Temporary work is becoming a mainstay in the 2025 UK job market, offering flexibility and rapid skill development for job seekers across sectors. Whether you are new to temping or a seasoned professional, effectively presenting your experience is crucial to making a lasting impression.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a temporary work CV that stands out in 2025, covering what employers expect, how to present your experience, and which skills matter most.
Understanding Temporary Work in the UK Today
A temporary work CV is not the same as a traditional resume. While permanent work CVs frequently demonstrate long-term development and accomplishments, a CV for temporary roles should highlight flexibility, instant availability, and appropriate transferable abilities.
Here’s what employers are generally looking for:
- Evidence of reliability and punctuality
- Ability to learn quickly
- Strong communication skills
- Immediate availability or a short notice period
- Sector-relevant experience, even if limited
Recruiters want to see that you can start quickly and pick up systems and routines without much onboarding. Agencies like Starting Point Recruitment often look for candidates who are consistent in delivering results even in fast-paced or transitional settings.
Formatting and Structuring Your CV for Flexibility and Clarity
When looking for temporary work, being clear is more important than being creative. Use the same fonts and style throughout to keep the format clean and easy to read. A maximum of two pages is best, even for candidates with a wide range of experience.
Contact Details:
Place your full name, phone number, email address and general location at the top of the page. You can also include a link to your LinkedIn profile if it’s updated and reflects your experience.
Personal Statement:
A concise statement of 3 to 4 lines should explain your career focus and availability. Tailor it to the type of work you’re targeting. For example:
“Experienced office assistant available immediately for short-term administrative roles. Skilled in data entry, scheduling and document handling. Reliable, fast learner and confident in busy office settings.”
This signals relevance and readiness to recruiters scanning dozens of CVs.
Key Skills Section:
List your strongest capabilities here using bullet points. These could include:
- Customer service
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- IT proficiency (e.g., Microsoft Office, CRM systems)
- Stock handling
- Telephone etiquette
- Problem-solving
Select skills based on the roles you’re applying for. Temporary jobs vary widely, so don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Showcasing Temporary Work Experience Effectively
When listing your experience, don’t worry if you have multiple short-term roles. Instead, frame them as examples of adaptability and productivity. Use consistent formatting, including:
- Job title
- Employer or agency
- Location
- Dates (month/year)
- Brief bullet-point summary of duties
For example:
Warehouse Operative | Swift Labour Ltd | Birmingham | Mar 2024 – Jun 2024
- Picked and packed goods for retail distribution
- Maintained accurate stock records
- Worked to tight delivery schedules with minimal errors
Temporary contracts through agencies like Starting Point Recruitment may span different clients, so group them logically if they relate to the same field.
If you have gaps between contracts, you can mention voluntary work, training or even personal development like online courses, all of which show a proactive approach.
Education and Training
This section is particularly useful if you’re early in your career or returning to work. Include:
- Name of institution
- Qualification or certification
- Dates attended
Highlight any practical or industry-specific training, such as:
- Manual handling
- Health and safety certifications
- First aid
- IT training
You can also mention completed e-learning courses from professional platforms, which are becoming increasingly recognised in the 2025 UK job market.
Additional Sections That Strengthen Your CV
References: You don’t need to list full contact details here. Simply write Available upon request. However, make sure you have at least two referees who can vouch for your recent work or attitude.
Languages and Licences: If you speak more than one language or hold a full UK driving licence, include it. These details often influence placement decisions in logistics, hospitality and care work.
Add Certifications: Short courses such as First Aid, Health and Safety, or Manual Handling can boost your profile.
Tailoring Your CV for Different Industries
There are a lot of different types of temp work in the UK in 2025. It includes retail, logistics, care work, catering, and office support. Fit is very important. If you’re looking for a job as an administrative assistant, a CV that focuses mostly on warehouse skills might not get you the job.
Top tip: Keep a general master copy of your CV and make tweaks depending on the job advert. Look for clues in job descriptions such as preferred software tools or soft skills, and mirror this language where it makes sense.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Temporary CV
- Overcomplicating job titles: Stick to standard terms that employers recognise.
- Leaving unexplained gaps: A brief mention of travel, study or family commitments helps maintain transparency.
- Forgetting availability: Make it clear when you can start and what hours you’re open to.
- Using vague descriptions: Be specific about your duties and achievements.
Stay Agile in a Competitive Market
Temporary jobs aren’t seen as backups anymore. According to 2025, they offer flexibility, chances to learn new skills, and a chance to try out different jobs.
If you are applying personally or through an agency like Starting Point Recruitment, a well-written CV will help you stand out. The goal isn’t just to get hired; it’s also to show that you’re reliable and flexible so that you can get fixed jobs or regular placements.
Do not forget to keep your CV up to date and be ready for any job opportunities that come your way. Short-term jobs can help you build a rewarding career.