How to Turn a Summer Job into a Full-Time Gig

One great way to line up a new, permanent job is to hunker down and work hard at a part-time summer job. But how do you turn a great part-time summer job into a permanent one? Here are eight terrific ways:

Arrive early and stay late. This may sound old-fashioned, but arriving early and staying late will help you pass the first-impression test with your bosses and co-workers. It makes you look hungry for the job and is an obvious way to show your interest.

Find a mentor. Look for someone who will not only train you, but also guide you in the right direction. Find a mentor who can support you during your time in the job, as well as after you leave.

Talk to people from other departments during your breaks. Talk to key people - one by one - from each department during breaks or lunch and ask questions about their jobs. How did they get the job? Did they always know what they wanted to do? What are their secrets to a successful career?

Complete a special project. Look for a special project to take on, one you can start and finish during your short stay. This will create a story you can share on your résumé, as well as talk about during future job interviews.

Take a class or seminar. Plan ahead and find a course to take during the summer, one that will help you gain new knowledge or learn new skills to complement your work. See if you can negotiate to have your company pay for the class. Then offer to present what you learned at a staff meeting.

Visit customers or vendors. A summer job is about making money, getting work experience, and networking with industry professionals, so meet as many customers and vendors as possible. Offer to get food and drinks for a customer meeting and then ask if you can quietly sit in on the meeting. Just watch how business gets done - or not done.

Find new friends and offer to help. Work friends are important. This applies to anyone and everyone - outside your department, in the mailroom, or in the lobby. Practice saying "hi" to strangers and offer to help when you can.

Express interest. After the summer ends, don't leave without expressing interest in a permanent position. Not everyone asks, so if the experience was a good one, let your supervisor and others know you'd like to stick around. There's nothing wrong with doing this along the way, but it's generally better to stay focused and add value at first.


Adapted from a US News and World Report article by Tim Tyrell-Smith of Tim's Strategy, a site that helps professionals succeed in job search, career and life strategy.