December 13, 2009

Sticking around: How to turn a temporary holiday job into a permanent position

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UPS

Shipping company UPS had planned to hire about 50,000 seasonal workers this year. UPS says it hopes to hire up to 30 percent of its temporary work force for permanent jobs after the holidays.

As companies hire extra workers for the holidays, some seasonal employees are wondering: How do I turn this temporary position into something permanent? And, in this economy, can I?

Retailers that are typically big seasonal employers are suffering through a prolonged slump in consumer spending, which has forced many to cut back staffing. Other employers, such as the U.S. Postal Service, have implemented hiring freezes. So while these companies are employing temporary help, they don’t expect to make many permanent offers.

Still, personnel consultants and company executives say there are plenty of opportunities for hard-working seasonal employees to stay on even after the New Year. Shipping giant UPS, for one, says it could eventually hire thousands of workers who make it through the frenetic holiday season.

The first step in nabbing a job: Make it clear that you’re interested in the company and looking for a permanent role. Most seasonal workers never get a chance at other jobs because they simply never ask, says Jeff Joerres, the CEO of staffing company Manpower. Be tactful, and don’t pester management. “Make yourself available for additional opportunities,” he says, “but don’t overextend yourself.”

More tips for making the transition from temporary help to full-time employee:

Remember the basics
Even when a job is short-term, employees need to behave as they would in a full-time, permanent position. Arrive on time, follow your schedule and don’t request time off work unless it’s absolutely necessary.

“In a temporary employee, that’s the No. 1 thing employers look for: reliability and dependability,” says Craig Rowley, vice president of the global retail sector for the Hay Group, a consulting firm.

Along with that, show that you’re willing to be flexible. If managers ask you to work longer, do it. Likewise, if they need someone to pick up an extra shift, be the first to volunteer.

Audition for the job
A seasonal job, like an internship or temporary gig, is truly a multiweek job interview. Supervisors watch to see how well employees fit with the company, and they quickly judge how easily workers pick up on new tasks.

To stand out, look for ways to “wow” customers and demonstrate a mastery of the business.
At high-end kitchen retailer Sur La Table, CEO Jack Schwefel says the best seasonal workers are the ones who are able to interact with customers on a personal basis while also explaining the key differences between products, such as a copper-bottom pot versus a steel one.

Seek out opportunities
Companies across a variety of industries say they’re still interested in hiring their temporary workers, even amid the recession.

UPS had planned to hire about 50,000 seasonal workers this year. Some of those employees will work in the company’s hubs, loading and unloading trucks, while others will be on the road with drivers going door-to-door to deliver packages.

The jobs can be exhausting, given that the holidays represent the company’s busiest time of the year.

Spokeswoman Karen Cole says employees who make it through peak season could be in a prime position to land a permanent job, initially on a part-time basis. The company hopes to hire from 20 percent to 30 percent of its temporary work force this year.

Manpower hires about 10,000 seasonal employees to work for distribution centers, credit card processing facilities and other companies during the holidays. About 40 percent of those workers could eventually snag a permanent job, Joerres says.

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2 Comments

Anonymous on December 15, 2009 5:41 PM | Reply

My X- Seasonal Temporary work turned out to be a very negative experience. The training I received from a big box store was incomplete and I was put into unacceptable situations for the first few days.
I was told that I would be assigned a buddy-none was assigned. I requested help over the phone and it seemed to be treated as a problem. I can't but think that this is how they treat customers also.
Please do not print my name.
Best,
Got a new Temp Job with a caring group.

Cassie Reynolds on December 14, 2011 8:44 AM | Reply

I am right now a seasonal employee at Old Navy. And I definitely think this is a 2 month long interview. I have worked as hard as I have at any other job, and I just present my best self. The manager that did orientation has already implied that they want to keep me after the holidays! Yay!!

I was at orientation with five other people. ONE of them seems to be working as hard as I do. One girl, after just one week, started complaining. She actually even complained the second day of orientation! Really?! If I were the managers, I wouldn't hire someone that blames everyone else for them not wearing appropriate clothes to work on their second day. We may be a retail shop, but wearing sports teams t-shirts and jacket is a no-no. At least ask the day before if it's ok.

Any advice I would give a seasonal employee (in retail mostly) who wants to be permanent, I would just say treat it like a 2 month long interview. If you wouldn't tell someone interviewing you that you're late to work, don't be late. If you wouldn't tell an interviewer you call in sick, don't call in sick (unless you fall and break open your head or your foot falls off). Don't complain, DO NOT gossip, just work your butt off.

I always act as though someone is watching. Like, if I wouldn't want a manager to see what I was doing, I wouldn't do it. I ALWAYS stay busy and do things without being asked.

Just be the best you, and If they can hire you, they will.
Then you can call in sick, but not all the time ;)

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