Ever wondered why some candidates keep getting called back for new projects while others, despite their experience, don’t seem to catch a recruiter’s eye? In 2025, temporary hiring has evolved. It’s no longer just a quick fix — it’s a long-term workforce strategy for many companies, and expectations from temporary employees are higher than ever.
According to a recent Pixid report, over 60% of employers plan to maintain or even increase the number of temporary contracts in 2025, especially in industries like IT, logistics, digital marketing, and customer support. Even more telling: 80% are willing to reinvest in temporary candidates who bring tangible value.
But what does "tangible value" actually mean to a recruiter? What exactly are they looking for — and how can you stand out without needing a complete career makeover?
Skills Over Certificates: Show What You Can Actually Do
Recruiters today look beyond what's written on your CV. What truly matters is your ability to deliver. For example, if you’ve built automation in Google Sheets or streamlined processes in an inventory system, those practical skills often speak louder than a short course you’ve never applied.
💡What to say or include: "Reduced reporting time by 40% by building a dynamic reporting model." That immediately highlights your real-world impact.
Digital Skills & AI Fluency Set You Apart
Another key trend: the recruitment process itself is increasingly digital. According to Aquent, over 65% of employers now use AI and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) for initial screenings. That means your application is being evaluated by both humans and algorithms.
Moreover, employers expect you to be comfortable using AI tools. You don’t have to be an expert — just open and willing to use tools like ChatGPT can give you a competitive edge.
💡 How to phrase it: "I use ChatGPT to streamline repetitive tasks, summarize documents, or generate content ideas."
Flexibility Means More Than Just Schedule
Flexibility in 2025 isn’t just about working hours — it’s about your ability to adapt quickly to new teams, different workflows, or even completely new responsibilities.
A study by TriStarr found that over 70% of HR managers rank "ramp-up speed" as a critical factor when hiring temporary staff.
💡 Example: "Within two days of starting, I was independently managing customer orders in Platform X, without needing additional support."
Your Attitude Is Just as Important as Your Skills
Even for short-term roles, recruiters want people who are engaged, solution-oriented, and great collaborators. They don’t want someone who’s just there to clock in hours — they want someone who’s proactive and communicative.
According to GoodTime Hiring Statistics, 44% of managers prefer to extend a temp contract rather than restart recruitment — as long as the person showed initiative and responsibility.
💡 How to prove this: "I noticed the team was slow in responding to client messages — often with a 2-3 day delay. I proposed a message management system that helped us label and prioritize communication. We received positive feedback and even client referrals afterward."
Empathy & Collaboration Are Essential
As teams increasingly combine on-site and remote work, your ability to communicate clearly and empathically, and to collaborate across functions, is crucial.
Employers are looking for temporary team members who don’t create friction, who listen well, and who offer constructive feedback.
💡 What to say: "I adapt quickly to new teams. I usually start by listening and understanding the context, then offer support to unblock challenges the team or business might be facing."
A Growth Mindset Makes You Memorable
Even in a temporary role, the desire to learn and grow shows you’re a good investment. According to ZipRecruiter’s Q1 2025 survey, 74% of employers see a learning mindset as a strong indicator of long-term potential.
💡Even in a temporary role, the desire to learn and grow shows you’re a good investment. According to ZipRecruiter’s Q1 2025 survey, 74% of employers see a learning mindset as a strong indicator of long-term potential.
Be Professional When Discussing Salary
Let’s talk about a sensitive — but important — topic: salary expectations. In 2025, many job postings already include salary ranges, but it’s perfectly okay to ask. Recruiters appreciate candidates who know what they want but are also open to dialogue based on role scope and responsibilities.
💡 How to approach it: "I’d like to understand the salary range for this role and discuss the workload and benefits. Clarity is important to me."
Looking for Guidance? Smartemp Can Help you
Smartemp has over 13 years of experience in staffing services and over 10 years working with multinationals. We offer:
- Personalized career consulting – We help you match your skills with the right roles and share current job openings with clear employer expectations.
- Quick access to opportunities – We have direct connections with hiring companies.
- Guidance throughout the entire process. From the interview stage to contract negotiation, Smartemp supports you every step of the way.
After you accept the offer, we will schedule a meeting to provide information regarding the required employment documents, working conditions, and the job description.
The partnership with Smartemp is based on communication, trust, and flexibility. We periodically evaluate the services offered and look for ways to optimize activities for both candidates and companies. We ensure that employees can extend their temporary contracts up to 36 months or explore other temporary work options.
You don’t have to be perfect when job hunting. But you do need to be present, aware, and prepared. In 2025, being a temporary employee means being part of the team — even if only for a short time. And when you understand what recruiters expect, you stand out as the top pick for the next project — or even for a permanent role. prima alegere pentru urmatorul proiect – sau chiar pentru un rol permanent.
Sources:
Pixid – Temporary Staffing Trends 2025
Aquent – 2025 Hiring Trends from Expert Recruiters
TriStarr – 2025 Predictions: Temporary Staffing
ZipRecruiter – New Hires Survey Q1 2025
SelectSoftwareReviews – Recruiting Statistics 2025
Read also:
https://smartemp.ro/2025/06/19/anunt-de-angajare-job-temporar-analiza/