How To Turn Seasonal Work Into A Full-Time Job

Seasonal employment can lead to a full-time position, whether it’s through the same company or through someone you networked with on the job. Remain intentional about standing out to your supervisor during your seasonal employment by going above and beyond. Communicate with your boss or HR to express your professional interests with your career in mind.

By Timothy Mably

As you continue to work a seasonal job through the holidays, you may become interested in turning it into a full-time job for the new year. Due to the ongoing labor shortage, there’s an opportunity for seasonal roles to expand into permanent employment.

In November, the unemployment rate was 3.7%, which is close to the lowest number in the past 50 years. Career coach Lynn Eskite-Tant references this percentage as it continues to be challenging for people to find work. However, seasonal jobs could open the door for many to secure work, particularly in retail, hospitality, food service, shipping, and stocking.

There may still be a chance that other fields have similar opportunities. Eskite-Tant explains, “Given the labor shortage, I would say many fields consider seasonal work performance as potentially being a temp-to-perm situation, even if not stated overtly. Even if you’re told that the position is only temporary, unexpected turn-over or promotions can cause openings that are much easier to fill from the ranks of existing temporary staff. You just never know!”

Stand Out To Your Employer

The main challenge in securing a seasonal position comes in standing out to your employer within a short timeframe. Eskite-Tant says, “Leveraging that seasonal opportunity into a full-time position means being a stand-out hire from the beginning. Think of it as a paid interview for a real job. Developing a reputation for being reliable and dependable is critical.”

She provides a few ways you can aim to quickly make a positive impression on a manager. She says, “Be on time. Do your job well. Be a team player. Take on additional shifts, when possible. Step up. Show initiative. Do more than expected. Look for opportunities to learn as much as possible, so you can be seen as a contributor.”?

Each of these tips may seem obvious, but it’s especially important to remain intentional throughout a temporary job you hope to keep. Going above and beyond when your employer recognizes you don’t have a full-time commitment will exemplify your ambition.

Communicate With Your Employer

However, it’s still necessary to communicate directly with your employer about your hopes and general career intentions. The opportunity may present itself naturally at some point during your seasonal employment, or it may be up to you to schedule time to talk with a supervisor.

She says, “Be sure to communicate with your supervisor. Once you’ve had a chance to demonstrate that you’re reliable and dependable, ask your supervisor for a few minutes to discuss your desire to stay with the organization. If you have a contact in human resources that helped facilitate the hiring process, it may be helpful to follow up with them to express your interest in staying on.”

Scheduling a meeting with a boss or HR has the potential to make you stand out from other seasonal employees. Eskite-Tant goes on to say, “Even if you need to take a seasonal or temporary position as a survival role, try to do so strategically by applying for positions in the industry or field you’re targeting. It can be a foot in the door!”

Your initiative in applying for other roles within a company could also make a strong positive impression on your boss. If you’re unable to have a conversation with them to discuss your professional aspirations, your actions could speak louder than words.

Look Beyond Your Position

While you work in a seasonal position, it may become clear that there isn’t a possibility you’ll be hired. Look beyond your current job and consider the connections you can make in the meantime. Your supervisor, colleagues, or customers could take notice of your work ethic. The opportunity for full-time employment in a seasonal position is never constrained to the specific role itself.

Eskite-Tant says, “Some of the best managers are those who know the business from the ground up, so taking that more junior role in the short term may provide you with invaluable industry insight down the road.” Working with this mindset in a temporary role could be a game changer, as you focus on your career instead of the company.

Seasonal positions can include time to connect with others, as employers are aware of the professional opportunity it presents you. It may not always be the first thing on your mind, but networking consistently will make the most of your role.?

She says, “Think of every encounter within the organization as a networking opportunity. It’s to your advantage to network as much as possible with coworkers and other staff you encounter during your tenure. You just never know what other opportunities may be about to open throughout the organization or who might know about positions elsewhere.”

Ultimately, seasonal work enables you to learn industry-specific skills, gain insider knowledge, and network within an organization. Despite the temporary nature of such positions, they can be instrumental to your career as you build your resume.

Top Takeaways

How can a seasonal position lead to a full-time job?

• By going above and beyond in a seasonal role, your employer will recognize your ambition.
• Communicate directly with your employer about your hopes and general career intentions. The opportunity may present itself naturally at some point during your seasonal employment, or it may be up to you to schedule time to talk with a supervisor.
• Your initiative in applying for other roles within a company could also make a strong positive impression on your boss.
• Seasonal positions can include time to connect with others, as employers are aware of the professional opportunity it presents you. Take advantage of networking with supervisors, colleagues, or customers as they could present you with full-time employment elsewhere.