Temp Work Provides Options For The Unemployed
By BRIAN CURTIS
Updated 10:51 PM CST, Tue, Jul 28, 2009
Many unemployed North Texans are turning to temporary or project work to keep the paychecks coming.
"We are seeing more and more employees seek the temporary route," said Stephanie Cook of the professional staffing firm Robert Half International (RHI).
David Heflin, who has been out of work since October, has now turned to RHI in hopes of finding employment.
"I've been actively seeking a job that entire time," said Heflin.
He did not pay a fee for the company's services, which included polishing his resume and testing his professional skills. RHI will now try to match Heflin with a potential job. However, he will remain an employee of RHI.
Some workers say they actually prefer temporary work.
"There's lots of flexibility," said Bekah Hooton, who discovered temporary work while in college. She's been doing it for ten years now.
"I say absolutely give it a try. You've got absolutely nothing to lose," Hooton said.
"There was always, I believe, a negative stigma around temporary staffing or project staffing," Cook said.
But Cook said there are often few differences between temporary and permanent positions and salaries for temporary positions can be comparable to similar full-time positions.
RHI also offers a comprehensive package of benefits including:
- Health Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings
- Online Training
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Holiday Pay
The biggest difference between temporary and permanent positions is job security. Companies can easily end their relationships with temp workers. However, there is a flip side. It is not uncommon for companies to offer permanent positions to exemplary temporary workers.
Heflin says he's optimistic about landing work.
"I'm very hopeful. In fact, it's the most hopeful I've been," he said.
For more information about Robert Half International, visit: www.rhi.com
First Published: Jun 5, 2009 12:46 PM CST
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