Temp to Perm Pay Question:

3 Comments

1. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdJune 13,2024 at 1:12PM UTC

   You generally aren't going to have much leverage as a temp employee to discuss permanent pay. If you know the position will be permanent, you can see if the company will disclose their considered pay for the role.

   Temps are generally brought in for one of two reasons: 1) They want to find someone for the role and they're going to have them work to see if they fit, 2) They don't intend for the role to be permanent - or are unsure if it will be.

2. AnonymousJune 13,2024 at 1:22PM UTC

   I am assuming you are taking on a role through a temp agency. I have not been in this position before, but consider that the temp agency is getting a finder's fee and commission as part of your placement there so most places will pay you at least what you are making through the agency. If that is enough to live on or close to what you want to be making, you should be fine. The most important thing if you want to be considered for permanent placement is to do the job well, always be on time, and learn as much as possible during your temp time there. If you are covering for a medical leave where they aren't sure if the person will be returning, there is always the chance that the person returns and you won't get the job. If you are there for three months, consider it a three-month interview (with pay), which means you need to "sell them" on how much they need your specific skills. I have brought on volunteer interns from a local community college with the understanding that if there is a position available when they complete the internship, they would be allowed to apply, and my evaluation of their progress would be used in the hiring decision. There is/was no need to discuss pay until you know there is a position for you to move into.

3. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJune 14,2024 at 12:12AM UTC

   You can ask your recruiter at the staffing company what they would be looking to pay if you're converted to perm but I think you're putting the cart before the horse by trying to negotiate that up front.

   What happens if you negotiate that up front and then you find out that the role is much more complex that you thought and you would have asked for more money if you knew what the position actually entailed. What if you negotiated that upfront but you do such a great job that they would have paid you more but you low balled yourself.