Like temp-to-perm jobs, seasonal work offers job seekers one big advantage: a foot in the proverbial door of a company (and, for some, an industry). If you’re looking for full-time work and are biding your time with a temporary position this holiday season, be sure to approach your new assignment with the same hard work, dedication, and professionalism you would any long-term opportunity; there could be a job, or some fantastic connections, in it for you if you do!

Many retailers, for example, hire up to half of their holiday staff for permanent roles. According to a recent Careerbuilder survey, 39% of retail hiring managers plan on taking on holiday hires. The good news is they aren’t the only ones: survey-takers from other fields such as information technology, hospitality, and financial services also expressed interest in extra help both during the busy season and after.

Remember, ‘tis the season of giving. Here are some ways to make sure you give your all at your seasonal position—and, possibly, receive the gift of full-time employment in the long run:

1. Cover the basics. As with any job, it’s important to act professionally and respectfully. Adhere to the dress code, arrive on time, and approach your work with dedication and enthusiasm. Offer your help when you have extra time. Don’t rely on others to get started on your work. These are the core qualities most employers look for, and showing them from the get-go can ensure that you both give and get the most out of your time.
2. Be up front. Although you should take the same professional approach to your position regardless of its potential, be sure to let the hiring manager know early on that you’re interested in a full-time position. That way, when considering possible open positions, they know for sure that you’re interested in the role—and that you have the initiative to go after it.
3. Go the extra mile. Offering extra help when you have a lull in work, staying late or arriving early when necessary, and asking for extra responsibilities are all great ways of doing so. Show that you’re capable of much more than just the tasks you’ve been assigned and you’ll likely be a top pick for future positions.
4. Get to know your fellow coworkers. And not just the seasonal ones. Forming a professional bond with your long-term coworkers can not only provide you with great additions to your professional network, it can get you a great reputation in the workplace. If people like you, they’ll usually be vocal about it, and will most likely relay their positive opinions when their managers start looking at hiring prospects.
5. Ask for a review. If your position ends or is close to over and you haven’t heard anything about future openings—or if you’ve asked and there is nothing available at the time—ask your manager for a review of your performance. At the very least, you’ll walk away with an idea of what you did right and what you can improve on, and that kind of insight is valuable to any career!
   

Of course, you have to be happy with the position to take it on full-time, so take your time while you’re working to really gauge the company culture, mission, and management styles. If you don’t end up with a position or simply want to keep your eye open for other opportunities, take a look at our advice on keeping your job search fresh during the holidays with these revamped networking tactics.

Good luck and happy holidays!