What it's like to be a temporary worker

Susan Ricker, CareerBuilder Writer — 5/17/2013 12:25:38 PM

Temporary workers, also called independent contractors or free agents, are self-employed and are hired by businesses or people to provide an end-result of work. From flexible schedules to control over projects and clients, being a temporary worker offers a number of perks that permanent employees can't always enjoy.

"Transitioning to an independent contractor is a good choice for those who have a valuable skill or expertise along with a reputation for excellence," says Jill Notte, a temporary worker and marketing consultant who has worked with Choice Logistics, a company that specializes in mission-critical service parts logistics. "It provides flexibility and a foundation to build a larger business in the future when the demands of family lessen and the work week can be lengthened."

So what are some of the career benefits of being a temporary worker and what does it take to be successful in this self-employed role? Six tem....

As the temperature rises, so do the seasonal job prospects

Debra Auerbach, CareerBuilder Writer — 5/16/2013 4:18:47 PM

Growing up, your ideal summer job may have been lifeguard at the local pool, concession worker at an amusement park or counselor at an overnight camp. You were just looking for anything that got you outside and in the sun. As an adult, your idea of what makes a good seasonal position has probably changed -- a steady paycheck, interesting work and an opportunity for long-term employment may be higher on the list of priorities. Perhaps No. 1 on the list is just getting a job.

Luckily, seasonal hiring is heating up, and job seekers should find opportunities for employment in a variety of different industries. According to CareerBuilder's annual Summer Job Forecast, 29 percent of employers report they plan to hire seasonal workers this summer. While unchanged from 2012, the number is significantly up from an average of 21 percent from 2008 to 2011. Employers in leisure and hospitality (47 percent), manufacturing (34 percent), information techn....

How veterans can prepare for a civilian career

Susan Ricker, CareerBuilder Writer — 5/15/2013 1:36:41 PM

Armed Forces Day is Saturday, May 18, and many Americans will be celebrating and paying tribute to the men and women who serve our country. For those who have completed their time serving, it can be challenging to transition into a job outside of the military. However, there are ways to make the changeover go smoothly. Find out how veterans can prepare for a civilian career and have a successful job search.

Create a clear résumé
Some hiring managers may be unfamiliar with a résumé that includes military experience, especially one that uses unexplained acronyms or roles and responsibilities that may seem unrelated to the open position. Avoid this problem by creating a clear, easily understandable résumé.

"Craft your résumé so it reflects your military experience and connects it to your civilian employment g....

Job hunting after 50: Brand building and marketing

Tony Lewis, Senior Recruiting Specialist, Insperity — 5/15/2013 4:41:21 PM

My efforts to find a new career later in life led me to the career that I have now -- one that I not only enjoy, but that makes a difference in the world. In the previous article of this series, I recounted some of the steps that worked for me in performing a personal inventory so that I would have a better idea of the direction I needed to go for the next stage of my career. In this article, I have already made some key decisions concerning direction after doing some self-evaluation. Now, it's time to build my personal brand that I will use to launch myself in the direction that I have chosen.

Who am I? Brand building and marketing
In the previous article, I recommended doing a personal inventory s....

Why uncertainty is necessary for a career switch

Susan Ricker, CareerBuilder Writer — 5/10/2013 3:17:26 PM

When you're entering the workforce for the first time, it's natural to be nervous about your career and uncertain of how things will turn out. But what about later in life, when you're ready for a change or career switch? You may have years of experience under your belt, but that may not do much to quell your anxiety about what the future holds.

However unsettling it may be, uncertainty is necessary for a career switch. This is especially true for an encore career, or a career change made later in life that combines personal meaning with social purpose. "Encore careers are commonly sparked by something on the work front -- a layoff, the approach of retirement, an itch to reinvent," says Marci Alboher, author of "The Encore Career Handbook: How to make a living and a difference in the second half of life." She adds, "Just as often, an encore is shaped by what's happening outside of work -- ....

Top 5 Most Recent MSN Articles

What it's like to be a temporary worker

As the temperature rises, so do the seasonal job prospects

How veterans can prepare for a civilian career

Job hunting after 50: Brand building and marketing

Why uncertainty is necessary for a career switch