Temporary or Permanent: how to choose the right option for you

However, it also presents a novel dilemma for some Candidates. In today’s candidate driven market, the new question is whether to opt for a Permanent or a Temporary role.

Each type of position has its benefits -  for some candidates, the downsides depend on what it is they want from their next role. Here we take a look at how each role type differs so as to help you make a better-informed decision over which one will suit you best.

Why choose Temporary work?

There are many benefits of a Temporary contract. It gives you the opportunity to work for a particular company or within a specific job before you commit to anything long-term - think of it as a ‘try before you buy’ opportunity. This is particularly beneficial if you are going back to work after some time off or are simply looking for a new career path.

Many skills are transferrable within different industries and job roles - some people love the variety of working in different places. So, if you like change and working in different environments then Temporary work might suit your personality. Moreover, Temporary work gives you the flexibility to work around other commitments or interests that you have.

Benefits of temporary roles:

• You are in control of when you work
• It gives you the opportunity to develop your existing skills and learn new ones
• You will gain experience in other sectors or industries to add to your CV
• Working for different sectors and organisations will help you build a network of people who may 
ask you back in the future
• Previous Employers may recommend you for additional projects

In Oxfordshire, demand for Temporary workers is currently significantly higher now that it was 12 months ago. This means that Employers are increasingly favouring Temporary workers over Permanent employees… which in turn means there are more Temporary jobs available than ever before.

So why choose Permanent work?

Permanent contracts give you job security, with both the Employer and Employee needing to give a stated amount of notice to end a contract of employment. It also gives you a stable income allowing you to plan and manage your finances. Permanent contracts can also allow for more training and development opportunities, that in turn allow you to progress your career more quickly.

The benefits package that comes with Permanent employment is also likely to be more attractive than with Temporary contracts, with sick pay, health or medical insurance, a corporate pension scheme and eligibility for company bonuses. Plus, as a full-time Permanent employee you are also entitled to a minimum of 28 days holiday a year, with some companies providing additional holiday entitlement for long service or the ability to buy extra annual leave.

So, with this in mind, how can you as a jobseeker decide which option is the right one for your career path?

You need to weigh up what’s really important to you – stability and benefits, or neither of these things… and perhaps a far higher earning potential. Consider your values as a person and how these options fit in with your personality and existing lifestyle. Regardless of which option you choose, Allen Associates is on hand to help with our specialist Permanent Divisions or our dedicated Temps Division. Are you looking for a new career? Get in touch.