Our previous blog posts have stressed the importance of time-management and first impressions, which build the foundation to a successful employment opportunity. However, some individuals still have one last hurdle to climb, which is turning that temporary contract into a permanent one. In order to secure a permanent position after the completion of your traineeship there are a few more pointers we would like to share.

Firstly, there are likely to be a few monotonous and/or demanding tasks, so it is important to maintain a positive attitude. In most cases you will not be involved in all the most exciting tasks immediately. You will probably need to prove yourself first. Set yourself little objectives that are achievable in order to stay on track opposed to setting yourself unattainable goals. Staying positive also insinuates not getting involved in office politics both inside and outside of the office.

Ask many questions and more importantly jot down the answers in a notepad. Don’t be scared of making yourself heard, it is easy to sink into the background “noise”. Engage with as many employees as possible and sustain a good relationship – you never know where your career might take you. Making new acquaintances is usually also a positive side effect of volunteering to work across multiple departments which provides you with an excellent overview of the company.

The significance of arriving on time as well as hitting deadlines is vital but not enough. Competition for permanent positions is high. Show initiative and the desire to learn and develop. Your willingness to go beyond your job description will not go unrecognised. Identify the “go-to” people early in order learn from the correct source. Senior employees may share their expertise and cultural understanding.

Be a team player and show off you collaborative skills. Remember that any of your colleagues could be vital contacts for the future. Connect with them on Linked In to widen your network further.

In addition, you should make sure to track your accomplishments and the impact they make on the business. This allows you to recap on your learning cycle later on and may serves as a foundation for future employment opportunities.

Be a team player!

Don’t race ahead with quick decisions, take your time and ensure that the choices you make are the right ones. When given an important task, where possible, sleep on it and ensure you have thought through all avenues. Instead of staying late and surfing the web during the day, get your work done in orderly fashion and go home for a good rest. There is only a certain amount of time a human being can concentrate. The longer you work the less effective your rational decision-making gets.

All the advice covered in this blog should be viewed as guidance. These tips do not guarantee a permanent position but they build a solid basis for success. Also, the guidelines we have provided you with are heavily dependent on the influence of external factors such as for example the economy as well as politics. Remember that even if you do not get offered a permanent position after the completion of your traineeship it is crucial to keep in touch and be persistent!