How to Transition from Being a Temp to a Permanent Employee

Being a temp worker has a lot of pros. 

Temp work provides flexibility. It expands your social and professional network. It lets you test-run different industries and keep your skill sets relevant. It helps you keep working between jobs and contributes to your resume. It also lets you get your foot in the door for a permanent job that you’ll love. 

Transitioning from temp to permanent work is a fantastic career route. Some temp jobs purposely transition employees from temps to permanent hires over time. These roles, called temp-to-hire, let employers hire temp workers for a specific time frame (usually three to six months) with the option of offering a job at the end of that tenure, depending on employee performance and other factors. The future offer isn’t guaranteed, but the possibility exists. On the other hand, a regular temp job is typically a standalone job designed to fulfill a short-term or seasonal need. However, don’t be deterred from pursuing temp jobs! Many employers use temporary assignments to assess a candidate's fit, skills, and work ethic in a real-world environment. Even a temp job can lead to a permanent hire. 

Tips for Transitioning into Permanent Employment 

Meet (and Exceed) Expectations. 

You’re there to do a job, and you’re there to do it well. Demonstrate dependability and commitment by fulfilling even the most mundane tasks with excellence. 

Meeting expectations is just “permission to play.” If you want to make a lasting impression, go the extra mile. Show genuine enthusiasm. Maintain professional communication and behavior. Ask for additional work and go beyond your job requirements. Be open to feedback, hone your skill sets, and be willing to learn. 

However, don’t let exceeding expectations distract you from the task at hand! 

Adapt to the Culture. 

Every company has its own culture, history, and vision. Learn about the company and its origins. Learn about the organization’s structure, goals, and core values. Assimilate the company culture to learn how your job affects the overarching company vision. Learn about different company roles to show you’re willing to embrace the organization’s mission and grow with the company. 

Showcase Unique Skillsets. 

What special skills do you possess? Can those skills benefit your team? Let the manager know what you can do. Then, ask if you can use those skills to help the company. This strategy brings your skill sets to light and demonstrates your willingness to be a team player. 

Network with Other Employees. 

Take the time to build relationships with your co-workers. Building genuine connections shows that you care about collaboration and teamwork. (It also helps create a picture of you as a permanent part of the team.) And even if this job doesn’t transition into a permanent role, networking promotes overall career success! You never know where a pocketful of connections can land you! 

Express Interest in Staying On. 

If you are interested in a permanent position, let your manager know! Being a top-notch temp worker (who wants to stick around) won’t do you any good if no one knows you want to stay! Demonstrate flexibility by being open to other spots within the company. Sometimes, full-time positions may be unavailable. Budgetary constraints or hiring freezes may be why the company partnered with a staffing agency. Share your contact info with all relevant parties, then wait patiently for a follow-up! 

Are you looking for your next career step? Perhaps temp work is the next right thing for you and just the thing you need to get your foot in the door at your dream job! At Career Concepts, we’ve been helping the right people find the right job for over 50 years. Contact us today, and let’s get started!