Why taking short term work during COVID-19 is a good thing
1 Demonstrates tenacity and drive
Being in between jobs is often not much fun and it can leave you downbeat or worried about the future.
However, taking a temporary, short-term role especially during this period of instability with COVID-19, can demonstrate to future potential employers that you have real drive and tenacity. Skills that any employer would be surely lucky to have!
2 Shows community and social spirit
Many of the temporary jobs that are available during COVID-19 are in essential worker positions, ranging from working in a social care setting, through to temporary supermarket or fruit picking type positions.
Showing that you were available and willing to work in a role perhaps outside of your comfort zone or usual career expectations, shows that you were happy during this period of national crisis to step up and show social community spirit.
3 Do you want to work for a company that sees a filler-job as detrimental?
Any potential employer who sees taking a short-term job during COVID-19 as detrimental to the overall quality of your CV, is perhaps revealing a sign that they are not the type of employer you would want to work for!
4 Shows flexibility and ability to adapt / change
The impact of COVID-19 on startup jobs and full-time roles, in general, has come as a shock to most. After all, the UK economy was in a pretty healthy state only just a month or two ago. So, showing flexibility and an ability to adapt and take a short-term job is a really good skill to be able to demonstrate on a CV.
5 Covers gaps
If you’ve found yourself out of work all of a sudden, it may well be that your dream London career in a tech-startup is on hold for at least a few months. A CV with COVID-19 related gaps on it is of course very explainable and understandable.
However, if you can demonstrate on your CV some level of short-term work, volunteering or online skills-based learning, during this period, even better. Also, taking a short-term job, or even volunteering during COVID-19 will mean that gaps are covered, and when in an interview could give you something really meaningful to talk about.
6 Change of scene and experience
Perhaps you have just stepped out of a high-pressured role. With this in mind, it might be that this period of instability actually allows you to experience something new, at a more relaxed pace, and with less immediate work-related stress.
Of course, we appreciate that this period may not be too easy, as less pay comes with other big concerns, but at least trying to embrace the situation can be a better way of coping all-round.
7 You never know who you are going to meet
A new role, new experiences and new connections! You never know who you are going to meet at a new company and by taking a short-term role you are adding to your network, potentially making new friends and making new connections who could be invaluable to your career going forward.
TableCrowd talent is a startup focused recruitment agency based in London. If you’re looking for a new startup job send us your CV, but before you do check out this blog post on CV writing.