More temporary jobs seem to be turning permanent

With unemployment numbers at some of their highest levels, temporary work is becoming an attractive option to those without jobs.

Michael Lane, branch manger of AccountTemps in Raleigh, says more people are seeking temporary work, and experts agree that companies seem to be making temporary workers permanent employees.

Jeannette Moss, director of job placement at Wake Tech, says she is seeing more companies that want to hire candidates on a temporary basis. The challenge, however, is that with more people turning to temporary work, the competition to get those jobs is much greater, she said.

"A lot of the employers are nervous about hiring permanent folks, so they would much rather hire a temp," Moss said.

Right now, directors say the best fields for finding temporary work are in health care, IT or financial services.

"It is an opportunity to kind of audition for a permanent job," Lane said. "So don't necessarily think of a temp job as just a temporary position."

Theresa Cochran became a permanent hire through a temporary job. Nearly two years ago, she lost her job as a data analyst for GlaxoSmithKline.

"It was very difficult, especially after spending 21 years of your life with the company that meant so much to you," Cochran said.

With the help of a temporary-employment service agency, she eventually found work at a bank. Within three months, she was hired full time as an executive assistant.

"I really love it where I'm at," she said. "I'm at home."