Temporary positions are becoming more and more common. They are convenient for both employees, and employers. With temporary positions comes flexibility, and less commitment. Of course, it’s still important to show up and stay for your designated contract period. But what happens when you love the position? What if you don’t want it to end? Here are our tips on how to turn a temporary position, into a permanent one.
Have a good attitude
This should really be the case from day one. Check out our tips on how to make an impression on your first day! How you behave in the workplace says a lot about you, and the company will notice. Do you take your position seriously? Are you always looking for ways to help? Do you get along with coworkers and management? These are all ways to get noticed by the company and make them realize they don’t want to let you go.
Show your dedication
Show up every day, on time. Just because it’s labeled a “temp job” doesn’t mean you aren’t an important part of the team. Be reliable, dedicate time to help. Dedicated workers stand out, regardless of your employment status. As a temp, you are already being viewed as an “outsider” so take advantage of that! Do research, suggest new ideas, chime in with any tips you may have.
Earn your spot
Just like you earned your temporary employment, you will have to earn a long-term opportunity to stay with the company. You are not “entitled” to get hired, it’s a privilege. Track your performance, take on additional tasks (if your workload allows it), prove to your employer what a great asset you are. Every coworker you have has also had to prove themselves, this isn’t any different. Be prepared to really work hard, that’s what they will look for.
Pay attention to what’s going on
In some cases, someone may resign or be terminated during your assignment. This could be the perfect opportunity to address your desire to join the company on a long-term basis. If you hear of a job opening within the company, ask about it! As long as you have shown your dedication, and maintained a good attitude, there’s a good chance you will be considered!
Showcase your skills
Don’t be shy to show what you can contribute to the company. Be confident in your abilities, but don’t oversell yourself. Do what you do best in your position and let them take notice. Don’t hold back, employers like to see people confident in what they do, it helps them to feel relief knowing they found the right employee.
It is not uncommon for a temporary position to turn permanent. As long as it is a great fit for both you and the employer. They are not going to bring you aboard without good reason, so expect to work hard. Really take the time to watch what happens around you, look to the management team to see how they operate and take some tips from them! Network within the company so that when the time comes, you have people on your side supporting the conversion.
