From Part-Time Employee to Full-Time Staff

From Part-Time Employee to Full-Time Staff

While there are times in your life when part-time employment is exactly what you need, there are benefits to being full-time staff. In addition to having a higher steady paycheck, you'll probably also qualify for benefits not available to part-time employees. Depending on the employer, those could include vacation and sick leave, medical insurance, and an employer contribution to your retirement fund.

The good news is, employers can easily transition a valued part-time employee to full-time status. It's important that they follow the laws regarding benefits, but they technically could increase your hours to 40 and call you full-time. A good employer will bring you in, offer you the position, and put you on an annual salary that will hopefully be an increase over the hourly rate you've been receiving.

If you want to get that call someday, here are a few things you can do to position yourself as a future full-time employee.

Be a Valued Team Member

Chances are, your boss isn't going to promote you if you're constantly calling in sick and shirking your duties. Prove yourself a valuable team member , and you'll probably find that you're the first person considered when a full-time position opens up.

Let Your Employer Know

Your boss may have no idea you want to convert to a full-time worker at some point. That's where you come in. Once you've established yourself as a reliable, skilled employee, approach your boss about going full time. You may need to offer some details on how you believe your current position could be expanded or a new position created that fits your skills. You already have an edge over outside candidates since you know the organization's needs. Use that  to your advantage.

Embrace Teamwork

Your boss won't just be considering you as a salaried employee. You'll also need to be a good fit for the existing team. This means establishing strong relationships  with your coworkers, including taking the time to form those bonds that are so valuable to the overall work culture. Pitch in and help where needed and respect each coworker's experience, rather than trying to jump in and compete with everyone else.

Before you decide to go full time, slow down and make sure this is the full-time position you want. Being part time gives you the opportunity to get to know the ins and outs and decide whether it fits your long-term career goals. It may be that another business has a work culture that's a better fit for the experience you've gained working part time.