How to Convert Your Short-Term Positon into a Full-Time Job

In today’s dynamic job market, temporary roles are becoming increasingly common and can serve as a stepping stone to full-time employment.

Temporary positions offer numerous benefits for both employers and job seekers. Companies often use these roles to meet seasonal demands, access talent without long-term commitments, or evaluate the need for a permanent position. Recent data from HRD Magazine shows that agency contract roles in Australia and New Zealand have nearly doubled, growing from 1.1% in the first quarter to 2.2% in the third quarter of 2023.

Many of these temporary positions come with the potential for permanent employment, often referred to as “temp-to-hire” arrangements. If you’re considering a temporary role or are already in one, these five strategies can help you increase your chances of securing a full-time offer and turning your short-term gig into a lasting career opportunity.

Five strategies to excel in your temp role

1. Showcase your skills

To showcase your skills in a temporary role, focus on making a strong impression from day one. If you show that you take a temporary or contract role seriously, your employer is far more likely to offer the role to you, should it become permanent.

Make sure you are eager to show what you can do, and excel in every task. We recommend taking on every task enthusiastically and professionally, completing it to the best of your ability. Take initiative by volunteering for additional tasks that align with your strengths and the company’s needs. Keep your eyes open for opportunities to learn, and take the initiative to develop new skills that could help your team.

2. Demonstrate adaptability

This is a fast-paced world, and the pace of change is no different. We all have to be able to pivot and adapt quickly to change. One great way to turn that temporary posting into a permanent job is to demonstrate your ability to adapt.

If your role involves learning systems or processes, do your best to become familiar with them quickly. Spend the time dedicated to learning the ropes, and writing down any systems or processes you’ll have to use.

Documenting does two things: it helps to show whoever is teaching you that you are serious about remembering what you are taught, and it helps to solidify it in your memory (especially if it is handwritten). It also never hurts to have something to refer to if you forget a step.

3. Display commitment

Employers like to see commitment. So, what exactly is the best way to display yours?

We recommend a few different ways to show your commitment to a company, team or role:

• Deliver high-quality work consistently and ahead of deadlines.
• Where appropriate, offer to take the lead, and do so successfully.
• Research the company’s mission and goals and work out ways to show how well you align with them.
• Attend and participate in any training sessions or workshops.

4. Build relationships & network

In any job, temporary or permanent, it’s a good idea to build good relationships. The saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” is often true. A good professional network is worth more than any single job, even a permanent one.

Do your best to cultivate and encourage positive relationships with your manager or supervisor, as well as your colleagues. Doing so will allow all parties to imagine you more clearly as a permanent member of the team, making a permanent offer more likely. And even if this role doesn’t end up being permanent, you never know when you’ll need a professional connection somewhere down the road.

5. Express interest in a permanent position

Some temporary or contract employees like the novelty and frequent change that comes with the work, but if you are looking for a permanent role, make sure everyone relevant knows it. Bring it up in meetings with your supervisor or manager, let HR at your company know, and get in touch with recruiters who can canvas their networks on your behalf.

While you’re in a temporary role, take advantage of access to internal job postings and apply for roles you’re interested in and qualified for. Make it abundantly clear to anyone that you are excited and keen to work for the company you are in. That way, when permanent roles become available, you are the first person they think of to fill it.

Turn your temp role into a permanent one

There are many benefits of taking on temporary work. They can add extra experiences and skills to your CV or resume. A temp job can also give you access to a company or team you may otherwise never have interacted with, along with access to internal job postings.

If you’re keen to take the temp-to-perm route, aim to showcase your skills, demonstrate ability to change, display commitment, and build great relationships with your team members. If you’re looking for a temporary or permanent role, get in touch and chat to one of our consultants today.