July 19, 2020
The rise of the gig economy has changed the way professionals search for work, as well as how organizations staff for their needs. According to recent polls, approximately 20% of the workforce comprises independent contractors. Some experts predict that half of the workforce in the United States will be made up of contractors and freelancers by 2030.
For many contract workers, it’s an intentional choice. The lifestyle of flexibility and rotating challenges is appealing. For others, the choice might be more temporary, with sights on something permanent or long-term in the future. And even for those who truly prefer the contract lifestyle, it’s possible that one day a job just clicks, and they’ll want to stay for the long-term.
5 Tips for Turning Temp Work into a Full-Time Role
It’s important to know that just because a job begins as temp work does not mean it has to remain that way. If you find yourself wanting to turn a temp job into full-time work, here are some steps that can help you along the way.
1. Demonstrate Big-Picture Understanding
All types of industries hire contractors for varying assignments. The actual work will vary, but oftentimes, the circumstances are the same: get work, do work, leave. Try thinking of yourself less as a means to an end, and more of an essential piece of the big-picture. Say, for example, you’re hired to install new software in a hospital. Instead of simply following orders, familiarize yourself with the why behind your task. Your insight could prove valuable.
2. Build Relationships
Some experts estimate that up to 80% of new jobs are never even listed. How does one get hired then? Well, it helps to know someone. During your contract, make sure you’re establishing authentic relationships with those around you. When it comes time to discuss a permanent position, those internal references can go a long way.
3. Align With Company Culture
Companies of all sizes strive to establish a clear set of values, goals, and attitudes that culminate in a company culture. As a contractor, it isn’t uncommon to feel like an outsider in an organization, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Find your company’s values and align yourself with those positions in your day-to-day work.
4. Take Initiative
Just because your role is temporary, doesn’t mean you can’t go above and beyond. Taking initiative — within reason — is a good way to demonstrate what you could bring to the table in a full-time role. A simple check-in with your supervisor asking if you can help with anything else is more than most do, and can help establish your value beyond the scope of your original agreement.
5. Make Your Desire Known
If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. It doesn’t take much to make your desire known. Request a brief meeting or bring it up during a standard check-in with your supervisor or other relevant individual. By simply expressing your interest in becoming a more permanent member of the team, you have a higher likelihood of securing a full-time role. You can even use the opportunity to learn about their ideal candidate for the role, and tailor your work to meet those expectations.
If you’re interested in finding that long-term role, you’ll have an advantage if you follow the tips above. But even if you have no intentions of ever leaving behind contract work, the advice here still applies. By following these tips, you’ll build both your reputation and your skillset, putting you in a better position to succeed in your future contract work opportunities.