It is becoming increasingly popular for companies to offer temporary roles (sometimes called temp-to-hire jobs) that might become a permanent place. A temp-to-hire job may be officially assigned for 3 to 6 months, after which management may or may not decide to keep you. Which means you don’t have a whole lot of time to prove yourself.
So, here are the top 5 ways you can improve your chances!
- Have the Right Mindset
Like most opportunities, it begins with your mindset. You must think of and treat this job as if it is already permanent. You may not know what your future with the company holds, but do not give in to the temptation to take the role too lightly.
- Show up on time
- Dress the part
- Communicate clearly
- Follow through on tasks
- Be respectful of leadership
- Avoid office politics and gossip
- Take Initiative
While going above and beyond is something an exemplary employee does anyway, it is even more critical for you as a temp. Merely doing what’s expected doesn’t cut it during the “trial” period.
Take the extra shift. Go the extra mile. Do what is asked of you, plus some—volunteer for the mundane and tedious task that everyone else passes off to the next guy. Be 100% reliable, 100% of the time!
Make yourself indispensable — you want them to wonder how they ever did it without you.
- Build Relationships
Even though you might not be sure how long you will be with the company, build relationships with your co-workers. In addition to making your time there more pleasant, you want decision-makers to hear things like, “That temp down the hall? He/she is pretty great.”
And while you are at it, don’t be afraid to become friends with your managers, supervisors, and even the boss. Even if it doesn’t work out for you to stick around, it never hurts to have some valuable contacts in your back pocket for future jobs. It’s a network thing.
- Invest in the Company and Yourself
Show interest in the company’s history. Learn about how the company started, what the vision is, and who the key players are. Be aware of the company’s culture and adapt to it. (And if you find yourself struggling with this, it might be a clue it isn’t a good fit for you after all.)
Learn all you can by studying your role, and of others. Ask questions — even if it doesn’t pertain to you exactly. By being willing to learn, you demonstrate your commitment to growth.
- Communicate
Your boss cannot read your mind. Please do not assume they know you are interested in a full-time role with the company. While being presumptuous is a turn-off, there is nothing wrong with saying something like, “Hey, I just wanted to let you know, I’m enjoying my time here. If you have full-time positions opening, I’m definitely interested and would like to be considered for the job.”
Temporary jobs are a bit of a backdoor, but an effective way of landing a coveted position. Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the words of Ella Wheeler Wilcox,
“There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.”
Let us help you! At A. R. Mazzotta, finding you the best-fit temp-to-hire job is our thing. Contact us today!