Resume Tips for Temp & Contract Roles

Applying through a staffing agency is a little different from applying directly to a company. Your resume needs to quickly communicate your availability, flexibility, and most relevant skills — because recruiters are often matching dozens of candidates to multiple openings at once.

Lead With a Strong Summary

Skip the generic objective statement. Instead, open with a 2-3 sentence professional summary that highlights your core skills, years of experience, and what type of work you're looking for. This is the first thing a recruiter reads.

List Temp & Contract Roles Clearly

If you've worked temp jobs before, list them clearly. Include the staffing agency name, the client company (if permitted), your role, and the duration. Don't hide temp work — it demonstrates adaptability, which is a major plus.

• Format: Job Title | Company (via Agency Name) | Start Date – End Date
• Include bullet points on key responsibilities and achievements
• Mention if you were asked to extend or convert to permanent

Highlight Transferable Skills

Temp roles often span multiple industries. Focus on skills that translate across settings: time management, teamwork, communication, attention to detail, equipment operation, data entry, customer service, and so on.

Keep It Concise

One page is ideal for most temp and contract roles, especially if you have under 10 years of experience. Recruiters review many resumes quickly — clear formatting and bullet points win over dense paragraphs every time.

Include Certifications and Licenses

Forklift certification, food handler's card, OSHA 10, CDL, healthcare certifications — whatever you have, list it. These can be the deciding factor when two candidates are otherwise equal.