Putting temporary jobs on your CV
Knowing how to put temp work on a CV/resume and make it look remarkable to hiring managers can be the difference between landing the job and getting stuck in the “black hole” of CV’s.
It may seem very impossible to list all your temp jobs in a way that paints you as an “achiever” versus a “go-getter,” but there are some things you can do with this work experience to determine your value to a potential employer.
How to list your temp work on a CV
The first thing you’ll need to do is decide whether it will serve you better to list each temp job as a separate job within your work experience or to group them together. This is one of those judgement calls that you will need to make as it’s your choice!
How to list temp jobs
Let’s say if you only have a couple of short-term or contract positions throughout your work history, then you’re better off listing each position in a separate entry. Be sure to include the word “temp,” “temporary,” or “contract” next to the job title to explain to the reader why your employment with that company was so short lived. In addition, this is one of those times where you’re probably better off listing your start and end dates using both the month and the year. Whatever format you decide to use for the temp jobs on your resume, make sure you are consistent.
Accomplishments
Like the other work experiences on your CV, you must include 2-3 accomplishments for each job. Even short-term work can offer valuable skills that you can apply to your future jobs. (If you have trouble thinking of accomplishments, reach out to your recruiter and ask about positive feedback.) Focus on your achievements rather than responsibilities and quantify your impact whenever possible.
You only have a few seconds to grab a potential employer’s attention so make sure you follow these simple tips
Check out our other articles for more tips.