Eight Tips for Turning a Seasonal Job into a Permanent Position

While there is no sure-fire way to turn seasonal work into permanent work, there are some things that you can do to improve your chances of being asked to stay on when your seasonal gig ends. Here are 8 tips for turning seasonal work during the holidays into a permanent job.

1. Target seasonal jobs at businesses where you would like to work permanently. Unless retail is your dream industry, don't limit your search for seasonal work to the retail sector. There are many other industries that need extra help during the holiday season, including shippers like Federal Express and UPS; food service companies such as caterers and restaurants; and hospitality businesses like hotels, travel agencies, and resorts.

2. Research companies to identify those that prefer to promote from within whenever possible and, therefore, are most likely to hire seasonal employees for permanent positions. While this information may be difficult to obtain, the effort can be worthwhile, since it can help you avoid wasting time on jobs unlikely to be anything but short term.

3. When you interview for a seasonal job, let the employer know that you are interested in a permanent position and highlight the skills and other attributes that you believe would make you a good candidate for a full-time job. Also, if you haven't been able to determine the company's policy on hiring seasonal employees for permanent or full-time work, ask about it during the interview.

4. Treat your seasonal position as if it is a job interview where you have several months to showcase your value to the company. Be professional, diligent, reliable, accommodating, and flexible. Look for opportunities to stand out by taking on additional responsibilities; strive for excellence in everything you do, no matter how minor; and find ways to add value for your employer (for example, by being available to fill in for no-show employees on short notice).

5. Take advantage of on-the-job networking opportunities. For example, if you are working in a department store, get to know other department managers and the staff in the business office and let them know about your interest in permanent work.

6. When your seasonal job ends, remind your supervisor of your interest in permanent work. If your boss can't offer you a permanent position, ask him how you can find out about permanent positions elsewhere in the company on your own. Also, request his support (including a positive review) if you interview for a job in another department or division.

7. If you are not hired for a permanent position when your seasonal job ends, ask your supervisor to contact you if one opens up in the future and let him know that, in the meantime, you are interested in part-time work at the company in the future if it become available.

8. Check back with your supervisor or the human resource department periodically so that they know of your continued interest in permanent work with the company.

Sources:

John Rossheim, content.monster.ca, From Seasonal Job to Career Position

Randall S. Hansen, Ph. D., www.quintcareers.com, Converting Your Seasonal Job to a Permanent Position: Tips

Sarah E. Needleman, online.wsj.com, Turning a Seasonal Job into Full-Time Work - WSJ.com