How to Leverage Temporary Work to Expand Your Career

Patrick Asks: I recently decided to look for a new job because I truly wasn’t finding my work fulfilling. My salary and benefits were fine, but I needed a change. I’m eager to make a transition but a little hesitant to accept a permanent position right off the bat. Would it make sense to pursue a temporary or contract position? Or would this make me look like I can’t hold or don’t want a “real” job—that I lack ambition?

Coach Joel Answers: That depends on your life situation and your personal motivations. For example, if you like the freedom to work when you want and pursue other interests at the same time, temporary contract positions can be ideal. From consulting to copywriting, many companies need people to step in on a temporary basis to fill in gaps. Sometimes they can give you a higher rate of pay, although they may lack the benefits and job security of full-time employment. You could end up working fewer hours for more money. And many people like the challenge of getting acquainted with new companies, new people, new responsibilities on a continuous basis.

If you end up enjoying and benefiting from ongoing temp or contract work, you could make a career out of it. You might start your own business focused on the service you provide, whether you’re an organizational consultant, an accountant, or an IT wizard.

Benefits of Pursuing Contract Work

Here are a few more benefits to add into the equation, if you’re considering a long-term career outside of a traditional salaried job.

1 – You’ll enhance your resume.

By pursuing contract or consulting work, you’ll show you have the ability to fit easily into different environments. You’ll gain a variety of testimonials from respected industry professionals attesting to your strengths.

2 – You’ll enhance your network.

You’ll meet a lot more people and get to know them through working temporary assignments. Who knows when the guy in the next office over will open the door to an exciting venture? Expanding your network is key to your success.

3 – You’ll keep your skill set sharp.

You know that sign on the wall at the gym—”Use it or lose it?” The same thing applies to your professional abilities. You may often go into a tough new assignment wondering how in the world you’ll ever figure it out. Then you do, and you have another win you can tell future employers about.

4 – You could jump-start a major career change.

Let’s say you’ve spent your life so far in sales, but you see a brighter future in IT. You’re excited about the idea of tackling something new. Maybe you’ve taken some courses or gotten some volunteer experience, but you have no track record. If you can land yourself a temporary position, even at an entry-level wage, you’ll start building toward the dream career you really want.

If pursuing temporary employment like contract work feels like a good place to be, I’d say go for it.

As I mentioned, another benefit of temporary positions is that they allow you to test the waters before pursuing full-time employment with a company. If you’re curious about how to turn that contract job into a full-time position, read on.

How to Turn a Temporary Job into a Permanent Position

Renee Asks: I’m currently working on a contract basis for a company that I absolutely love. I’d really like to work for them full time, and they seem quite pleased with the caliber of the work I’m doing. How can I get them to consider me for a permanent position? 

Coach Joel Answers: Sounds like you are on a test drive. At least, you’re becoming aware that it’s a test drive. Your employer may have no idea that you’re interested in coming on board full time, so you’re going to have to take steps to clue them in.

Before you receive an invitation to join the company full-time, your employer will want to answer two questions:

1 – Can you grow with them?

You may have made a stellar impression in your meetings with company leadership, which led them to contract your services. But lest they view you as a one-trick pony, you’ll need to up your game by showing the full breadth of your skill set along with your ambitions to reach higher. They may associate you with a specific service you provide, whereas you want them to view you as leadership material. Before they consider you for a position—especially a higher-level one—they’ll want to know that you’re someone who can grow with them, and who is already capable of leading a dynamic team.

2 – Do you fit the culture?

You may have thoroughly demonstrated your technical prowess even before you set foot in the door. But your interpersonal skills are even more important if you’re looking to join the team long-term, especially if you want to lead others. Do you have a strong rapport with your team members? Do you communicate effectively? Do people like working with you? If you look forward to seeing and talking with your colleagues every day, that’s a good sign.

Ready to make your mark? There are two questions you need to answer: 

How do I stand out?

Standing out in a temporary or contract position starts with doing the job you were hired to do while looking for opportunities to go above and beyond. Don’t just wait to be handed extra projects or given additional responsibilities. Ask for them! Share your other areas of expertise with your supervisor and the hiring manager.

Look for chances to demonstrate leadership as well. Offer to give a quick briefing on your project’s development at team meetings, and deliver a top-notch presentation. Seek opportunities to coach others in your area of expertise, and to demonstrate your managerial skills. If others are contributing to your project, take initiative to convene a team meeting, clarify responsibilities and workflow, and check in with them to follow up. Be careful not to step on any toes if a project manager is already in place, but step up and lead (or co-lead) to the extent that feels respectful and beneficial to the project.

Then, let the company know that you’d love to be brought on full-time. Even if the position you’re currently working in is truly temporary or contract-based (filling in for someone who is out on medical leave; producing a report for company leadership), look for other open positions where you’d fit well. Talk to the hiring manager about transitioning after your current assignment is over. Point out the advantages you offer: They know your skills, you know the company, and you’ll save them the time and money of conducting another search.

Most important, be happy to be there. Make your coworkers look forward to seeing you every morning. Socialize with them—go out for coffee or lunch. Bring a batch of cookies or a snack tray for the team. If you’re working remotely, make a point of reaching out to coworkers to get their thoughts on how your project is going. Have virtual coffee dates. Ask if you can sit in on the weekly team huddle, even if they don’t expect you to be there. Don’t be the person who comes in and just goes through the motions, ignoring coworkers and acting like they’re not a genuine part of the team. A positive, can-do attitude can make an employer want to keep you around.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Obviously, if you come in late, don’t get along with other employees, and complain about the company or your to-do list, you’re probably not going to seem like a desirable addition to the team.

And although you may have great ideas about how to do things or improve certain processes, be careful of how you share your thoughts. The phrase, “At my old company, we used to. . .” can become like nails on a chalkboard.

Temporary or contract-based work can provide you with terrific opportunities for full-time employment, if that’s what you want. If you already know that permanent employment is your goal, have your strategy in mind from Day One. Look upon every meeting, work assignment, or interaction with other employees as an opportunity to polish your image in the company’s eyes. Visualize yourself as a leader in the company, act like one, and before long—you will be one.  

Whether you view contract or consulting work as your career path or a stepping stone to a salaried position, it can prove a viable career pathway. Know your goal, and that will guide the steps you take. But either way, demonstrating your higher-level leadership abilities will help you get ahead in terms of the positions you’re offered, leading to greater job fulfillment. 

If you view contract or consulting work as a viable option for you, make a list of five action items you could implement this week to get started down this career path. If you’re on a test drive of your own right now, make a list of five things you can do in the next week to make yourself a standout to your employer.