What Is the Difference Between Contract, Interim and Temporary Jobs?
Reviewed by Genevieve Schofield, February 2025
In today’s job market, there are many different types of roles available depending on the company’s requirements. Does the business need a maternity cover for the Head of Communications? Are they after a Project Manager for a new digital marketing campaign? Or do they simply require an extra pair of hands to help during the busiest part of the year?
Terms such as contract,interimand temporaryare sometimes used interchangeably which can lead to some confusion. While they're all non-permanent positions, fundamentally each role type has a different operational level. But what are the key differences?
Contract
Interim
Temporary
Hired for projects or cover – e.g. maternity leave
Hired for projects or cover – e.g. change programmes
Contract jobs are the most common type of non-permanent position for communications and marketing professionals.
Contractors are usually brought in for a specific project which requires expertise or to cover an extended absence (such as maternity cover or long-term sick leave). As a contractor, you can command a substantial amount of flexibility, and if your skills are in demand, you can be more selective in terms of the jobs you take.
As a contract worker, you will receive the same benefits as permanent employees such as holiday allowance and pension contributions. Most common contracts are on a fixed-term basis (FTC) and usually span over the period of 6 to 12 months, but you can also be hired on a rolling contract, depending on the project or length of absence covered.
What Is an Interim Position?
Interims are usually hired in senior positions within the communications and marketing sectors, and need to make an immediate impact on a department or project. Unlike contractors, who are hired on a fixed-term basis, interim professionals, who are experts in their field, will see a job through until the end.
As an interim professional, your skills will be highly sought after, meaning salaries are often lucrative and paid at a day-rate. According to the IR35 legislation, you can either be self-employed or on the company’s payroll.
Depending on the IR35 status,benefits may vary. Generally, interim positions appeal to professionals who want to remain flexible in their work patterns, with the opportunity to earn an executive wage.
What Is a Temporary Job?
As a temporary worker (sometimes referred to as a temp) you will often be hired and paid via an agency, rather than being employed directly through the company. It is unusual for temporary workers to receive the same benefits as permanent employees; however, some people prefer the flexibility and convenience of this type of employment.
“Temping” is a good way to get a taste of different industries and gain experience at the start of your career or while you are still in education. It is also a good way of getting back into work after a period of unemployment.
Often temporary workers get offered a permanent position if the employer needs to keep the role on.
