Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

If you saw an ad for a position that stated it was a temporary position for 6 months to replace an employee on leave, but there is a possibility of a permanent position, what would you think? Would you apply for it expecting it to only be temporary? Or would you apply to it thinking you can turn it into a permanent position?

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

I think they posted that because they want an out if the person doesn't work out or if it's a maternity leave they think there is a possibility the person won't come back.

All are good reasons for posting that way.

If I wanted perm I would keep looking unless you have been out a while and just need something.

Good luck.

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

I would assume its temporary...

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

If you really need a job, it doesn't hurt to apply esp. if you're confident that you can get them to hire you for a diff. position if something else opens up. Or if the person on leave decides not to come back...

I see this as an opportunity for both parties, you can gauge whether it's the right job/place for you while they can guage whether you're worth keeping.

I'm actually doing a consulting (6 mo. temp to perm job) gig and it's been 8 months and I'm still here.

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

I would apply with the mindset that it will only be temporary and not expect anything more. That way if it doesn't turn into a permanent position I wouldn't be disappointed.

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

Depends on where you are in job market. If you're employed, then I wouldn't. If you're unemployed. I would would apply but continue to look for a permanent job.

Either way it will
-give you experience interviewing.
-give you the opportunity to showcase your work
-earn some money (provided it's not less than your current employment)
-add to your resume

You never know where it may lead. If I had someone who was a superstar here on a temp basis, I would definitely let me friends in other companies know I had someone good if I couldn't keep them.

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

From experience of 2 jobs, no. Temp usually means temp when years ago they used to hire you right after your time was up. Not anymore.

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

We hired a temp when someone was out on maternity leave and then offered them a full time position when another employee left and there was an opening

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

i say no harm in applying. it could be a good opportunity even if it doesn't lead to a perm role in the end. my temp contract position did bring in some extra cash, i learned some new skills, was able to tell ppl i was working when searchng for another role. you are also able to try out the job & your co-workers w/o committing.

as my contract period came closer to an end i started looking for another job. i felt it was protecting myself as at that point there was no job at the end of the rainbow for me. i also made a plan for when the contract ended if i didn't have another job lined up.

good luck!

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

Re: Temporary Positions with Possibility of Permanent

Thanks everyone. The position is actually for my maternity leave replacement. I was just trying to get an understanding of what might be going through their heads when they apply / interview for the position.