Many employers use temporary employees to fill important vacancies, to cover a full-time employee’s illness or vacation, or to help with a seasonal project, among other reasons. In many cases, employers prefer to hire a temporary, pre-screened employee from a staffing company, rather than locating, interviewing, and hiring someone on their own. On the flip side, temporary work is an excellent option for job seekers in transition – such as those who are just starting their career, changing careers, or returning to work after a long break.

If you’ve recently relocated or want to relocate during your job search, temporary positions can be a great way to make money while you search for a permanent position. Rather than conduct a job search from far away or sleep on a friend’s couch, you can also begin the other details of settling down, like looking for an apartment.

Not used to setting an alarm clock and sliding into a button-down shirt? If you’ve recently graduated, temping can help you get some real-world experience, save money, and get your feet wet in a professional environment. Temp work can train you in your new nine-to-five routine and give you a feel for office culture.

Finally, temp work can be an important tool in choosing a career. Temporary work is available in a wide variety of fields. Therefore, if you can land a position in an industry that you are considering, it is a great way to get solid, on-the-ground insight into the field. In fact, long-term temp jobs often lead to offers of full-time employment so, if you found a good match, you might walk away with a career.