Need work now?
If you’re looking for something that starts straight away, temporary work could be the ideal solution. It’s not just about filling a gap in your CV – it’s about gaining skills, expanding your network, and getting paid while you figure out your next move. Plus, with thousands of recruiters actively looking for staff on Reed.co.uk right now, finding a role that fits your schedule has never been easier.
Never tried temping and want to learn more? Here’s what you need to know:
What is a temporary job?
A temporary job is a role you take on for a specific period rather than an indefinite one.
This could be anything from covering a single day’s shift to a 12-month contract covering maternity leave.
While the duration varies, most temporary assignments share one common trait – employers usually need you to start immediately.
What are the benefits of temping?
This mutually beneficial arrangement means employers get the support they need during busy periods (like the Christmas rush or a major project launch), and you get:
- Flexibility: Work when you want, where you want.
- Variety: Try different industries before settling down.
- Speed: The hiring process is often much faster than for permanent roles.
- Experience: Learn a range of new systems and soft skills.
Essentially, it’s a ‘try before you buy’ scenario for your career.
Pay and benefits for temporary and agency workers
How to make yourself available for temporary work
Because temporary roles often move quickly, recruiters need to know who is ready to go now. So if you’re hidden away in a database looking like you’re on a six-month sabbatical, you’re going to miss out.
Luckily, we’ve made it incredibly simple to flag your status to recruiters on Reed.co.uk. Here’s our step-by-step guide:
1. Update your profile
When you sign into your Reed.co.uk profile, you’ll be prompted to indicate your availability. Here, you can choose to make yourself available immediately or set a specific date for when you can start.
2. Update your availability settings
You can also edit your availability at any time throughout that seven day window via the availability settings section. You can update your settings whenever you like: and the more you do, the better your chances of being hired.
3. Tell recruiters what hours you want
Saying you’re ‘available’ doesn’t mean you have to be ready to work 24/7 – so we give you a wide range of options to tell recruiters exactly when you can work; from mornings, afternoons, evenings, and nights, through to weekends or shift work only.
4. Stand out to recruiters with a badge
Once you’ve completed the above steps, your profile will appear with an ‘Availability Confirmed’ badge next to it when recruiters search our CV database, allowing you to instantly stand out as being ready to work.
And remember – recruiters can also see when you last updated your settings. So to avoid missing out and to boost your visibility, always keep your profile up-to-date.
How to find a temporary job
Getting started with temporary work means more than just making yourself available – it’s also about putting yourself in the best position to secure a role quickly. Here’s how you can be proactive and improve your chances of landing the right temporary job:
Tailor your CV for temporary roles
Recruiters hiring for temporary positions move fast and focus on essentials. This means that your CV should clearly show that you have the skills and experience to start immediately, as well as the flexibility to adapt to new environments. Here’s how to do it:
- Highlight specific skills relevant to the job you want, such as familiarity with CRM systems, Microsoft Excel, or POS systems.
- Emphasise your flexibility by including examples where you picked up new tasks or adapted to new teams quickly.
- Refer to previous temporary work experience (if you have it), and mention any positive feedback, short ramp-up times, or successful project completions.
- Keep your CV concise, well-organised, and free from jargon, as this allows recruiters to find the important details quickly.
Tip: You can use a free CV template from Reed.co.uk to help format your CV for temporary work.
How to tailor your CV to a job description
Use the right job search filters
Most job boards, including Reed.co.uk, let you filter your search results by job type, which is a great way to ensure your search results only feature temporary roles.
You can also refine your search by:
- Adding keywords such as ‘Temporary’ or ‘Contract’, in addition to searching for broad terms like ‘Marketing’ or ‘Admin’ to zero in on roles with quick start dates.
- Looking for roles labeled ‘Immediate start’, ‘Urgent’, or ‘Short-term contract’ in the job description to identify positions with fast hiring cycles.
- Setting up job alerts using your preferred filters so you’re notified as soon as new positions appear.
Browse all immediate start temporary jobs
Register with specialist recruitment agencies
Many temporary roles are filled through agencies rather than being advertised publicly. Building a good relationship with the right agency can give you early access to new opportunities.
- Identify agencies that specialise in your field – whether it’s construction, office admin, education, hospitality, or another sector.
- Register on their websites and, if possible, arrange a quick introduction call to discuss your skills, interests, and availability.
- Keep your agency updated on your availability and preferred working hours, as this increases your chances of being contacted for last-minute openings.
How do recruitment agencies work?
Job sites vs. recruitment agencies: What’s the difference?
Network to make your interest known
A lot of temporary roles are filled through word of mouth and referrals, so it pays to let your network know that you’re job hunting.
- Post an update on LinkedIn highlighting your availability for temporary or short-term work.
- Reach out to friends, family, and former colleagues who may know of opportunities or can recommend you.
- Join online forums, local community groups, or industry-specific networks, as employers sometimes post temporary openings in these spaces.
Taking these steps will help you get noticed by recruiters and access a wider range of temporary job opportunities. The more proactive you are, the quicker you’ll find the right fit.
Five of the best temp jobs
Not sure where to start? Some industries rely on temporary staff more than others. Here are five of the best temporary jobs you could be doing right now:
Administrative/HR/Secretarial roles
What they do: Temp workers are particularly common in the admin, HR, and secretarial fields where they offer a wide range of clerical support. Their duties vary depending on the role, but could involve anything from typing correspondence and organising paperwork, through to greeting guests and scheduling meetings.
What you need: Excellent communication skills, alongside a high level of computer literacy and a methodical approach to working. You won’t usually need a degree, as employers will place precedence on your relevant skills and experience.
What you can earn: With the 2026 National Living Wage rising to £12.71 per hour, you’re looking at a baseline of around £24,000 per year (pro-rata), rising to £32,000+ for specialist roles.
Perfect for: People who can make anything run smoothly.
Our advice: If you’re struggling to land a temp job in these fields, consider studying for a qualification. Industry-leading certifications like CompTIA or CIPD, along with any other courses that aim to quantify your computer and interpersonal skills, will speak volumes about your abilities – especially if you don’t have much office experience.
View all temporary Admin, Secretarial & PA jobs
HGV/LGV Driver
What they do: Drive anything from articulated Lorries and tankers, to transporters and trailer wagons, in order to transport and deliver goods between suppliers and customers. They’re also responsible for planning delivery schedules, completing paperwork, and other admin tasks.
What you need: Great driving ability and knowledge of road safety, along with excellent concentration skills. Whilst a lot of your time will be spent alone on the road, you’ll also interact with customers and suppliers – meaning a good attitude is key. A full driving license, a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC), and HGV/LGV licenses specific to your vehicle are essential.
What you can earn: Salaries typically start around £28,000 and can rise significantly with experience and overtime – especially during peak seasons.
Perfect for: People who have a need for speed safe and careful driving.
Our advice: If you’re not sure where to start, carrying out an apprenticeship is a great way to work your way into this role – with most roles offering on-the-job training. Any previous experience, HGV training certificates, or licenses in driving large vehicles are also definite pluses.
View all temporary HGV Driver jobs
View all temporary Transport & Logistics jobs
Retail roles
What they do: Sell the products and services of their business, and provide excellent customer service. They could offer a broad range of support, as a Sales Assistant, or specialise in a certain area (e.g. merchandising, buying, or management). But no matter what they do, they’re absolutely essential to manage busy periods (see also: keep angry shoppers under control).
What you need: Confidence, approachability, patience, and an ability to communicate with all kinds of people. Knowledge of what you’re selling is additionally important in order to provide customers with the right advice. A natural talent for handling the ‘it isn’t scanning so it must be free’ joke may also be helpful.
What you can earn: Usually starts at the National Living Wage (£12.71/hour), but management roles pay significantly more.
Perfect for: People who aren’t afraid of crowds.
Our advice: Retail employers will place precedence on your personality – meaning it can be the key to standing out. So focus on examples of your soft skills and essential attributes (e.g. politeness, friendliness, resilience) in your CV or cover letter, and drawing attention to any relevant experience (e.g. customer service work) that proves you’re a good fit.
How to become a Sales Assistant
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View all temporary Retail jobs
Supply Teacher
What they do: Act as a temporary replacement for an absent Teacher, whether it’s at primary, secondary, or sixth form level. Alongside preparing lessons, educating pupils, marking work, and other teaching responsibilities – they must also adapt their methods for different schools, age ranges, and situations.
What you need: Supply Teachers will need the same skills and qualifications as full-time Teachers; so aside from having carried out Initial Teacher Training (ITT), you’ll need to be innovative, creative, and organised. Flexibility is also extremely important for supply teaching roles.
What you can earn: Supply Teachers are paid at an hourly or daily rate, which is calculated in line with the salary they’d get if they worked full-time. This usually equates to a pro-rata salary of £30,000 – £45,000 depending on location and experience.
Perfect for: People who want to go back to school.
Our advice: Becoming a fully qualified Teacher is the first step to migrating into supply teaching. To gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you’ll need to carry out a year-long ITT programme – which could be school or university based. Those teaching at secondary level will also need a degree in their chosen subject. Gaining teaching experience (e.g. as a Teaching Assistant) may also help.
View all temporary Supply Teacher jobs
View all temporary Education jobs
Warehouse Operative
What they do: Pick, pack, and transport a wide range of goods, whether it’s for a large retailer, distribution company, or manufacturer. They may also be responsible for carrying out quality control checks, daily reports, and stock takes. Whilst temp work in this industry is available all year round, it’s particularly common during peak times (e.g. Christmas). Elf costume optional.
What you need: Good physical strength, along with a reliable (and speedy) work ethic. You’ll also need to adhere to health and safety regulations, communicate effectively, and work well in a team. You won’t need any specific qualifications to get started.
What you can earn: Hourly rates often sit above the minimum wage, especially for night shifts or forklift drivers.
Perfect for: People who are really good at Tetris.
Our advice: Employers in this industry are not only looking for candidates who can prove they’d be great at the job – they’re also looking for people who can be flexible; whether it’s with location, job role, or working hours. After all, temp work in this field is likely to involve carrying out a wide range of tasks (often during unsociable hours) with strict deadlines, so a can-do attitude is key. You may also benefit from relevant qualifications in warehouse work or forklift driving.
How to become a Warehouse Operative
View all temporary Warehouse Operative jobs
View all temporary Manufacturing jobs
Honourable mentions: Care Worker, Healthcare Assistant, IT Technician, Accountant, Chef, Nursery Nurse, Cleaner, Carpenter, Electrician.
Looking for temporary work? View all available temporary jobs now.
