Whether you’re between jobs, looking for a more flexible work arrangement, or just testing the waters of something different, short-term, contract work assignments are a great way to advance your career. Contract work comes in all shapes and sizes. And for those professionals who embrace the opportunity, the reward is often much more than a foot in the door for the job of their dreams.
Contract work develops your skills and experience.
First and foremost, contract work assignments provide an incredible opportunity to develop your skills and build expertise. From young professionals who want more hands-on experience in their chosen fields to seasoned veterans of the business world looking for a new challenge, the shorter-term nature of this type of work assignment allows exposure to a broad range of projects, team dynamics, and work environments, which in turn, creates more well-rounded professionals and stellar resumes.
Shows your commitment.
If you find yourself between jobs due to changes in the industry, layoffs, or other factors, contract work assignments are not only an effective way to bridge the gap financially, but they also show you’re serious about your career and want to stay engaged in the workforce. Extensive gaps on your resume are often a red flag for employers. So, if you can demonstrate that you’ve taken the initiative to pursue work opportunities in the interim, it shows your commitment to hard work and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.
Builds your network.
As you advance in your career and move up the corporate ladder, you may find that many higher-level open positions aren’t posted publicly. These types of jobs often get filled through word-of-mouth within the industry or via staffing agencies. So, building a robust and diverse professional network is the key to ensuring your reputation precedes you in the local job market.
Contract work assignments are ideal for expanding your network because you’re not only building your skills and expertise, but you’re also working with a wide range of people and decision makers across a broad spectrum of businesses and industries. And, those connections can be valuable when it comes to advancing a career.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing 427,000 people globally in 2024 and more than 11 million since its inception. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.
Last Updated on August 15, 2025
