You may be wondering if it is possible for a contract employee to become permanent – well it certainly is! Businesses who are hiring temporary employees will quite often consider these candidates for a permanent position depending on what the company's needs are. Whilst there is no guarantee that you will get the permanent role as a temporary recruit, there a certainly advantages if you would like to seek a position within the company. There are many ways to help you go from temp to permanent contract, in this blog post we share 10.

First of all, what does it mean to go from temp to perm?

A temp to perm role is where a candidate begins a temporary job which could then transition in to becoming a long-term contract. Often a business will hire a candidate on a temporary basis as a trial so they can determine whether they are the right fit for the job. It also enables the candidate to essentially test drive the job and see if the company is the right for them and their career goals.

If you are currently looking for a temporary role, please head to our job board to see what is available here. If you would like to read up about the benefits of temping, you can view them here.

So, how can you go from temp to perm? Here are 10 ways:

1. Treat the job as if it is a permanent position

Try to avoid treating the role as if you are only going to be around for a short amount of time. Instead, go the extra mile with achieving your work goals, ask lots of questions about the company, always meet deadlines and be proactive in searching for ways to make your duties even more efficient.

2. Be a team player

Employers look for people who can work well within a team. The last thing they want is to employ someone who creates conflicts within the team and doesn’t get on well with others – this will only create a bad atmosphere. Whilst you will have your own role and duties, make a conscious effort to connect with other employees, get to know them and offer any assistance to their roles. This is a great way to get known and show that you are a people person.

3. Get to know the company

Whilst you are working as a temporary employee, try to find out as much about the company as you can. What is their history? Find out what their short-term and long-term goals are. When you know the answer to these, you can then start to think about how you can support these goals with your skillset and what you can bring to the company to help them meet these goals in the long-term.

4. Show your interest

Be sure to let your manager know that you are interested in a permanent position at the company. By letting them know, you can then find out from them what it is they require from you to obtain that position. When a permanent position arises at the business, be sure to voice that you are interested and would like to be considered.

5. Be proactive

Joining the business with a new perspective can really help you to be proactive with your approach. For example, with fresh ideas, you may be able to see where the business can make improvements, be more productive or be more efficient with its systems. Make sure you note down any ideas and share them with your manager or any key decision maker. Another way to be proactive is to volunteer on any additional opportunities – this shows initiative and your eagerness to get involved.

6. Be on time and reliable

Nobody likes lateness or lots of absences; particularly when you are a temporary staff member. Try to be as reliable as you can – communicate well, show up on time and always delivery top quality work.

7. Understand the company culture

When you first start your role as a temporary employee, make sure you find out what the company culture is like. Every company is different but things to look out for are:

  • Are there any after work activities?
  • Does the company have a charity?
  • Do people stop for lunch or eat at their desk?
  • What benefits does the company give to its employees?
  • What are the company values and why?

Getting to know the company culture is a great way to see what things you can get involved in. It also allows you to see if you share the same values and if the company is the right fit for you too!

8. Network!

Try to network within the business! This is a really great way for you to transition from a temporary role to a permanent role as the more people that get to know you and your interest in the business, the better advantage you have when it comes to be considered for a perm role. On the other hand, even if you end up leaving the company after your contract ends, you have connected with the right people who are now in your network on LinkedIn!

9. Just be you

Remember, you have been hired for your skillset, your experience and for the person you are! Use this to help you stand out from the crowd and leave a good impression with important people within the business. You are your own brand – think about what else you can bring to that company.

10. Keep going and stay motivated

Sometimes it can be tricky and can take time to establish yourself whilst temping at a company. However, it’s important to keep going, stay motivated and show your enthusiasm.