Published Date: 19th November 2024
Working in temporary jobs is an excellent way to build your skills and experience, earn an attractive hourly rate and enjoy some variety in your working life. For many people, temporary jobs are also a stepping stone to a permanent role. In fact, about 80% of Beyond Recruitment's temporary workers are seeking permanent roles, with many of them in Corporate, Customer Service, and Administrative positions. More senior roles are being offered as temporary positions as well.
Performing well, fitting in with the team, and understanding the job and company can make you an ideal candidate for a permanent position. Hiring managers often welcome applications from temporary workers who have already proven their value.
That said, working in a temporary role doesn’t automatically guarantee a transition to a permanent position. To successfully convert your temporary job into a permanent one, approach it like any other job application.
Preparing thoroughly for interviews will significantly boost your chances of securing a permanent role when the opportunity arises. Here’s some valuable job interview advice to help you get there.
Don’t be Complacent
Complacency can sometimes be a stumbling block for temporary workers aiming to secure a permanent position. Recently, hiring managers have shared feedback with me about temporary workers they were considering for permanent roles who didn’t perform well in interviews.
For these candidates, the issue was that they may have been a little too relaxed in their approach during the interview.
When you sit for a temporary to permanent interview, it’s best to avoid being too familiar with the interviewers, even if you know them well. Treat the interview as a formal discussion where you’re outlining why you will make a suitable employee – just as you would for any job interview.
Prepare for the Interview
To convert a contract job to a permanent position, preparing well for the interview is a must. Treat the temporary to permanent interview just as you would for a role at a different organisation.
Here is a breakdown of how to approach an interview for a permanent job to maximise your chances of success:
Use the STAR Method
Be aware that temporary to permanent interviews are usually formal. Formal job interviews are set up around behavioural-based questions (also known as competency-based questions). To answer these questions effectively, use the STAR method to structure your answers.
The STAR methodology breaks down the answer into the Situation you faced, the Task you had to perform, the Action you took to address it, and the Result of your efforts. By following the STAR method, you ensure your answers are organised and relevant. This makes it easier for the interviewers to assess your skills and problem-solving abilities.
Your hiring manager should inform you in advance about how the interview questions will be structured, but if in doubt, it’s wise to ask.
When you’re engaged with a temporary recruiter like Beyond Recruitment and have the opportunity to convert a temporary job to permanent job, we can help you prepare for the interview.
Rehearse your Responses
Using the STAR method gives you the opportunity to practice your answers to behavioural questions, making it a strong foundation for rehearsing your answers. It’s also important to think about how you can sell yourself as a candidate for the permanent role. Think about the knowledge of the company and the position you’ve developed whilst working there. Explain how you’re currently adding value in the role and why transitioning to a permanent role will benefit the organisation.
Additionally, I also recommend having some questions of your own to ask the interview panel. These could include how the organisation measures success for the permanent role and what career progression opportunities are available. Asking questions shows you’re interested in the position and are motivated to develop your career.
Mind your Etiquette
For every job interview, even those for a company you are already working in, it’s vital to observe basic etiquette. This includes wearing smart business attire – don’t turn up in what you would wear on a casual Friday.
Take notes with you, preferably written ones so you’re not using your phone during the interview. Your notes could include prompts to help you answer interview questions and the questions you want to ask the interview panel. Turn your phone off or at least mute all notifications and avoid checking it during the interview.
Be Engaged
It's important to show that you're fully present and interested in the interview. Simple actions like maintaining eye contact and using positive body language can make a big difference in conveying your engagement.
Even though you may already work with the panel, take the time to connect with each interviewer – address each person whilst giving your answers and make eye contact with them. Be mindful of your body language as well – maintaining an upright posture helps you maintain a professional demeanour.
Your goal is to let them see that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company and that you're eager to contribute long-term. This is your opportunity to demonstrate that you see yourself growing within the organisation and are committed to developing your career there.
Get Advice from your Recruiter
When you’re engaged with a temporary recruiter like Beyond Recruitment and have the opportunity to convert a temporary job to a permanent job, we can help you prepare for the interview.
Surprisingly, many people sit for temporary to permanent interviews without asking their temporary recruiters for help beforehand. You don’t need to go it alone! This is your chance to get valuable job interview advice and coaching from us.
We can provide you with resources to help you rehearse your responses to interview questions. We’ll advise you on who will be involved in the interview, what questions to expect and any points you should raise during the discussion. After all, we know you, the hiring manager and the organisation, so we can share essential knowledge that helps you put your best foot forward.
Get Tailored Job Interview Advice from Us
If you are in a temporary role that you enjoy and you are presented with the option of becoming a permanent employee, consider it an excellent opportunity that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
To make the best possible impression in the interview, speak to your recruitment consultant for guidance. For more job interview advice and support with finding temporary jobs and permanent roles, and how to convert a temporary job to a permanent job, please get in touch with me or the team at Beyond Recruitment.
We can assist you with finding jobs in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch or other locations around New Zealand. Contact us today to find out how we can help.
