Many people in Singapore start with temporary or contract jobs — in F&B, retail, logistics, or admin. Temporary jobs give you income fast, but most workers hope to secure something more stable: a permanent job with CPF, benefits, and career growth.

Here’s how you can turn a temporary role into a long-term opportunity.

1. Be Reliable – Show You Can Be Trusted

Employers often promote temp workers who prove they can be counted on. Simple things make a big difference:

• Come to work on time every day.

• Follow instructions carefully.

• Avoid unnecessary absences.

👉 Example: A retail assistant who always shows up on time during the festive rush may be offered a permanent contract after the season. That’s of course if you are able to perform your job well.

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2. Learn Fast and Be Willing to Help

Temporary staff who pick up skills quickly stand out.

• Ask questions if you’re unsure — better to learn properly.

• Volunteer to help when colleagues are busy.

• Try to learn more than just your main task (e.g., if you’re a packer, learn basic cashier duties too).

👉 Example: In F&B, a part-timer who learns both kitchen prep and cashiering becomes more valuable, making it easier for the manager to keep them full-time.

3. Show Good Attitude and Teamwork

Skills can be trained, but attitude is noticed.

• Be polite and respectful to colleagues and customers.

• Stay positive, even when the job is tiring.

• Don’t complain openly — instead, suggest solutions.

Employers or your direct supervisors often remember the helpful, friendly workers when deciding who to offer a contract.

4. Let Your Supervisor Know You Want to Stay

Sometimes, bosses don’t know that you’re interested in a permanent role.

• At the right time, tell your supervisor: “I really like working here. If there’s a chance for a permanent role, I’d be interested.”

• Ask if there are pathways from temp to perm in the company.

Showing interest helps you stand out from other temp workers that you are committed to your role.

5. Upgrade Yourself (Even Small Steps Count)

You don’t only need a degree to improve your chances. Learning simple skills can enhance your chances of success, this includes:  

• Learning basic computer skills (Word, Excel, email).

• Taking a short SkillsFuture or WSQ course related to your industry.

• Improving your English or Mandarin if customer service is part of the job.

And even if the company doesn’t make you permanent, you still walk away with a skill for life — something that helps you in your next job.

6. Stay Connected with the Agency (If Hired Through One)

If you’re placed by a staffing agency, talk to your recruiter:

• Let them know you prefer permanent jobs (not just temp roles).

• Share which industries you’d like to grow in so they can match you better.

• Ask if they can alert you to “temp-to-perm” opportunities, where companies hire temporary staff first but are open to making them permanent.

Why this matters: Your recruiter already knows your profile, work style, and strengths from your previous assignments. That means they can recommend you faster, highlight you to employers with more confidence, and even negotiate better terms on your behalf. Building a relationship with your recruiter makes it easier to secure long-term opportunities.

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7. Build a Track Record

Even if your current temp job doesn’t convert, it’s not wasted. Add it to your CV, highlight skills you gained, and use it as experience for future applications.

• Add it to your CV for job applications.

• Highlight skills you gained (e.g., teamwork, handling customers, operating machinery).

• Use each temp role to build experience and references for future permanent jobs.

Just as important, maintain good relationships at work. Be punctual, communicate openly, show initiative, and be professional with colleagues and supervisors. Even if you don’t stay, a good impression can lead to referrals, recommendations, or future opportunities.

Why this matters: Employers are more willing to convert high-performing temps into permanent staff when they see not just skills, but also reliability, teamwork, and cultural fit.

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8. Maintain good relationship with your employers

Down to the most crucial point, whether you’re on a temporary contract or aiming for a permanent role, the way you build relationships at work plays a big role in your long-term opportunities.

• Show reliability: Be punctual, meet deadlines, and deliver consistent work quality. Employers are more likely to consider you for permanent positions when they know they can depend on you.

• Communicate openly: Keep your supervisor updated on your progress, ask questions when in doubt, and be receptive to feedback. Good communication builds trust.

• Demonstrate initiative: Go beyond your job scope when possible—suggest improvements, volunteer for tasks, or show eagerness to learn.

• Be professional: Maintain positive interactions with colleagues and supervisors. A strong work ethic and respectful attitude leave a lasting impression.

• Think long-term: Even if you don’t stay with that employer, a good relationship can lead to referrals, recommendations, or future opportunities in the same industry.

Why this matters: Employers are more willing to convert high-performing temporary staff into permanent roles when they see not just skills, but also reliability, teamwork, and cultural fit. In SMEs especially, trust and loyalty go a long way.

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Conclusion

Temporary jobs can feel uncertain, but they don’t have to be a dead end. By being reliable, learning fast, showing a good attitude, and upgrading yourself, you can move from temp work into a permanent role in Singapore. Many permanent employees today started out just like you — the difference is, they made themselves stand out.

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