Ways to Turn a Seasonal Job into a Career

Seasonal jobs do not always lead to full-time employment. For most of the seasonal workers they only mean extra cash and store discounts that end as soon as the seasonal job ends. However, if you are really interested in showing your value to the company and let your managers see your long-term potential for getting hired after the holiday season is over, you should demonstrate professionalism, reliability and enthusiasm.

According to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder in retail, customer service, and hospitality and shipping industries, seasonal workers who provide great customer service (31%); express their desire to be hired on full-time positions (28%); ask proactively to undertake more responsibilities (23%); show initiative (20%) and take an interest in the company (15%) are more likely to be hired for permanent employment.

There are many ways to maintain employment after the season has ended. So if you want to your seasonal job into a career, you can follow these helpful tips.

a) Organize your job search

Looking for a seasonal job it doesn't mean you don't have to organize your job search. Seasonal job positions may turn to full-time employment if you demonstrate commitment, eagerness and zeal to acquire working experience. You should target seasonal jobs at companies you would be interested in working at permanently. For example, if you always dreamed of working in UPS , apply in UPS for a seasonal position. You never know what the future might bring. Don't apply in retail if you are not interested in retail just for the sake of getting some extra cash during the holiday season. Other popular seasonal jobs includes, but are not limited to, restaurants, bars, holiday events, travel agencies, hotels and ski resorts. The point is to apply in businesses you would love to work permanently in order to be able to turn your seasonal job into a career.

b) Find jobs that have year round potential

Before applying for a seasonal job, check if it can turn into a year-round employment. This will make it easier for you to turn your seasonal position into a career when the season has ended. However, as not all companies develop seasonal position that can lead to permanent employment, do your research before applying to make sure you choose those seasonal jobs that have year round potential.

c) Express your interest to be hired permanently

During the interview or when the seasonal job ends, you should express your interest in permanent employment. Employers cannot know that you really like your job and that you would be interested in turning it into a year-round career. Highlight your skills and explain your managers why you believe you would make the best candidate for a permanent position. If you don't do that, employers will probably hire someone else over you, who has expressed interested in permanent employment. Therefore, talk to your managers, express your desire to be hired on a full-time position, and be enthusiastic about the company. Even if there is not an opening for the position you are primarily interested in, make sure you get an interview for a job in another department in the company.

d) Show professionalism

Professionalism is another important attribute you need to demonstrate in your effort to turn your seasonal job into a career. The first thing you need to do is treat your seasonal position as a permanent job and show your value to your managers. Dress appropriately, be always on time at work and treat your co-workers, customers and any person you come in contact with respectfully. Be confident, enthusiastic and demonstrate high work ethics. Strive for excellence, be proactive and show initiative. By showing professionalism you are more likely to land a permanent position after the holiday season is over.

e) Be dependable

Being dependable and solid makes you a valuable seasonal employee with all the potential to turn your job into a year-round career. Do your work in a timely and consistent manner and always show up to work on time. Be willing to offer extra help and be friendly with your co-workers and customers. Also, maintain a positive attitude and show to your manager that you are a reliable and trustworthy seasonal employee. This can open the door for you and your aspiration to become full-time worker in the company.

f) Volunteer for additional responsibilities

Do not work the minimum you are required to and show initiative. If during the holiday season there is a need for extra hands even on short notice, take advantage and maximize your opportunities to be hired for full-time employment. Volunteer to fill in the gaps and show motivation to add value to the company. Don't think of your seasonal job as a cash machine only. By taking the extra mile, you show your employers that you are a dedicated and flexible seasonal employee with all the potential to become a full-time worker. The willingness to do more and to acquire more knowledge, not only will help you to develop new skills, but it is also very likely to offer you permanent employment.

g) Show reliability

Reliability is very important because employers need to know that they can count on you. Particularly, if you aspire to turn your seasonal job into a career, you need to go to work first and leave late. You may even arrive at work earlier than the time your shift starts to show your employer you are willing to take the extra mile and you are seriously interested in your job. Don't waste a lot of time during lunch break and let your managers know where they can find you anytime during your shift. Don't forget that your goal is to make a good impression and gain a competitive edge over fellow seasonal workers who may also express interest for permanent employment.

h) Network, network, network

Networking is extremely important in business and as a seasonal worker you should take advantage of on-the-job networking opportunities. Get acquainted with all the managers and highlight all your strengths and weaknesses, skills and expertise so that they know what to expect from you as a permanent worker. Express your interest in working permanently to the company and highlight the value you can bring to it with your skills. By networking, you increase your opportunities to turn your seasonal job into a career.

i) Avoid gossiping

Spending too much time talking about colleagues and fellow workers will inevitably lead to misunderstandings in the corporate environment. You should absolutely be friendly and put your best face forward to earn the respect and inspire other people who work with you, but do not exceed the limits and definitely stay away from gossiping if you want to keep your job permanently.

Overall, if you express to your managers your interest in working full-time and you show initiative while working in your seasonal job, you increase your chances to turn your seasonal job into a career. Be dependable, reliable and professional and the sky is yours!

Sources:

http://retailjob.small-businessmarketinginfo.com/retail-job/turn-holiday-job-into-a-career/

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2380354/eight_tips_for_turning_a_seasonal_job.html?cat=3