quick start, especially after graduation. You can gain practical work experience immediately without having to wait months or years for the ideal job. Many graduates find their way into reputable companies through temporary work and acquire practical knowledge in a short space of time, which is useful for future job applications. 

Is temporary work only for the low-skilled?

No, that is a biased view. Although temporary workers are employed, skilled workers and academics are also hired out. There are many highly qualified temporary workers in the IT, engineering and healthcare sectors. Temporary work is particularly appealing to university graduates, as many companies also hire qualified young professionals on a temporary basis and often take them on. 

What is the application process for temporary work?

The application process is similar to that for a regular job, but is carried out by the personnel service provider. You can either send your documents to the temporary employment agency or enter your details in an online form. The personnel service provider will then conduct an interview with you, during which they will familiarize themselves with your requirements and qualifications. If your profile matches, they will forward you to suitable client companies, often giving you the opportunity to reach several potential employers at the same time. 

What costs will I incur as an applicant for temporary work?

As an applicant, you do not have to pay for placement through a temporary employment agency. The temporary employment agency is financed by the company that hires you. No placement fees may be charged to you. On the contrary, you will receive a normal employment contract and a salary from the temporary employment agency. Make sure that the provider you choose is reputable and certified. 

Can I choose the temporary employment agency I work for?

It is possible to state preferences, for example regarding the industry, the type of assignment or the location. The temporary employment agency will try to find assignments that suit you. The more flexibility you show, the quicker a solution will be found. If you turn down an offer, the temporary employment agency will normally try to find an alternative. In principle, you have a say: an assignment will only be made after you have given your consent and the company wishes to employ you.