How to List Temporary Work on a Resume Without It Hurting Your Chances

You took on a temp job—maybe to pay the bills, gain experience, or test the waters in a new field. Now you’re wondering how to list it on your resume without looking like a job hopper.

The good news is employers don’t see temp work as a red flag if you present it strategically. In fact, it can highlight your quick learning and ability to thrive in different environments.

This guide will show you how to list temporary work the right way—so it strengthens your resume instead of raising questions.

Let’s get into it.

What is temporary work—busting common misconceptions

Temporary work refers to short-term jobs that fill immediate needs for employers. These roles can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months and are often arranged through staffing agencies or direct hires. Companies bring on temp workers for seasonal rushes, to cover for absent employees, or to test out potential hires before committing to a permanent position.

Some examples of short-term jobs include:

• A retail associate hired for the holiday season
• A data entry clerk covering for someone on leave
• A warehouse worker brought in to handle a big shipment
• A customer service rep helping during peak business times

For younger folks, temp jobs are often the first step into professional experience—whether in an office, a hospital, a call center, or a warehouse. They offer hands-on learning, exposure to different industries, and a paycheck while figuring out long-term career goals.

Why some people think temp work looks bad on a resume

There’s a lingering belief that employers prefer candidates with long-term, stable jobs on their resumes. Because temp work involves short stints at different companies, some people fear it might look like job-hopping or a lack of commitment. Others assume temp jobs don’t add real value to a resume because they’re not serious roles.

Another common misconception is that temp work is a dead-end job—but that’s not necessarily true. If a position is labeled “temp-to-perm” or “temp-to-hire,” there’s a strong chance it could lead to a permanent offer. The key isn’t how others perceive temporary jobs, but rather how well they align with your time, priorities, and career goals.

Why temp work can be valuable for a resume

If framed correctly, your temporary or seasonal work experience shows that:

• You’re adaptable: You’ve learned new tasks fast and adjusted to different workplaces.
• You’re reliable: Companies hired you because they needed someone who could step in and get the job done.
• You’ve gained real experience: Even short-term roles teach valuable skills like customer service, teamwork, and time management.

Instead of treating temp work as a weakness, think of it as proof of your ability to handle change and make an impact—fast. When you describe it the right way, it can absolutely strengthen your resume.

Now, let’s talk about how to do that.

How to include temporary jobs on your resume

Not every job you’ve ever had belongs on your resume. Only list temporary jobs that are relevant to your current job search. This applies to all jobs, not just temp roles. A resume isn’t meant to be a full record of your work history—it’s a targeted document designed to show why you’re a great fit for a specific job.

Here’s how to list temporary work on your resume:

Option 1: One or two temp roles (list like other jobs)

If you’ve had just a couple of relevant temporary roles, detail them in reverse chronological order alongside your other work experience.

You can indicate they were temporary by:

• Adding “(Temporary)” next to the job title
• Mentioning it in the job description

This approach keeps your limited-time gigs blended into your employment history while being transparent about the nature of the role.

Option 2: Multiple temp assignments (group under a staffing agency)

If you worked through a staffing agency and held multiple temp jobs, grouping them together keeps your resume clean and easy to read—just like how we frame contract work on a resume.

Instead of listing each short-term role separately, follow this structure to make your experience look intentional and well-organized:

• Title the section “Temporary Work” or similar.
• State the staffing agency as the employer, along with the location.
• Optionally, provide a brief description of your overall duties.
• Break down individual assignments as bullet points under the agency name.
• Include the respective dates for each assignment.
• Highlight key achievements from each role in a concise, impact-driven sentence.

The example below was created using Enhancv’s AI resume builder:

Both approaches keep your resume clean, readable, and focused on relevant experience—so recruiters can quickly see what you bring to the table.

Below is a template you can use to structure the temp work section on your resume, whether you're creating it in MS Word or any other word-processing platform.

How to format temp work on your resume so it looks impressive

If you just list your temp roles with vague job duties, hiring managers (and ATS) won’t see the value. Instead, use strong action verbs, quantify your impact, and underline relevant technical skills.

Let’s recap what you need to know.

Tailor your temp experience to the job you want

The biggest mistake job seekers make is listing temp jobs without tailoring them to the job ad. If you’re applying for a marketing role, your temp work in retail should highlight skills like sales tracking or promotional event support—not just restocking shelves.

Like so:

Label the position as temporary

Temp work isn’t a long-term commitment, so if you don’t clarify that a role was temporary, a potential employer might assume you were fired or quit unexpectedly. Being transparent about the exact duration of your engagement reassures hiring managers that the role had a defined end date—not that you left on bad terms.

Use strong action verbs

Temp roles often involve stepping into fast-paced environments and making an immediate impact. That’s exactly what hiring managers want to see—so make sure you start every bullet point with a strong action verb that reflects what you actually accomplished.

As in:

Quantify your achievements

Numbers prove your impact. Even in temp jobs, you can usually quantify something—how many customers you helped, how much time you saved, or how many orders you processed.

The same goes for transferable skills (abilities that apply to a wide range of jobs). Instead of simply listing them, integrate these skills into your experience bullets to provide context and make them more credible.

Don’t forget technical skills

Even in short-term roles, you’ve likely used industry-specific tools and software—and both hiring managers and ATS systems look for them. Including these in your work history not only amplifies your expertise but also shifts the focus away from the length of the job.

Maintain consistent formatting

To keep your resume professional and easy to read, present temporary roles in the same format as permanent ones. Use consistent font sizes for job titles, company names, and dates to create a polished look. Ensure spacing and alignment are uniform throughout, so your temp work blends seamlessly into your overall work history rather than standing out as an exception.

See how your current resume scores against a real ATS with our free resume checker.

Three mistakes to avoid when putting temp jobs on a resume

Temporary jobs can enhance your resume—but only if they’re presented the right way. Avoid these common mistakes that can make your temp work look unstructured, misleading, or irrelevant.

Omitting temporary roles

Leaving temp work off your resume can create unexplained employment gaps, which may raise red flags for hiring managers. Even if a temp job was short-term, it still counts as experience—especially if it gave you relevant skills.

So, skip a temp position only if it’s unrelated to your career path or you have stronger experience to showcase.

Misrepresenting the nature of employment

Never stretch the truth to make a temp job look like a permanent one. Transparency matters, and hiring managers can easily verify employment history. If a role was temporary, label it as such—whether in the job title or description.

Here are your options:

• Job title: “Administrative Assistant (Temporary)”
• Under the company name: “Mercury Staffing Agency – Various Assignments”
• In the description: “Short-term role supporting [specific project or coverage].”

Overloading with irrelevant details

Just because you worked a temp job doesn’t mean every detail belongs on your resume. A cluttered work history filled with unrelated responsibilities can make your resume hard to scan and less effective.

Generic job duties don’t add value to your application. Instead, focus on:

• Achievements, not just tasks (e.g., “Increased order accuracy by 20%” instead of “Processed orders”).
• Skills that transfer to your target job (customer service, teamwork, software knowledge).
• Measurable results whenever possible.

Hiring managers spend seconds scanning a resume. Keep your temp job descriptions concise, relevant, and achievement-focused to make the best impression.

Frequently asked questions about temp work on a resume

Still unsure about how to handle temporary jobs on your resume? Here are answers to some of the most common questions job seekers have.

Should I put a three-month job on my resume?

Yes, if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for or helps fill an employment gap. A short-term role can showcase valuable skills, so focus on achievements rather than the duration. If the job was unrelated to your career path and you have stronger experience to highlight, it’s okay to leave it off.

How do I list seasonal work on my resume?

Label it clearly to show that it was a seasonal position and not a job you left early. You can add “(Seasonal)” next to the job title or explain it in the description.

For example:

What’s a better word for a temp worker?

Instead of “temp worker,” try “Temporary [Job Title],” “Contract [Job Title],” or simply the actual job title with “(Temporary)” in parentheses. If you worked through an agency, listing “Staffing Agency Assignments” can also sound more professional.

How do I apply for temporary work in the U.S.?

If you're not a U.S. resident, start by researching temporary worker visa categories and ensuring you meet the necessary legal requirements. Once you understand the process, you can search for temp jobs through staffing agencies, job boards, or direct applications to companies that hire seasonal or short-term workers.

Popular staffing agencies include Robert Half, Kelly Services, and Randstad, while platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Snagajob frequently list temporary job openings.

Conclusion

When presented strategically, temporary work can be a significant asset on your resume, underscoring a diverse skill set and a proactive approach to career development. So, approach your resume as a dynamic document that tells your unique career story, with temporary roles contributing valuable chapters.