Industries from hospitality to manufacturing and construction rely on a combination of part-time and full-time workers to successfully manage seasonal fluctuations, changes in consumer demand, and overhead costs. Part-time work is not just a benefit to employers, but many employees choose these roles to take advantage of a more flexible schedule, explore a new industry, or maximize earnings by working two different jobs.
Despite the initial benefits, some part-time workers may find that this type of employment no longer serves them and their lifestyle. Whether they want comprehensive benefits, more stability, or the opportunity to build a career, these workers want to transition to a full-time role. Breaking out of part-time work and into a full-time position can be difficult for some. We’ll review a few steps you can proactively take to prepare yourself for your dream job.
Step 1: Assess yourself and your career
Before you can begin applying for jobs, take some time to understand your priorities and where you see yourself in the future. Is now truly the right time to make a switch to full-time employment? Consider your scheduling requirements and the structure of your life. Are you able to commit to a more regular schedule or do you still require flexibility in your day-to-day life? Setting realistic expectations with yourself about the commitment of a full-time job ensures you’re prepared and ready to make the transition.
If you know you want to move forward, the next step is to build a list of the industries you would like to work in. Based on past experiences and research, write down the desired industries and/or companies where you would want to build a career.
Step 2: Do you have what you need to land your dream job?
The next step is to assess whether your current skills, experience, and credentials are what’s needed to land your desired full-time opportunity. To understand whether an employer will see you as a top candidate, review job descriptions of roles in your target industry or company or talk to employees currently working in the field.
If there are gaps in your resume, you can enhance your profile by attending trade school, earning an industry certificate, or even pursuing a temporary or part-time job to gain necessary skills. Take the time to build the right resume to quickly land yourself a full time job.
Step 3: Prepare for the application process
Once you’re ready to make the move, prepare yourself for the application process before you jump in the deep end. First, update your resume to include the skills, credentials, and experiences that your desired role values. Review your resume’s language against a job description. Are you using similar words and showing that you can perform that specific job successfully?
Before you interview, you’ll need a cohesive and consistent story to tell. Tell your interviewers why you have chosen part-time work in the past, and why now is the right time for you to make the move to full-time employment. Once you have all the pieces in place, prepare your documents so that you can immediately apply when you see the ideal job.
Step 4: Don’t forget to look internally first
If you’re already working in your desired industry, explore options to transition to full-time employment at your current company. Talk to your manager about how others have previously pivoted from part-time to full-time, and how the typical internal hiring process works. If the opportunity sounds promising, keep an eye out for job postings, and begin to build a network within your organization. Lean into your manager’s support. They can help you create a plan to gain important skills and experience to better position yourself for a full-time position.
Step 5: It’s time to apply!
Now that you’re ready to commit to the application process, set up a process for yourself to manage the research and the applications without getting overwhelmed. Spend an allotted amount of time each day reviewing industry job boards, and LinkedIn postings. You can even set up alerts to streamline the process. Working with a staffing agency can ease the burden as they will alert you to promising opportunities.
When a job arises, tailor your resume to fit the description before applying. If you’re working with a staffing agency, they can guide you on what specific skills, experiences, or credentials the employer is seeking. Then, press submit and follow up as needed!
Step 6: Stay positive
All job searches take time, and even more so when you are transitioning from part-time to full-time work. You and your potential employers are both looking for the right fit, so stay positive even if you experience rejection along the way.
If you are still working throughout the job search, your time will be limited. Utilizing professionals, like a staffing agency, can help you be as efficient as possible in the search.
Get Started on Your Full-Time Employment Journey Today
Transitioning from part-time to full-time work may not happen instantaneously. It’s important to set yourself up for success by spending time at the beginning of the process assessing your skills, enhancing your resume, and clearly defining your target roles. A precise strategy will help you be efficient and effective during your search.
If you are seeking additional support, you can work with a staffing agency, like Action Group Staffing, to guide and assist you. Action Group Staffing matches employers and employees in key industries, including light industrial manufacturing & assembly, construction & skilled trades, hospitality, call center, administrative & clerical staffing. Contact us today if you are ready to take on your dream full-time role.
