If you are a job seeker currently looking for your next opportunity in NSW (perhaps Australia/New Zealand wide) there is a good chance you have heard or read these statements and to be honest that’s great for you! 

Speaking from experience, recruiting within the Sydney temporary and contract market, it can be a challenge to find the right person for the right role. Then add in a talent short market to the mix and it’s a whole other ball game… or is it? 

When briefing job seekers for temporary opportunities, the most common response I receive is “sounds great but I want something longer” or “I would accept the role, but I don’t want to finish during the quiet period”. These reasons are completely relatable and justified. I mean who wants to finish a role on Christmas Eve, with potentially not returning until after Australia Day? (26 January). You may be advised to enjoy your summer, especially with travel opening up. Why would you want to work when you can go to the beach? I know what you are thinking, “we don’t want to work when its 32 degrees outside”, however, the reality of living in Sydney means we ‘have to work!’ 

What’s my point? I go back to; it’s a talent short market! If you are debating whether or not you should accept a 4 week temp role, whilst a hiring manager undertakes a permanent hiring exercise, may mean this 4 week role could extend to 3 months, or perhaps you could be offered the permanent option. 

When looking for an opportunity in this current job market, your criteria should extend beyond being strictly limited to a permanent role and instead focus on the ‘opportunity’. Of course, as a recruiter of temporary and contract talent, I would say this, but this is the best time to explore and accept a role for the right business rather than just a job. 

Temporary engagements can introduce you to new industries, new software or perhaps a pathway to learning new skills, that wouldn’t be presented otherwise. 

To be clear, I am not saying turn down every permanent offer for a temporary role. You of course need to factor in your personal circumstances and situation. What I am saying is if something sounds great, the “perfect role” and you would love to explore it, do it! If it doesn’t work out, if it finishes early, if you want more stability, then this is the market you want to be looking in. 

If you partner with a recruiter you trust and dedicate yourself in a search, your chances of securing a role quickly are very high!