How to List Temporary Jobs on Your Resume with Examples

Temporary jobs can be a valuable part of your work history, providing you with diverse experiences and helping you bridge employment gaps. However, effectively showcasing these roles on your resume can be challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the best practices for listing temporary jobs on your resume, along with real-world examples to illustrate each point. By the end, you’ll have the tools you need to create a compelling resume that highlights your temporary work experience.

1. Understand the Value of Temporary Work:

Temporary jobs can demonstrate your adaptability, flexibility, and ability to quickly learn and contribute. Before listing them on your resume, reflect on how each role has contributed to your skill set, industry knowledge, and overall career development.

Example:

• “My temporary role as a project assistant at XYZ Company allowed me to quickly adapt to new project management software, which has become a valuable skill in my current role as a project coordinator.”

2. Create a Separate Section:

Consider including a separate section on your resume specifically for temporary or contract work. This helps hiring managers recognize and appreciate the variety of your experiences.

Example:

**Temporary Work Experience**
Project Assistant, XYZ Company, [Dates]
Administrative Assistant, ABC Corp, [Dates]

3. Include Essential Information:

For each temporary job, include essential details such as the job title, the name of the company, the duration of your employment, and the location.

Example:

• “Project Assistant, XYZ Company, Boston, MA, May 2021 – August 2021“

4. Use Action-Oriented Language:

Highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities in each temporary role using strong action verbs.

Example:

• “Managed a team of five interns to successfully complete a time-sensitive project ahead of schedule.”

5. Quantify Achievements:

Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers or percentages. This adds credibility to your claims and makes your resume more compelling.

Example:

• “Increased sales revenue by 20% in a two-month contract role as a Sales Associate.“

6. Tailor Your Resume:

Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing the temporary roles and skills most relevant to the position you’re seeking.

Example:

• “Highlighted my data analysis experience during a temporary research position when applying for a data analyst role.”

7. Highlight Transferable Skills:

Identify transferable skills you gained from temporary jobs that are applicable to the position you’re pursuing.

Example:

• “Developed strong communication and client relationship-building skills during a series of short-term customer service roles.”

8. Address Employment Gaps:

If temporary work was used to fill employment gaps, make it clear on your resume. This demonstrates proactiveness in maintaining your skills during periods of unemployment.

Example:

• “Utilized contract roles to stay active in the job market while transitioning between full-time positions.”

9. Show Career Progression:

If you took on temporary roles with increasing responsibility or in different industries, highlight this as evidence of your growth and adaptability.

Example:

• “Started as a junior copywriter in a freelance capacity and progressed to a lead copywriter role within six months.”

10. Proofread and Format:

Ensure your resume is error-free and professionally formatted. Consistency in font, spacing, and bullet points makes your resume visually appealing.

Example:

• “Maintained a clean and organized workspace while handling administrative tasks for multiple executives.”

Part II: Real-Life Examples of Listing Temporary Jobs on a Resume

Now that we’ve covered the best practices for listing temporary jobs on your resume, let’s delve into real-life examples to see how these principles can be applied effectively:

Example 1: Administrative Assistant

Temporary Work Experience
Administrative Assistant, ABC Corp, New York, NY, June 2022 - September 2022

- Managed front desk operations, including greeting visitors, answering phones, and sorting mail.
- Assisted the HR department in the recruitment process by screening resumes and scheduling interviews, resulting in a 15% reduction in time-to-hire.
- Supported the finance team with accounts payable/receivable tasks, accurately processing invoices worth $50,000 per month.

Example 2: Sales Associate

Temporary Work Experience
Sales Associate, XYZ Retail, Los Angeles, CA, December 2021 - February 2022

- Conducted market research to identify customer preferences and trends, leading to a 10% increase in the store's overall sales.
- Utilized strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships with customers, resulting in a 95% customer satisfaction rate.
- Managed inventory and restocking efforts, reducing out-of-stock incidents by 20% and ensuring optimal product availability.

Example 3: Project Coordinator

Temporary Work Experience
Project Coordinator, Acme Solutions, Chicago, IL, March 2021 - May 2021

- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to oversee project timelines and deliverables, ensuring projects were completed on time and within budget.
- Created and maintained project documentation, including Gantt charts, status reports, and meeting minutes.
- Led a team of interns, providing training and guidance to complete tasks efficiently and meet project milestones.

Example 4: Customer Service Representative

Temporary Work Experience
Customer Service Representative, Global Services Inc., Houston, TX, August 2020 - November 2020

- Handled high call volumes in a fast-paced environment, resolving customer inquiries and complaints with a 90% issue resolution rate.
- Developed product knowledge and expertise, assisting in upselling and cross-selling efforts, contributing to a 15% increase in average transaction value.
- Collaborated with the IT department to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, ensuring seamless customer experiences.

Example 5: Research Assistant

Temporary Work Experience
Research Assistant, Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, January 2020 - May 2020

- Conducted literature reviews and collected data for ongoing research projects, contributing to the publication of three research papers.
- Performed statistical analyses using software such as SPSS and Excel, resulting in data-driven insights for the research team.
- Presented research findings at department meetings and conferences, enhancing communication and presentation skills.

By incorporating these examples into your resume, you can effectively demonstrate your skills, accomplishments, and contributions in your temporary roles. Remember, the key is to tailor your resume for each job application and highlight the aspects of your temporary work that align with the requirements of the position you’re pursuing.

Listing temporary jobs on your resume doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following the best practices outlined in this guide and drawing inspiration from the real-life examples provided, you can create a compelling resume that effectively showcases your temporary work experience. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your adaptability, skill development, and value to potential employers, ultimately helping you land your desired job. Your resume is your ticket to your next career adventure, so make it count!

Having trouble with writing your resume? We understand. Check out our various Resume Bundles or contact us today for a customized quote. We even guarantee that you will receive more interviews.