Whether you just needed extra money or you came on with the intention of a more permanent position, sometimes you land in a company you truly love and you begin plotting how to make your part-time job into a full-time one. In that case, it can both be an awesome opportunity and a complete challenge. On the one hand, you're already in. You have a trial run that will offer you a platform to flex your skills, show your knowledge, and a chance to show your boss that you'd be a complete asset to his team. That's more than any interview could ever offer you. But the challenge comes in the fact that they were specifically looking for someone temporary — whether that means there's no real budget for your position or they're not sure it's one worth keeping, that puts a real road block to your ambitions.
But don't despair yet — after all, you do already have a foot in the door. Now you just need to shove it open a little wider. This will take some hard work, but if you're serious into making this a full-time gig you can totally handle it. Below are seven ways you can make your freelance work full-time — try out these tactics and see if you can sway your boss in your favor.
1. Make The Place Wonder How They Lived Without You
First thing's first: If you want a permanent spot in the company, you have to show them they'll be losing something amazing if they let you slip away. That means you have to roll up your sleeves and go above and beyond to get noticed by those you work with.
Stacey Gawronski, senior editor of career development site The Muse, suggested, "Aim to tackle every task (mundane or not) with unbridled enthusiasm. Demonstrate your professional work ethic and strong skill set with every thing that is expected of you. Keep an eye out for what tasks people hate doing, and then offer to do them." By doing more work than you were previously brought on for — and doing it with keen interest and excitement — it'll make your boss feel like he'd be losing a star. Make them want you to stay.
2. Ask For An Informal Review
There's nothing an employer likes more than a go-getter, so to show that you have that quality track down your boss and ask for an informal review. The goal is to see what he or she thinks of your work so far, and to see what else you can nab as a responsibility. If you show your eagerness to do more for the company and to become a more valuable employee on the payroll, that'll put points in your favor.
Gawronski encouraged, "Ask for feedback on your performance so far, as well as what you could be doing better. Inquire as to whether there’s anything you can take off his or her plate. Because...the more indispensable you make yourself, the more your manager will make an effort to find money in the budget." This goes hand in hand with trying your best to go above and beyond, but it takes it one step further by bringing it straight to the attention of the person that does the hiring.
3. Use Your Fresh Perspective
Just because you're a freelancer or a temp doesn't mean you can't do your part to better the company. Show that you'd be an asset on the team by pitching on how to improve things around the office. Share your ideas and you'll come across not only as invested, but also knowledgeable in your field.
Career writer Jacquelyn Smith at Forbes proposed, "Make a list of ideas and share them with your boss. It will show not only initiative but that there’s a lot of useful and important work to be done and that could justify hiring you full-time." That list could be the first stepping stone in carving out a job for yourself, so don't hold back!
4. Act Like You're Already A Permanent Employee
If you come to work acting like you might get the ax any day now, no one will miss you when you're gone. Don't just do the job you were hired for — no one's going to give you a pat on the back for that. It is, after all, what you're paid to do. Instead, try to take on the same responsibilities and commitments someone part of the team would. Do more than expected of you.
Career writer Amit De shared with career development site Levo, "If you want to be hired full-time, it’s important to treat your position as if it’s full-time. Go out of your way to express your commitment to your position by never slacking, being flexible, dependable, and a go-to for fast problem solving. This may mean coming in when others call in sick, picking up shifts from your co-workers, or staying later to make sure everything’s completed properly." If you add more value then they were previously expecting, then you've got some ground to work with.
5. Set Yourself Goals
Sometimes it's easier to achieve a mission if you have clear goals in place that'll move you closer to the outcome. Create deadlines for certain objectives (like coming up with ideas on how to improve the office, or asking for that review) so you make sure you're on a productive path.
Debra Benton, an executive coach and author of The Virtual Executive: How to Act Like a CEO Online and Offline shared with Forbes, "Make your own timetable for when you’d like to turn the job into a full-time position. Don’t wait to see what they give you; take control of your own goals.” With a checklist ready, you'll know exactly what your strategy is.
6. Network With Your Colleagues
It's no secret that a lot of people get positions because friends refer them, or slip in a good word that nudges the needle in their favor. If you're already part-time at your company, you have a wealth of people that would be happy to recommend you, if only you made the effort.
Rebecca Cenni of Atrium Staffing shared with Forbes, "Your colleagues have the greatest potential to spread the word about the ‘great temp’ down the hall, and help you get the job you crave. They’re also great sources of information about who is hiring and where the opportunities lie within the company.” Become close with your co-workers, find out who has sway in the office and flex your credibility and knowledge in front of them, and above all else, show everyone you're excited to be there and want to become a permanent part of the team. Having the office root for you will only make your case stronger when you ask to come on full-time.
7. Ask If They're Hiring
This might seem obvious, but a lot of times we just don't think to ask. We just think the boss already knows our intentions. Sometimes it's best to put aside the subtle tactics and instead be straight-forward.
Gawronski advised, "Have a conversation with your manager and emphasize how much you’re enjoying your work. Don’t be afraid to directly ask about potential long-term positions, as well as what steps you’d need to take to get hired." It's just like in a job interview: You have to make it known you'd love to be apart of the operation. Just in this case you have the leg up because the boss has had weeks to see what an asset you are. Don't let the chance slip away.
If you've come on as part-time in a company you really love, try these tactics to show your higher-ups you'd be a huge contribution to the team. With hard work and determination, almost anything is possible!
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