How to Make Your Part-Time Job a Full-Time Opportunity

Ask just about anyone how to turn your part-time job into a full-time position and they’ll say something like “work hard,” “stand out,” or “go above and beyond.” Of course, all three of these suggestions are prudent, but they’re also pretty generic. Want some specific advice about how to go from part-time to full-time? Keep reading.

Be a valuable contributor

Work diligently to establish yourself and deliver valuable contributions to the company—contributions you came up with on your own. Don’t sit around and wait for tasks to be given to you.  Any spare time you have can be used to develop a more efficient invoice system, create a new marketing plan, or improve on a product.

Imagine the impression you’ll make when you present your completed accomplishments to your employer. Most managers aren’t used to part-time employees being innovative and resourceful on their own time (or even full-time employees, for that matter). Once you’ve successfully blown your boss away, it’s now the perfect time to remind her you’d love to work for her on a full-time, permanent basis.

Be curious

The more you know about the company you work for and the people within it, the better your chances of joining the ranks full time. In regard to learning about the organization, not only will you impress your boss and coworkers with your in-depth information, but you can also use that knowledge to come up with ideas on how you can make the valuable contributions discussed above.

In terms of getting to know more about the people you work with, take a close look at your boss and the top brass. Find out what they’ve done to get to the leadership positions they’re in, and try to emulate it.  If they see signs of themselves in you, they just might want to take you under their wing and set you on a path toward a brighter future.

Be disarming

If you’re going to be spending 40+ hours a week with your colleagues, you’re going to want to make sure they find you enjoyable to be around. The work you do is important, but it doesn’t stand alone. If your coworkers are complaining about you, or your boss thinks listening to you is like hearing a knife scratch a plate, your chances of obtaining full-time employment aren’t good. Be yourself, but be your most likable self. Leave your annoying habits and irritating personality traits at the door (you shouldn’t be bringing those to work anyway). 

Be clear

If your manager is not explicitly aware you’re looking for full-time work, you have no one to blame but yourself if he passes you by. Don’t count on the fact that you mentioned your aspirations during your interview to establish yourself as a contender for a long-term position. You need to keep your desire for full-time work at the forefront of your supervisor’s mind. Obviously, you don’t want to badger him. But take advantage of any chance you have to work your objective into the conversation. For example, if he says something about there not being enough hours in the day to get everything done, charmingly interject “I could definitely use more hours myself!”

You’re in a part-time job you want to turn into a full-time position. Just like turning a negative into a positive, you can make that transition with the right approach. Ultimately, being your best self will open up the most promising opportunities.