By Lainie Petersen Updated June 28, 2018
If you've decided that t's time to transition from freelancing or contract work to a full-time position, don't assume that you must start a job search from scratch. Consider approaching your primary contact, or contacts, at one or more of your current clients. He may be receptive to bringing you on as a full-time team member.
Assess Your Situation
Before making your request, assess your position so that you can make a good case for someone who might hire you as a full-time employee. Things to consider include:
- Open positions: Review notices about current openings within the company. Knowledge of a specific job within the company can help you focus your request.
- Company culture and industry trends: Employment trends are constantly evolving. In some industries, certain jobs are more likely than not to be freelance or contract positions. If your role is typically performed on a freelance or contract basis, getting a full-time position may be a challenge.
- Your performance: Do you have a strong track record of producing quality work? If you aren't sure, take some time to reevaluate and improve your performance before making your pitch.
- Your credentials and skills: If you've been working primarily on a per-project basis, your client may not be familiar with your range of skills, experience and credentials. For example, if you have been primarily offering graphic design services to the client but you also have an MBA with management experience, you'll want to let your contact know about these credentials and skills in your letter.
- Appropriate compensation: Although you won't mention salary numbers in your initial letter, it's wise to be prepared to answer questions about what you would expect as far as compensation.
Be Direct
Begin your letter with a direct request regarding moving into a full-time position. Doing so demonstrates respect for your contact's time and also makes your intentions and desires clear.
Example:
Susan,
I have very much appreciated the opportunity to work with Jones & Associates over the past six months and I look forward to continuing to do so. I'm reaching out today because I am interested in transitioning to a full-time position, from my current status as a freelancer. If there is an opportunity to do so now, or in the near future, I'd like to meet with you to explore this possibility.
Make YourCase
After making your request, it's time to demonstrate why hiring you would benefit the company. Keep in mind that although you may enjoy a congenial relationship with your contact, she may not know a lot about your background and work experience. This is particularly true if you work mostly from home.
Example:
As you know, my work on the company's website has had a direct impact on increased revenues as well as on SEO rankings. Web-based sales increased 17 percent since I revamped the web design, and we've finally been able to see our listing make the first page of Google.
Susan, I believe that I can do even more with our web presence, particularly if I'm able to devote myself full-time to online development for Jones & Associates. I'm not sure if we have discussed this, but I hold an MBA in organizational management from Loyola University and have worked for five years as web development lead at Kramer & Sons. During that time, I managed a team of 12 people and was credited by the company owners for increasing the value of the business so that they were able to eventually sell it for 20 percent more than they had expected to receive.
I understand that many companies are outsourcing their web development projects to freelancers and third-party companies. However, I'm taking this chance to ask for full-time employment because of my high regard for Jones & Associates and the relationships that I formed here. I am confident that my working in house full-time would greatly improve our already strong online brand.
Call to Action
End of the letter with a call to action, something that you would like your boss to do in response to your request. In most cases, this means getting in touch so that you can meet in person.
Example:
I'm hoping that you and I can get together to discuss the possibility of my coming on board to work full time with your team. I will be in the office next Wednesday from 9 to 3, and then on Friday from 2 to 5. I can make myself available pretty much any time, however, during the next couple of weeks. Please let me know what might be a good time for you.
Certainly! This article touches on essential aspects of work transitions, job searches, and crafting effective cover letters when aiming to shift from freelance or contract work to a full-time position. Let's break down the key concepts involved:
1. Work Transition: The article addresses the process of transitioning from freelance or contract work to full-time employment. It emphasizes the importance of assessing one's current position, understanding open positions within the company, evaluating one's performance, skills, and credentials, and considering the industry's job trends and company culture before initiating the transition.
2. Job Search Strategies: Rather than starting a job search from scratch, the article suggests leveraging existing relationships with current clients or primary contacts. It advises making a direct request to explore the possibility of transitioning to a full-time role within the company.
3. Cover Letter Writing: It provides a comprehensive guide on drafting a cover letter for such a transition. It recommends initiating the letter with a direct request for a full-time position, followed by presenting a compelling case for why hiring the freelancer would benefit the company. This includes showcasing past achievements, relevant skills, and credentials that might not have been previously highlighted.
4. Assessing the Situation: The article suggests evaluating factors such as open positions within the company, company culture, industry trends, personal performance, credentials, skills, and appropriate compensation expectations before making the transition request.
5. Making a Strong Case: After making the initial request, the article advises demonstrating the value the freelancer could bring to the company as a full-time employee. This involves citing specific accomplishments, showcasing relevant experience, and emphasizing how the transition can positively impact the company's goals.
6. Call to Action: The cover letter concludes with a call to action, inviting the recipient to discuss the possibility further. It suggests proposing specific times for a meeting to facilitate the conversation about transitioning into a full-time role.
This guidance emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, showcasing value, and effectively communicating intentions when aiming to transition from freelancing or contract work to a full-time position within a company.
