Signs Your Temp Job Will Become Permanent
You've been on a temporary assignment for a few months, but you're looking for a full-time role. You love the company you're working for and think you're a perfect match. You may even think the supervisor has dropped some hints about a permanent job. Now you're wondering if you should delay your job search and wait for an offer, or if you should start interviewing with other companies. If you're eager to find a permanent position, if your temporary employment is nearing its end, or if your temp-to-hire job is still temporary after several months, you may be anxious to know if your employer is considering making you a full-time employee. Are there any signs you can look for to determine whether you have a chance of receiving a job offer? Or is it time to move on to a new opportunity?
Can Temporary Positions Turn into Permanent Positions?
If your job is "temp-to-hire," then there is excellent potential that your temporary position will become permanent. After all, a temp-to-hire employer has open roles to fill and is simply using the temporary period as a trial to make sure an employee has the required skills and is a good fit for the role. As long as you are doing well and don't have any issues with attendance, reliability, or performance, you will likely be offered a full-time role after a standard temporary period (usually about 3 to 6 months).
On the other hand, there are no guarantees that temp jobs will turn into permanent employment. In most cases, temporary roles are just that: temporary. However, it is possible that an outstanding temporary worker may receive an offer if an opening is available. Regardless, you always want to put your best foot forward, whether you're in a temporary or temp-to-hire role.
What Are Some Signs Your Temporary Job Could Become Permanent?
There are many excellent reasons to take a temporary job, whether you currently prefer temporary work or are still looking for the right permanent opportunity. However, if you're a temporary employee who is looking for full-time employment, you might be wondering if it's possible for your current position to become a permanent one. While none of the following indicators guarantee that you're being considered for a permanent position, if you observe several from your employer or coworkers, there's a strong chance you're being considered.
You Are Given More Responsibility or New Tasks
If your manager begins to delegate tasks that are typically given to permanent employees or assigns you to long-term projects, it's likely they recognize your abilities and want to see how you perform in a more demanding role. This is your opportunity to show what you can do, so put in your best effort.
You Are Included in Meetings or Events for Full-Time Employees
If you are included in departmental meetings or other events that are typically only attended by permanent employees, it's a good sign your boss values your contributions and sees you as part of the team. Take notes and don't hesitate to share your insight and ideas if there is an opportunity. You want to show that you are a valuable asset to the business and can help drive its growth and development.
If you are asked to join social events or team building activities outside of work, your boss may be trying to see if you are a good cultural fit or help employees get to know you better. Be friendly and use these events to network with your co-workers. Even if a full-time offer doesn't materialize, these connections might help you in your career later on.
You Are Trained on New Systems or Software
If your company is investing time and resources in training you on new systems or software, they may be considering you for a more permanent role that will require these skills. Take advantage of opportunities to learn and develop your existing skill set. Even if you aren't hired, you'll be able to add this experience to your resume, making you more marketable and increasing your chances of attracting the attention of other companies.
You Are Offered Additional Training Opportunities
If you're offered training beyond your normal job duties, it could be an indication that the company has confidence in your abilities and wants to invest in you. Again, use these opportunities to improve your skills and show you are dedicated to growing as a professional.
Your Supervisor Repeatedly Asks for Your Feedback and Insight
If you are being asked to provide input or insight regularly, it's likely that your boss trusts your judgment or sees you as having leadership potential. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically about important issues. These conversations can also help you build a strong relationship with your supervisor, who may be able to provide a reference or recommend you for a job.
You Are Given Leadership Opportunities or Are Working on High-Profile Projects
If you are given the opportunity to work on high-profile projects or if you're asked to be a team leader, your boss trusts your abilities or leadership skills and wants to see how you handle more responsibility or perform under pressure. These are excellent chances to showcase your skills and abilities, so give it your all.
You're Being Introduced to People Outside of Your Immediate Team
If you're being introduced to people outside of your normal scope of work, it may be because your boss is considering you for another role within the company. These introductions can open up new opportunities for you, so be sure to make a good impression. Your temporary employer may want to see if you'd be a good fit for their team, and even if you don’t get a permanent job offer, it's still a good time for you to network and build relationships that could be beneficial later on.
Additionally, pay attention to how full-time workers are interacting with you. Are they using language that implies your job will be long-term? Are they including you on major projects, asking for your input, or inviting you to team-building or social activities? Do you have a mentor who is taking the time to train you and get to know you? If your coworkers are making an extra effort to help you integrate with the team, they may know you're being considered for a full-time job.
Your Manager Asks About Your Career Goals and What You're Looking for in Your Next Job
If your boss asks about your future career goals, they may be trying to gauge your interest in a permanent role. Be honest about your goals and what you're looking for in your next job. This will give them a better idea of whether or not you'd be willing to stay and grow with their team.
Your Supervisor Asks If You're Interested in a Permanent Position
Of course, if your manager is directly asking you about your interest in the company, it's very probable that they are considering making you an offer. This doesn't guarantee you a position, since budget restrictions and other factors can affect the final decision, but you know it’s on the table. If you are interested, let your boss know and express your excitement about the opportunity. Give a brief elevator pitch to emphasize your qualifications and explain how you can help the company grow and achieve its goals. Ask if you can answer any questions about your experience or if there is anything you can do to improve your performance and tip the scales in your favor.
Tips to Turn Your Temporary Role into a Permanent Job
Permanent positions don't always come from temporary roles, but if you're hoping to turn your temp job into a long-term career, there are some things you can do to impress your employer. These tips can help you be successful in temp-to-hire roles as well, since employers use the temporary period as a trial to see if you have the skills and professionalism to do the job.
First, be professional and reliable. Make sure you're always on time for work and maintain good attendance. If you can, offer to work overtime or to help out with projects or extra work. This shows that you're someone who can be counted on to be there and get the job done.
Take initiative to make sure important tasks are completed and the business runs smoothly. If you see a coworker who needs help or a task that no one is doing, offer to jump in. If you finish a task and aren't sure what to do next, ask—don't wait around for your direct supervisor to notice and tell you what to do. This will demonstrate that you're a hard worker and a team player who's willing to go the extra mile.
Look for opportunities to display the talent that makes you invaluable to the business. Learn more about the company to understand how their goals align with yours. Offer suggestions to improve efficiency or customer satisfaction. If you have a skill or insight that would benefit the company, be sure to let your boss know. This will show that you're proactive and always looking for ways to improve the business.
Build strong relationships with your coworkers and supervisors. Get to know them as people, not just colleagues. Show genuine interest in their work and lives outside of the office. These relationships can make your coworkers more willing to vouch for you if a full-time position becomes available.
Be polite and respectful to everyone, and have a good attitude. Whether you're dealing with customers, clients, or vendors, always be professional and helpful. If there are conflicts, try to resolve them in a productive and positive way. No one likes to work with someone who is constantly complaining or negative, and a positive attitude can go a long way toward making a good impression on your boss and coworkers.
Finally, don't be afraid to express your interest in becoming a permanent employee. If you've been with the company for a while and are doing a great job, inquire about the possibility of a permanent position. It never hurts to ask, and they won't know if you don't tell them. Companies want to hire people who are excited to join their team, and they may consider you for a position if you tell them you are interested.
Keep in Mind...
While seeing several of the signs we discussed could be an indication that you're being considered for permanent employment, be aware that companies usually employ temporary employees because they do not have a permanent job available. Even if you work hard and do everything right, there's no guarantee that you will be hired. The company may not have the budget to hire additional staff, or they may decide to go in a different direction. If you're ready to start your job search, ask your supervisor or recruiter if there is any possibility that your temp job could become a permanent one. If they give you a firm no, or if you've been temping for several months and you're not seeing any of the signs above, it may be time to start looking for other opportunities. If you're working with a temporary staffing agency, express your concerns and talk to them about full-time employment opportunities. They may be able to advocate for you with the hiring manager in addition to helping with your job search.
Always Put Your Best Foot Forward
If you are interested in applying for a full-time role with your temporary employer, focus on demonstrating what makes you a valuable asset to the team and keep up the great work. Remember that a temp-to-hire job is designed to become permanent, provided you do a good job. And while temporary work is usually short-term and the employer may not have any openings available, you should always put your best foot forward–you never know what might happen!
Article Author:
Ashley Meyer
Divisional Business Coordinator
Albany, NY