What to Know Before Hiring a Temporary Employee

Hiring a temporary employee can offer major advantages depending on your organization's needs. Whether you're dealing with an unexpected absence, scaling a team, or managing a short-term project, temporary hires can bring flexibility and valuable support.

Why Hire a Temporary Employee?

1. Fill Unexpected Gaps

Temporary employees can step in when a team member is suddenly out—due to leave, illness, or personal reasons.

2. Support Growth Without Long-Term Commitment

For growing teams with limited headcount or budget, temps can help manage workload without the commitment of a full-time hire.

3. Evaluate Fit Before Committing

Temporary roles can be a great way to assess mutual fit before offering a permanent position—beneficial for both employer and employee.

4. Project-Based Help

Need help for a short-term project or busy season? Temps can provide immediate support for defined periods—even just a few days.

What You Should Know Before Hiring

1. Understand the Talent Pool

Temporary employees are often:

• Between jobs
• Switching industries or career paths
• Seeking short-term roles (e.g. summer-only, while in school, or alongside a part-time job)
• Some may prefer the flexibility that temp work offers, even if their resume looks "jumpy"—don’t overlook these candidates.

2. Be Realistic About Skills

The more specific your skill requirements, the narrower your talent pool. Focus on must-have skills rather than a long list of “nice-to-haves” to increase your chances of finding the right fit.

3. Move Quickly

Temporary talent moves fast. They’re typically looking to start work immediately. If your process involves multiple rounds of interviews, you risk losing them to a company that acts faster.

4. Align Expectations

Many temps are also seeking permanent roles. If your temp assignment is mission-critical:

5. Have a backup plan in case they receive another offer

Prioritize candidates whose availability aligns with your full timeline

6. Consider the Nature of the Relationship

Temporary employees are not technically your employees - they're paid by the staffing agency and not eligible for your company benefits.

However, they will be supervised by your team and should be treated as valued contributors.

How to Set Temporary Employees Up for Success

To get the most from your temporary hire:

1. Create a plan

Share assignment timelines, working hours, and expectations just as you would with a new hire.

2. Provide clear feedback

Let them know what they’re doing well and where they can improve.

3. Make them feel included

Invite them to team meetings or outings when appropriate, and offer autonomy where possible.

Hiring a temporary employee can be a smart, strategic move—especially when approached with clarity, speed, and thoughtful onboarding. With the right mindset and preparation, a temp can become one of your team’s most impactful short-term assets.