Question: “If you are on temporary assignment, how do you determine whether or not the employer is interested in hiring you permanently? If you want to make your temporary role a permanent one, what are the steps you should take?” – Toccarra W., Chicago, IL
Answer: Before you pursue converting your temporary assignment to a permanent position, you should make sure that your interest in a permanent role is truly based on your commitment and dedication to the organization and your work, not simply your desire to end your job search.
Are you achieving your assignment goals and exceeding them by volunteering to assist in other projects? Are you fitting in with the organization’s culture and making friends with the other employees? Do you “click” with your supervisor(s)?
Not only are these considerations crucial for getting considered as a potential permanent hire, they’re important for your own happiness and career success as well. If you can’t answer yes to all three of those questions, you will ultimately be dissatisfied and disengaged even if you do become a permanent, full-time employee, and will probably end up leaving.
If you’re absolutely sure this is work you want to do for the long-term, let your recruiter know you’re interested in a temp-to-perm conversion. Your recruiter is your #1 resource. They might already know if the organization is interested in converting your assignment. If they don’t, they will consult with the organization to put your interest on the radar, as well as gauge the organization’s position.
Once you’ve expressed your interest to your recruiter, it’s important to let them initiate the conversation about temp-to-perm conversion with the organization. Take cues from your recruiter when it comes to communicating with your supervisor(s) about pursuing permanency, and be careful not to be too pushy. Not only can your good relations with the organization turn sour, it can also be a red flag that makes your recruiter hesitant to place you in future roles.
There are many reasons why a temporary assignment doesn’t become a permanent assignment that are completely out of your control. The organization might have a policy, for whatever reason, that they don’t do temp-to-perm conversions. Or, they might have opened the assignment to address a short-term or seasonal increase in workload and don’t need anyone on a permanent basis. In either case, if you are passionate about working for the organization, keep everyone informed of your interest to join in on a permanent capacity.
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