Turning a temporary assignment into a full-time job 8 February, 2010 By Mark Cox

"Many companies that cut staff too deeply or are not quite ready to hire on a full-time basis are bringing in project professionals at all levels to maintain productivity and keep initiatives on track," said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Job Hunting For Dummies, 2nd Edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). "When a position warrants full-time status, businesses commonly look first to staff who have excelled in the role on an interim basis."

"Temporary assignments allow professionals, in essence, to audition for an employer while at the same time determining if the situation is right for them," Messmer said.

Accountemps offers the following five tips for turning a temporary assignment into a full-time job:

Choose the right partner. Reach out to your network and tap the services of a staffing firm specializing in your field. Staffing professionals are well connected in their local business communities and can serve as advocates for you when speaking with hiring managers. Also, take advantage of free training opportunities offered by the firm to help build your skills and the value you bring to employers.

State your objective. Let staffing firms and potential employers know you're ultimately looking for a full-time job. If they understand that upfront, they may be able to place you in a role more likely to lead to that result.

Take a long-term approach. Once you're on the assignment, bring the same intensity to the temporary job you would to a full-time position. Adapt quickly to the organization's corporate culture and start contributing immediately. In addition, maintain a positive attitude: Employers will assess how well you handle constructive criticism, setbacks and other job-related challenges as part of your overall performance evaluation.

Observe the written and unwritten rules. Follow office protocol and ask questions when clarification is needed. For guidance, watch how top managers respond to certain situations and model your behavior on theirs, as appropriate. Also seek feedback on how you're doing and how you can improve in the role.

Let your personality shine. Employers want to see how well you'll fit in with the team. Actively participate in meetings and join colleagues in offsite events where possible. Expanding your connections within the company will work in your favor, so be sure to build rapport with other employees.