Let Them Try Before They Buy—and Make Them Purchase

Trending!… More and more employers choosing temp-to-hire options for their new employees. The theory is that an employer can “try out” the employee before “they buy”, ensuring they are a good fit for the position and their company, with less associated risks/costs such as: Long-term obligations, being the employer of record, costs of benefits, taxes and unemployment fees.

If you’re someone working at a job with an expiration date, you should always put your best foot forward- as there is always the possibility of it turning into a permanent position. Look at it as a long-term audition/interview, as good employees are a valuable (and hard-to-find) asset to employers! If you are that “good”, the company most likely has other open positions- either now or in the future.

Here are a few tips to set yourself up for success (according to Boston.com)

Know the business- Understand what the company does, their markets, competitors, etc. This will give you an edge, and paired with your hard work, you’ll quickly become a valuable employee.
Understand the culture- Get to know the nuances of the company, such as their mission statement and values, image/brand and the inner dynamics- i.e., who are the players and what their roles are.
Show Flexibility and Initiative - Go with the flow…Take on new tasks, volunteer and give suggestions to help out with different projects- even if they are not part of your job. This will make you more indispensable to your manager or the company – and that’s exactly the position you want to be in.
Bring the Energy! Be positive and friendly and make an effort to learn about your teammates and form relationships. The more “memorable” you are, the more people will get to know you and think of you for future openings.
Be a Team Player. Always bring a mentality of collaboration and teamwork to any job-even if it’s just temporary. Being a team player will show management that you are worth keeping on for the long(er) term.

Want in on a little secret? …Your staffing recruiter is an extension of yourself when it comes to employment, and can be one of your best allies! If you are interested in a full-time position at your current company, we can potentially facilitate a perm position for you. Be sure to keep communication channels open. Keep us posted how the job is going, telling us about any positive experiences and conversations, etc.

And if in the end, if your employer doesn’t “buy” and convert your job to a permanent position, you can still get a great reference out of your efforts!

-Jennifer