Temporary (Temp) Hiring: This is typically for short-term needs, often to cover for an employee on leave, fill a sudden vacancy, or meet a seasonal increase in demand. The duration can range from a few days to several months. A key characteristic is the speed of placement, as firms often have a pre-vetted pool of candidates ready to start immediately.

 Contract Hiring: This usually refers to longer-term, project-based roles. Contracts can last from a few months up to a year or more. These positions often require specialized skills for a specific project, such as an IT system implementation or a marketing campaign. The individuals are often specialists or consultants hired for their expertise for a set period.

 Temp-to-Hire: Some firms offer this as a “trial period” for a permanent role. A candidate is hired on a temporary basis with the understanding that if they perform well and are a good fit for the company culture, they may be offered a full-time, permanent position after the contract ends. This allows the employer to evaluate the candidate’s skills and fit before making a long-term commitment.