Benefits of fixed-term contracts

Fixed-term contracts typically have a specific end date. Whether that be after a certain event or simply however long it takes you to complete the task, you were hired for. Depending on what the company needs from you, the length of fixed-term contracts can differ. However, these types of jobs can be very useful for people starting out in their career, or just professionals that want to try something new or learn a new skill. They can provide a whole range of opportunities and if you do your research, the benefits to your career can be endless.

You can avoid long-term commitment

As a job seeker, you may not know exactly what you are looking for in a new role yet. Engineering can be a very diverse field and getting to know your strengths can take time. Fixed-term contracts can allow you to explore different aspects of your career, without having to make any long-term commitments. You can get to know what you are good at and try new things to find what your passion is. If you don’t like something, you will know that after a period of time, you can leave and move onto the next venture.  

Valuable experience

These types of contracts allow you to try new things and can allow you to learn new skills that you may not have been able learn with a permanent job role. You are able to slowly build on your skills with different jobs, hopefully helping you build upon your skillset for the job you may want in the future. If you are willing to try out fixed-term contracts for a little while, you can take the time to look around and really see what engineering has to offer. You may have experience from university or an apprenticeship, but sometimes the world of work can feel a little different. You need to ask yourself if you are happy doing similar things everyday and if you don’t feel that way yet, go and find your passion.

Having experience in a variety of sectors with numerous employers can look very good on your CV. Having a diverse skillset and showing an employer that you can work in a number of different environments, shows that you are a good candidate.

Flexibility

Whether you have other responsibilities, or you are just not ready for a continuous job yet, fixed-term contracts can help you be a lot more flexible. In some cases, fixed-term contracts may only mean working a couple of days a week, others you may work for 3 months and then be able to take a break before looking for the next opportunity. Engineering can sometimes be a time-consuming profession and can be difficult to fit other responsibilities in your life, so this may be the way forward for you.

You might earn more

In some cases, fixed-term contracts can pay more than long-term jobs. This is because they may have hired you for a specific reason and you may have a skill that they really need. Having to complete a job in a certain amount of time can cause stress and employers realise that this can be demanding. It’s only reasonable that they pay you well for your efforts.

It can lead to a permanent role

Employers may hire temporary employees to help cover a huge workload that they have recently had to deal with. If you have specific skills and you complete the job with enthusiasm, there can be a chance that the employer will consider keeping you on full-time. This isn’t always the case, sometimes they only need you for a short while and then they no longer have the position. However, if you show them that they will need you in the future and you show passion in the work you are doing, there can be a chance to stay and work for the company. If not straight away, there is always a chance that they will invite you back in the future.

Fixed-term work can be a great opportunity for anyone wanting to try something new and develop their skillset. If you feel like you are stuck in a dead-end job or you are just starting your career, temporary work could be for you.