4 Ways to Turn a Part-Time Job Into Full-Time Work

Sometimes the best way to get your foot in the door with a company is by accepting a part-time or temporary employment opportunity.  Here are four ways to turn a part-time job into full-time work.  

THREAD YOURSELF INTO THE FABRIC OF THE ORGANIZATION. Aside from doing a kick-butt job and going above and beyond expectations, get involved in extra-circular activities.  Play on the corporate softball team, volunteer to assist with events, and show up at every single office birthday party. Bring that glowing personality and upbeat attitude with you at all times.   Appealing to an employer's emotional side is a smart play, after all, they're human too!  

MAKE YOUR MOTIVE KNOWN FROM THE START.  Back when I was an intern for a radio station that I wanted to work full-time for, I would tell everyone who would listen that I wanted to work there upon graduation.  It became a running joke with upper-management, but eventually got me the gig.  Too many employees play coy and leave room for interpretation. It might sound simplistic, but if you want to work full-time for a company, tell them.  The current economy has many people working several part-time jobs, and surprisingly, many have found they like it that way.

FIND A VOID AND FILL IT.  Size up your colleagues and figure out where there's a shortfall of talent.  For example, if the company does not have anyone who understands social media, make sure the hiring agents are aware that this is a skill you bring to the table.  No one speaks Spanish?  Let your bilingual prowess out of the bag.

MAKE THEIR LIVES EASY.  The idiom, "better the devil you know," rings true at work.  Most companies do not like the recruitment/interview process.  It eats up a lot of time and doesn't guarantee anything.  Every organization I've worked for would prefer to hire internally, for the simple fact that they know what they are getting.

People generally like to be surrounded by positive people that they can trust.  Follow the tips above while showing your employer that you're "maintenance free" and you'll have a better chance of turning that part-time job into full-time work.

Comments

[Kris Alban]

Great advice! This is especially important considering the state of the economy right now. Part-time jobs are on the rise in all types of businesses because of budget issues: start-ups due to their limited revenue and larger businesses due to layoffs of full-time employees in favor of part-time workers. As the economy picks up, workers who follow these tactics will secure full-time positions for themselves, while those that don't may likely be kicked to the curb.

Regarding #3, I would add that you don't necessarily need to have the skill currently. If there is a recurring task that needs to be done but no one knows how to do, volunteer for it and go online at home to research how to do it. There are how-to videos, guides and blogs all over the internet. After just a short time at this particular task you have already made yourself invaluable to the company since losing you would create a major void.

[Finding a Job]

Well said !