Tips for Going from Temp to Perm Employment

A temp to perm job is a position that starts as a temporary job but has the possibility of turning into a permanent position. In some cases, the employer designs the position from the start as temp to perm, and in other cases, if you are excellent at what you do, the employer will ask you to stay on. Temp to perm jobs are often created for specific projects or to help a department through a busy season.

Advantages of temp to perm for employees

There are several advantages to taking a temp to perm job for both the employee and the employer. As a temporary employee:

You can take the job for a test drive

If you are considering a career change but are not sure if the work is a good fit for your personality and skill set, a temporary position or a temp-to-perm position provides an opportunity to check it out. You can spend a few months learning about the job and decide if it is something you could do long term.

Add to your resume

Whether you have gaps in your resume because of leaving the workforce for several years, or you need to develop skills for the next step in your career, a temp to perm position allows you to expand your resume. Even if you only work in the job for a few months, the skills you learn should go on your resume.

You can determine if you like the company culture

 It doesn’t take long to get a feel for a company’s culture, and a temp to perm position provides an opportunity to see how management and team leaders run their departments.

Provide an income stream while you decide what you want to do in the future

If you are not sure where you want to go next in your career, a temp to perm position provides an income stream while you try out a new job and determine if you want to do it long term.

You’ll stand out among other non-temp applicants

With many qualified applicants applying for the same job, working in a temp to perm position will make you stand out from others applying for the same job. It allows you to show an employer what you can do and increase your chances of getting a long-term position.

You’re Not Restricted to Just One Job

You don’t have to think about a temp to perm position as the only opportunity. If you work one job and decide you don’t like it, try again. This type of job gives you the freedom to try new several new things and you can keep trying until you find the one you want to stay with.

How to turn your temp assignment into a permanent position

Turning a temp position into a permanent job is all about showing your ability to be a contributor as a full-time permanent employee. You can do this by:

Being a team player

Career development is often about soft skills and strengths. If you demonstrate that you are a team player and willing to align yourself with the company’s values and mission, you’ll become a valued employee. First impressions are very important with temp to perm positions, so show up with a good attitude and throw yourself into the role.

Being reliable

If your manager and team know that you are always the one they can count on to show up on time and put in the extra work when needed, they won’t be able to continue without you. You can show your reliability by:

• Arriving on time every day
• Demonstrating commitment by going above and beyond
• Meet all deadlines
• Be consistent
• Follow through by doing what you say you are going to do

Supporting team members

Always be ready and willing to help out your team members. When problems come up, be the first to offer assistance. You will increase your chances of getting positive attention from your employer if they see you working to help others.  Support team members by:

• Use open and honest communication.
• Show empathy

Even though you might be the new person on the team, showing support for others that you work with makes you a desirable employee.

Working independently

Working independently will show management that you can get the job done. It can be difficult if you start a completely new job with duties that you are not familiar with, but once you learn the ropes, find ways to resolve questions and issues without always having to rely on others.

Knowing when to ask for help

While working independently is the key to success, you also need to know went to ask for help. Getting the job done right is essential so if you can’t do it right on your own, ask the appropriate person for help.

Keeping a positive attitude

You’ll achieve more success in the workplace by keeping a positive attitude. This applies to your work, towards your colleagues, and toward the company.

Networking

Networking on the job when you want to make your temp position permanent is just as important as networking to get the job. Keep in touch with your contacts and network with the people around you. Make a point to meet co-coworkers and establish connections with people throughout the company. You never know when the connection might come in handy.

Tips for selling yourself and your skills in a temp to perm position

Work as if you are a permanent employee

Go into your temp position with the attitude of a permanent employee. Don’t act like you are only going to be there for a few months, and you’ll perform your job duties as an important member of the team. You can do this by:

• Asking questions
• Exceed goals including getting work done ahead of deadlines and adding extra, pertinent information
• Find ways to make the job more efficient

Be clear about your interest in a permanent position

Your boss can’t read your mind, so you need to let them know you want the permanent position. It doesn’t have to be a secret that you want to move from temp to perm, and it’s up to you to make sure the right people in the organization know this.

Treat every day like an interview

Treat your time as a temp employee as a long interview or an audition for the permanent position. In many cases, the company is using the temp to perm position as a way to find out if the employee has a good work ethic, fits the company culture, and can do the job before they make a final offer. The temp to perm position works both for the employee and the employer as a way to try each other out.

Go above and beyond

Temp employees often have a specific role on the team and have specific duties. Once you’ve completed these tasks for the day, you can ask for more. This shows your employer that you have enthusiasm and a willingness to learn new things. Performing more than what’s required of you makes you stand out.

Connect with your co-workers and your boss

Do your best to fit in with your coworkers and your team. Participate in company activities and become an integral part of the organization. You can also connect with your boss. Stay in contact with them on all your projects and make an impression by arriving at meetings on time and adding to the conversation and exchange of ideas.

No matter what your future career plans are, going from temp employee to a permanent job is one of the best ways to take your employment and career to the next level.

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