How to Convert a Temp Job into a Permanent Position

Temping happens to be one of the most productive strategies to land permanent job positions. In tough economic situations the value of temping becomes even more important. Temporary jobs are your doorway to move into a full time job. According to researches, around 18 percent of temporary jobs are converted into permanent positions every year. If one of your target employers advertises for temporary employment, you can use this opportunity to land a full time job with that employer. On the other hand, this is also true that temp-to-permanent-job leaps are not easy. They take a lot of hard work, strategic planning and time to materialize.

 

If you want to prepare yourself for turning a temporary job into a permanent job position, given below are some useful tips to help you plan your strategy for success.

 

Select Your Target
The first strategic step for jobseekers is to shortlist those temp/ staffing agencies that specialize in finding jobs in your industry or field. The selection needs to done carefully. The best part is that temping opportunities are available almost in every field of industry. A large number of companies use temp help services. So, make a list of your target temporary employment agencies and find out who their biggest clients are. Depending on your specific requirements, you can then sign up with that temp agency and start working for them.

 

Put up a Professional Attitude
Whether it is how you dress or how you behave, you need to put up a professional attitude while temping. Pay respect to everyone in the company. In case you come across a situation where someone treats an employee badly, don't react. Just be respectful of everyone you meet and work with in the company. Your target should be to impress the employer with your professionalism.

 

Work on Your Self Esteem
Most of the permanent employees tend to treat temps as lazybones or shirkers. This is perhaps they have faced some bitter experiences. Don't pay attention to how they behave. Ignore their attitude and continue doing your good work. Remember, this is ‘audition time'. You need to make the most of temping and turn it into a full time job.

 

Exceed Expectations
To prove yourself a superstar at the office, you need to go beyond and exceed expectations. For instance, you have completed your assignment ask your seniors what else you can do. It also gives you an opportunity to show your other skills to the employer. Even when it's quitting time, do not be impatient to rush out the door. While working as a temp, you should display great enthusiasm and outstanding ethic. Once employers start liking your enthusiasm and attitude, it won't be tough to move into a permanent job position.

 

Socializing is Key
Create and find opportunities to socialize with your co-workers and seniors in the client company. Try to build network with supervisors, executives, HR department people, department heads etc. Temping brings jobseekers a wonderful opportunity to build a strong network of professionals.

 

Be Observant
While working as a temp in the client company, you need to keep your eyes and ears open. Use temping to know in details the whereabouts of the company and its future goals. Try to identify the needs of the company. Ask questions, as it will show your enthusiasm and interest. When you know more about the client company and its working method, you will be in a better position to convert your temporary job into a permanent one. If you hear of permanent job positions being filled internally, ask for a full time job.

 

Even if you don't move into a permanent position by the time your temping assignment ends, don't be discouraged. A lot of opportunities will come your way. However, remember to send a thank-you note or email to the employer you temped for. Be in touch with them, as they are now an important part of your professional network.