Tis the Season…. For Seasonal Employment:

Tips to make your temporary job a permanent career

By Tom Bryan – Managing Partner, ISGF

                  With the economy in a recession, many potential employers are looking for ways to cut costs. Often this means keeping a minimal staff and bringing on more help only when needed. Seasonal and temporary positions are becoming much more common.  Keep in mind that seasonal employment doesn’t only mean holiday retail, but extends to summer jobs and even skilled jobs. Accounting firms hire for tax season and major law firms bring on contract attorneys to help with a particular case. Last year alone, it was estimated the holidays created approximately 650,000 seasonal jobs. While this may seem high, only about 10 to 20 percent led to permanent offers. Here are a few tips to turn your temporary job into a permanent career.

To start, think of your job as an audition or extended interview. Temporary work gives you a great opportunity not only to make a lasting impression, but also to test the waters and see if the company is a right fit for you as well.  Be on time, dress appropriately and pay attention to detail. Unlike interviews, this is a great opportunity for employers to see you actually perform, so make it count.

As you work to make an impression, make sure you to adjust your attitude. If you approach the job with apathy and the mindset that it’s only temporary, it will be.  Even when asked to perform remedial tasks that you feel are below your skill level, keep your true sentiments to yourself and do them to the best of your ability. Be conscious of your body language even when you think nobody is watching. The numbers are not in your favor and employers are far more likely to find a reason to justify terminating you at the end of the season than justifying your permanent placement.

With a limited time to demonstrate your abilities, be sure to maximize opportunities. Take on the extra shift and don’t be afraid to take on a task that may be slightly out of your comfort zone. The more you work and the more exposure you gain, the better your chances of being offered permanent employment. Minimum staffing means many employees are asked to wear multiple hats, so if you can show versatility, you become a stronger asset to the employer.

Another way to maximize opportunity is to make friends. Work to instill yourself as part of the team and become well liked. By nature, your seasonal employment is going to be during one of the employer’s busiest times. Thus, the employer will already be overwhelmed and may not be observing you as close as normal. Because of this, it is common for employers to talk to other permanent employees regarding the hiring of temporary employees long term. Having others put in a good word for you will only increase your chances of a permanent offer.

While talking to others, don’t forget the obvious. Be sure to express an interest in staying on beyond the busy season. Employers are not mind readers and you’d be surprised how many temporary employees overlook this tip. Remember, if there are 10 seasonal employees, you can expect that only one or two of you will be offered something long term. The decision may very well come down to making it known that you are looking for a career, not just a quick boost to your bank account.

Finally, make it worth the employer’s while. Learn the business and make yourself an asset. With a poor economy, the biggest fear of employers is overstaffing and not being able to meet financial obligations. This leads to great hesitation when it comes to hiring more employees. If you can show the employer that you will not only pay for yourself but also add value and increase the company’s revenue, the decision to hire you permanently becomes a much easier decision.

If handled properly, the seasonal job can provide a greater opportunity than some extra cash for gifts. Enjoy the holidays and the start to your new career.

ISGF is a full service recruiting firm headquartered in Orlando, FL.  ISGF specializes in the placement of highly qualified Information Technology, Accounting & Finance, and Sales & Marketing Professionals on a contract, contract-to-hire, and direct-hire basis.  For more information, please visit www.isgf.com. ISGF is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).