These Career Experts Tell Us How to Turn a Summer Gig Into a Full-Time Job

All summertime bliss doesn’t have to end at the turn of the season.

If your summer job is a great position you don’t want to let go, there’s good news: Many employers are looking to keep their temporary workers longer.

CareerBuilder surveyed over 2,500 employers and found 79% of them said they’d consider extending employment for some of their summer hires.

Linda Perneau, president of Randstad, said the summer is when hiring managers are forecasting their employment needs for the fall. She said she finds an increasing number of employers are looking to convert their temporary staffers to full-time employees.

How to Turn Your Summer Job Into a Full-Time One

One way summer hires can prove they should be kept on the job longer is to truly shine at their seasonal jobs, Perneau says.

“Temporary workers should always hold themselves to the same standards as if they were full-time,” she said. “I think that their ability to demonstrate their commitment to the quality of work and their performance and just the overall way they conduct themselves… [is] critically important.”

Ladan Hayes, senior career advisor at CareerBuilder, said summer workers looking to extend their employment shouldn’t see their gigs as a temporary placement.

“Think of it as a three-month-long working interview,” she said. “Come early, stay late. Get to know the industry. Ask questions. Build relationships with coworkers [and] executives, and show enthusiasm. Find a mentor.”

Jennifer Kochilaris, regional vice president at Adecco Staffing, said one of the best pieces of career advice she’s heard is to always be willing to learn more than everybody else.

“By proactively learning more about the company’s objectives and offering solutions that meet them, temporary workers can showcase they have the passion and potential to stick around long-term,” she said.

Seasonal workers should also be willing to take the extra step to stand out. Kochilaris recommends embracing the company’s culture.

“For example, if the organization values giving back to their community, you can show team spirit by volunteering to be a part of the company’s charitable events,” she said. “This will show your employer that you believe in the values that are most important to the company and that you are a good match with their culture.”

Perneau said summer workers should participate in company activities and interact with other employees.

She also said workers interested in staying at their company long term should express their interests early on. Kochilaris echoes similar sentiments.

“If you feel the employer is a good match for you based on your skill set and workplace culture preferences, notify the management team as soon as possible — as well as the staffing company, if you’re working with one — to ensure you get ahead of potential long-term opportunities at the company,” she said.

Even if your manager isn’t ready to offer permanent employment, communicating your wishes in advance could lead to a longer temporary assignment that goes beyond the summer.

Nicole Dow is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.