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How To Build a Few Transferable Skills by Taking a Temporary Job

You’re in the market for a new job, but to be honest, your skillset could use some work. Maybe you’re a recent graduate, re-entering the workforce after some time away or trying to change careers. Regardless, you’re searching for ways to become a more competitive candidate.

Taking on a temporary opportunity can allow you to acquire valuable transferrable skills in a short time period, without building a reputation as a job hopper. The position might not be your dream job or in your field of choice, but that’s okay. Here’s how to use this valuable learning experience to give your career a serious boost.

Three Ways to Build Transferrable Skills With a Temporary Job

Be Open to Different Types of Positions

Temporary jobs are designed to serve a purpose for a short period of time. In this case, the main purpose is to allow you to gain transferrable skills, while earning a paycheck. Since this is your objective, be open to any job that can teach you the skills you need — not just those that are a perfect fit for your long-term career goals.

Trust your recruiter to connect you with a temporary position that will allow you to learn and grow in the right direction, even if it isn’t a job that would normally interest you.

Take Advantage of Every Learning Opportunity

You have your sights set on learning a few specific transferrable skills, but there’s no need to limit yourself. Make the most of your temporary job by getting as involved as possible. This might mean taking on responsibilities outside of your job description or volunteering for a project you’re not initially assigned to. You never know what skills you’ll need in the future, so take full advantage of this chance to learn.

Try More Than One

Accepting a temporary job will allow you to build transferrable skills, but there’s no need to stop at one. Really flesh out your resume by taking on a few different temporary jobs, before you start seriously searching for a long-term position. You’ll learn new skills at every job that will allow you to become the kind of seriously well-rounded candidate employers can’t get enough of.