How to go from temp to perm

This article is recommended for temps & individuals near the beginning of their careers

Christian Madsen

Written by Christian Madsen

Managing Director of 11 Recruitment

What does it take to create magic?

Throughout my career in recruitment, I've learned that creating magic is the key to success.

There are moments in life when you can hear those dreaded words, "It's over..." from various individuals - supervisors, clients, suppliers, or partners - and each time, it means one thing: that magical touch wasn't delivered.

Temp work has its advantages, allowing individuals to explore different roles before committing to a permanent position. As Forbes suggests, it's a great way to test the waters and understand the organisational culture, the nature of the work, and the people you'd be collaborating with.

But when it comes to turning a temp job into a permanent one, it's a mutual evaluation process. Employers often use temp roles as a trial period to gauge potential employees before offering permanency. They closely assess the temp's performance and how well they fit into the team dynamics before making a final decision.

So, how do you turn your temp role into something permanent?

The answer lies in creating magic, and that involves exceeding your employer's expectations.

Let's consider an example. You promise your manager that you'll have a task completed in five days, and true to your word, it's done on time. It may seem like a job well done, but you haven't exactly created magic.

However, if unforeseen circumstances lead to a two-day delay, and you still manage to finish it in seven days, it's not just a failure to create magic; it might even leave your manager feeling disappointed.

To create magic, you need to do the unexpected - overdeliver. Imagine coming back to your manager in just four days, having the task completed ahead of schedule. That's when you've truly created magic.


Strategies for exceeding expectations

Strategies for creating magic

Creating magic by exceeding your employer's expectations requires a combination of skills, attitude, and dedication. Here are some strategies to help you stand out and exceed expectations in the workplace.


Understand expectations

Clearly understand your job responsibilities and the expectations your employer has for your role. If there's any uncertainty, seek clarification from your supervisor.

Set high personal standards & seek feedback

Establish high standards for yourself. Aim for excellence in your work, and consistently deliver high-quality results.

Regularly seek feedback from your supervisor and colleagues. Use feedback as a tool for improvement and to align your efforts with organisational goals.

Be reliable & consistent

Consistently meet deadlines and deliver work on time. Reliability is a key trait that employers value.

Engage in continuous learning

Stay informed about industry trends and developments. Take initiative to learn new skills that can benefit your role and the organisation.

Communicate & collaborate effectively

Communicate clearly and proactively. Keep your supervisor informed about your progress and any challenges you may be facing.

Foster a positive and collaborative work environment. Be willing to work with others and contribute to team success.

Take initiative

Look for opportunities to go above and beyond your assigned tasks. Take on additional responsibilities when possible, and be proactive in solving problems.

Be adaptable

Be flexible and adaptable to changes. Demonstrate your ability to handle challenges and changes positively and constructively.

Manage your time effectively

Effectively manage your time to ensure that you can complete tasks efficiently without compromising quality. Prioritise tasks based on their importance and deadlines.

Show enthusiasm & passion

Approach your work with enthusiasm and passion. A positive attitude can be contagious and can contribute to a positive workplace culture.

Solve problems

Approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Offer solutions rather than focusing solely on the problems.

Celebrate achievements

Acknowledge and celebrate individual and team achievements. This helps create a positive work environment and demonstrates your commitment to success.


Remember, consistency is key. It's not just about exceeding expectations once; it's about consistently delivering high-quality work and going the extra mile. By doing so, you'll position yourself as a valuable asset to your employer and increase your chances for career growth.


Case study

This case study focuses on Kate, a candidate I assisted in securing employment. Kate's story showcases her exceptional dedication and commitment to customer service, which not only earned her a permanent role within a short period but also led to her receiving a well-deserved raise.


Background

Kate was initially hired for a temporary position as a Customer Service Representative. She had a strong desire to excel in her role and make a positive impact on both customers and the company.

The customer service challenge

During Kate's first week on the job, a challenging situation emerged. A customer, who had a full-time job during regular business hours, was dissatisfied with the service they received. The catch was that the Customer Service Centre was only open during those business hours, making it difficult for the customer to address their concerns.

Initiative & dedication

In a display of initiative and dedication, Kate took it upon herself to find a solution. Understanding the customer's predicament, she offered to come in 30 minutes earlier the next day, without expecting any additional compensation. This decision was driven by her commitment to customer satisfaction and a genuine desire to go above and beyond her assigned duties.

Resolution & exceeding expectations

Kate's early morning effort paid off. She was able to connect with the customer, understand their concerns, and successfully resolve the issue. This not only impressed the customer but also garnered positive attention within the company.

Recognition & reward

Kate's exemplary performance did not go unnoticed. Within just three weeks of her temporary assignment, the company recognised her dedication and offered her a permanent role. The swift transition from temporary to permanent employment highlighted the company's confidence in Kate's abilities and commitment.

Consistent excellence

Kate's commitment to excellence did not wane after securing a permanent position. She continued to exceed her employer's expectations by consistently delivering exceptional service and going the extra mile for customers.

Kate's exceptional performance was rewarded within three months of her permanent position. Recognising her outstanding contributions, the company granted her a well-deserved raise, further solidifying her status as a valuable and appreciated team member.


Kate's journey from a temporary Customer Service Representative to a permanent, highly valued employee is a testament to her work ethic, initiative, and dedication. Her story underscores the importance of employees who not only meet expectations but consistently go above and beyond, contributing significantly to the success and reputation of the company.

How to go from temp to perm | A story of magic

Are you looking for a job?

Are you looking for a job?

Now that you better understand how to go from temp to perm, you should take a moment to check our current vacancies page.

At 11 Recruitment, we have a range of white-collar temp and perm jobs available. We're always on the lookout for top talent to place with our clients, so we encourage you to apply for any positions that are of interest.

If none of our current vacancies are right for you, you should register for job alerts. Then we’ll be able to notify you when we receive a position that matches your profile.



Christian Madsen

What are your thoughts?

I'd love to have a conversation with you about this topic - please leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or opinions 🙂

Christian Madsen

Managing Director of 11 Recruitment

  • Undisclosed says:

    How do you change biases from employers? eg. accent, age, gender?

    • Christian Madsen says:

      Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Avoiding biases in the hiring process is challenging because they are often subconscious and deeply ingrained. However, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the impact of biases and increase your chances of being evaluated fairly.

      1) Ensure that your application materials are free from gendered language (e.g., use the job title “Police Officer” instead of “Policeman” or “Policewoman”).

      2) Avoid including unnecessary personal information in your resume and cover letter such as age, gender, or marital status that could lead to unconscious biases.

      3) If possible, provide references from a range of backgrounds who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.

      4) Establish connections within the company or industry to increase your chances of having your application reviewed by a diverse set of decision-makers. Networking can help bypass initial biases.

      5) Try to gain insight into the company’s values and culture. Tailor your responses to align with these values while remaining authentic.

      6) If you have experiences or achievements related to promoting diversity and inclusion, mention them. Employers who prioritise diversity will likely value candidates who share those values.

      7) If you sense or suspect a bias during the interview process, address it professionally but directly. For instance, if you feel a question is inappropriate or biased, you can politely redirect the conversation back to your qualifications.

      8) Approach the interview with a positive attitude and a genuine interest in the company and the role. Enthusiasm and a strong work ethic can help mitigate any potential biases.

      I hope you find these tips useful 🙂

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