The holidays are nearly here, which means 'tis the season for temporary jobs. This holiday hiring season [3]is projected to be the strongest in four years, but of the 650,000 positions created, only 10 to 20 percent will turn into full-time employment. Turning a temp job into full-time employment can be challenging, but the following tips tell you how to make your holiday gig permanent.
Treat the Temp Job as an Audition
Many companies use seasonal jobs as auditions to find great employees, and you should use the opportunity to show them why you are one. Take the job seriously and don't play into the “get in, get out” attitude felt by many temp workers. Take a longer-term approach that focuses on fulfilling the company's needs instead of your own financial situation.
Treat a temp job [4]the same as you would a full-time, long-term position. Show your professionalism by being punctual, agreeable and reliable. The company is watching you, so put on your best show to prove you will be a long-term asset.
Network with the Right People
As soon as you start your temp job, identify the decision makers. Determine who makes the hiring decisions and get yourself noticed by them. Demonstrate your enthusiasm, make your skills known and become recognizable. Soon after starting, the decision makers should know your name, face and work ethic.
Don't be afraid to toot your own horn a bit with these people. If you feel like you have something to offer, let it be known. Your boss will only know about your great ideas if you communicate them, so have a meeting with your supervisor to talk about your cost-cutting or revenue-generating ideas. Speak up about your desire to stay on with the company and how full-time employment will help you help them.
Stay Connected
The relationships you have built don't have to end with your contract. Even if you are not offered full-time employment now, keep in touch with your bosses and coworkers. If you made a positive impression and stay connected, a job offer may come in the future. Staying connected also means staying fresh in people's minds. Keep in contact and you will be the first person they think of when an opportunity arises.
