A newly graduated business student secured a six-month internship at a global bank. Historically, this bank has converted about half of their interns from this area to full-time. How can she maximize her chances of being part of the successful 50%? Should she also continue her full-time job search in the meantime? How can she continue to search while focusing on her internship?
Knowing how to convert from temp-to-perm is not limited to recent graduates. It is not uncommon for companies to start a position as temporary but then convert the employee to a more permanent role. Here are three strategies to pursue if you land a temporary position, project or internship and want to convert it to a full-time job:
1. Focus On Where You Are
As a recruiter, I have seen temp hires so focused on lobbying for full-time jobs that they neglect the temp role they were initially hired for. First and foremost, you need to do an amazing job where you are. Even if you don’t get converted, you need the strong performance to get you a strong reference. Check in with your manager regularly to ensure that s/he is happy with your work. Some temp positions, particularly internships, have more formal feedback structures in place. Make sure you know what these are. Ask for a sample performance evaluation form – this way, you know the criteria against which you’ll be judged, and you can focus your energy here.
In addition to individual performance, you also want to stay on top of the company’s process for converting to a full-time job. Ask if it’s even a possibility. Some companies hire temps via an outsourcing company so these hires could stay under temp status forever. Conversion to full-time isn’t unheard of in these cases, but your chances aren’t as promising. On the other hand, if you know that temps are routinely converted to full-time, find out more about that process. Is there a performance review given midway into the project so you have a sense of your prospects? If not, I would schedule one on your own initiative. Is there a specific time, say 30 days before your temp status ends, that you should check in with HR? You don’t want to miss any key deadlines.
2. Broaden Your Network Within The Company
While you’re doing a great job in the specific role you were hired for, keep an eye out for opportunities to network in other divisions of the company. If your role naturally interfaces with other departments, take time to find out what these departments do and to get to know personally the people outside your immediate group. Even if you do a great job in your role, if your group isn’t hiring, they may not be able to offer you anything full-time. By broadening your network outside your group you broaden your opportunities. More people know you. You know more about other possibilities.
If you’re having trouble meeting people outside your immediate area, ask your manager for introductions. Mention that you’re interested in learning more about functions A, B and C, and ask if you might speak with people there – who would your manager suggest? Many large companies have different affinity groups – women, young employees, Asian, black, Hispanic, LGBT. Seek out these events which are open to all employees – it’s a great way to meet a cross-section of the company. Finally, the company might have extra-curricular activities, such as company sports or volunteer efforts. This is another way to meet people across the company
3. Continue Your Job Search With Targeted Networking
As you start a new job with a new company, you will likely be overwhelmed. You won’t be working 9 to 5 because you’ll still be an inefficient newbie and you’ll be spending extra time getting to know the people and the processes. So you won’t have a lot of “free time” to send out resumes and research other job opportunities. However, your new role is great cover for increased networking. Circle back to your existing network – to let them know that you’ve landed in something new, to share with them what you’re learning, to thank the people who helped in your search. Reach out to new contacts in your field and expand your network—you are an industry peer now. Networking is much easier when you have a job, even a temporary one, so take advantage of this while you have your temp role. Don’t get so absorbed in your current placement that you lose sight of the longer-term goal of permanent placement.
It will be easy to get swept up in the excitement of landing your temp role and in the busyness of starting a new job. You may not remember to apply all these strategies, and then look up and you’re halfway or more through your assignment with nothing done. On your first day, set reminders on your calendar for the big deadlines (e.g., performance review, check in with HR) and block out time on your day-to-day schedule (e.g., networking lunches). Be proactive about tackling the action items specific to converting your temp role into a full-time job.
A version of this post originally appeared in my column for Forbes.com.
