3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Overlook a Temp-to-Hire Role

You know what temporary jobs are. But what about temp-to-hire positions? You may be less familiar with them. However, if you’re overlooking these kinds of roles in your job search, you could miss out on your next great opportunity. Here’s everything you need to know about temp-to-hire jobs and why you should consider one.

What is Temp-to-Hire?

Temp-to-hire jobs are usually coordinated through an employment agency and are positions that are set for a short-term period of time, such as three months. After that period, the employer then decides whether or not to extend an offer for full-time employment.

If an offer is extended, the candidate can choose to accept or decline the offer based on their experience with the company. It’s a win-win situation because both the candidate and the employer can essentially do a trial run to see if there’s a match before committing to a full-time situation.

How Does a Temp-to-Hire Job Work?

If you accept a position on a temp-to-hire basis, then you’ll be told how long the position will last. Typically, most temp-to-hire roles are between three and six months. This is considered a probationary period of time where the employer is evaluating you and you’re also evaluating the employer to see if there’s a good fit.

During this period, you don’t work directly for the employer, but instead are in a contract with the employment agency. This is who will handle payroll. Once the period ends, if the employer extends an offer – and you choose to accept – then your position will be transitioned into a full-time role with the company. You will then be eligible for whatever benefits the company offers and will be transferred to their payroll.

If, however, you decline the offer, you can continue to work with the employment agency and accept future temporary or temp-to-hire roles through them.

What Are the Benefits of a Temp-to-Hire Job?

There are a wide range of benefits that you can enjoy when you opt for a temp-to-hire position. These include:

#1: A chance to try out the job before committing.

When you work on a temp-to-hire basis, you’ll get to know your colleagues, your boss and the culture – without having to sign on for a full-time job. This gives you the chance to see if you’re happy in the environment and enjoy the work. If you’re not, you can simply move on after the probationary period. If you are, though, you can accept the offer with peace of mind – knowing it’s a great fit for you.

You’ll also get the chance to evaluate how well the job fits into your life. How long is the commute during peak traffic hours? What’s the work-life balance like in the office? Do you feel fulfilled and appreciated on the job? You can answer these and other key questions before fully committing.

#2: The opportunity to gain new skills.

Whether or not you choose to accept the role as full-time after the trial run, you’ll have expanded your knowledge base and gained new skills. These could be important for a future opportunity, making you a more marketable candidate when your dream job does come along. It could also be the skill that sets you apart from another candidate if an employer is trying to decide between you and someone else.

#3: The ability to expand your network.

In addition to expanding your skill set, you’ll also have the chance to network while on the job. You never know where your career will take you or who you will cross paths with again. So, whether or not you accept a full-time offer, this provides you with a valuable opportunity to meet new people who could play a future part in your career.

How Should I Approach a Temp-to-Hire Job?

When you’ve accepted a temp-to-hire job, you should approach it just like any other position. Act like you’re already a full-time employee from the start, showing up on time, being prepared, being professional, and working hard to meet expectations. These steps will all boost your chance of getting the offer for a full-time job.

Another tip? Be proactive. Just because you’re not a permanent member of the team yet doesn’t mean you should slack. Instead, go the extra mile to really stand out. Even if you’re done for the day, for instance, if your boss or a co-worker needs help, offer it.

Also, work to get to know others, connect with your superiors, and accept invitations to lunch, happy hours, or other company events. These are prime opportunities to network and also to get to know if this is the kind of company you’d like to work for full-time.

Interested in Landing a Temp-to-Hire Job?

At Murray Resources, we specialize in placing qualified professionals in a range of positions, including temp-to-hire. If you’re looking for more flexibility and peace of mind that a job is truly right for you, let us help. Search our jobs now to get started.