At last you landed a paycheck. Trouble is, it’s temporary. You think your tenure is limited. Maybe not.

           Here’s how to up the odds that they ask you to stick around.

             Be a problem solver

           You have an advantage over the outside competition, you’re on the ground, you have first-hand knowledge about the challenges the organization is facing. “Leverage that insight to make a pitch for how you can help them fill in a gap or address a need,” says Shawn Graham, author, Courting Your Career.

            However, listen first, then speak. “Learn about the company from an insider’s point of view. Understand the culture, and gradually begin to offer opinions and suggestions to your manager and peers,” says Barbara Poole, founder of Employaid.

            Produce

            Make no mistake about it, there’s a strong correlation between personal marketability and personal productivity. When managers are making decisions about adding full-time head count, they’re going to focus on your ability to go above and beyond the expectations of your current role as a temporary employee, adds Graham.

            Be a self promoter

            Don’t be shameless. But your perceived value to the organization could hinge solely on your boss and how much he or she promotes your contributions to others in the department or company. “Instead of leaving it to chance, look for opportunities to participate on, and have an impact with, teams comprised of members from all levels of the organization,” says Graham.

            Be a part of the team

            “Don’t act like a temp. Act like you belong there long term,” says Stacey O’Neill, managing director of The Mergis Group, a professional recruiting company. Treat the temp opportunity as a working interview. Dress and act the part, she adds.

            Furthermore, arrive early, be prepared to start work on time and volunteer to stay late if needed. Do exceptional work, no matter how mundane the task, says Roberta Chinsky Matuson, president, Human Resource Solutions.

            Act counter intuitively. “Don’t keep your head down, simply getting your job done. Introduce yourself to peer level and management staff. Become a face with a name,” says Poole.

            Networking is key, and so is finding a mentor. “Even an informal mentor, someone who can champion you to hiring managers and human resources, can make the difference,” says Wendy Boswell, associate professor at the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University.

            Speak up

            Make your intentions known. Tell people of your interest in remaining. “Tell everyone how much you like working there. Ask people to be alert for full time opportunities lest the job you are temping for does not become permanent,” says Sandra Naiman, author, The High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules of Success at Work.

            Then too, ask questions to find out what they are looking for in a permanent employee and do those things, adds Dan Caramanico of Caramanico Maguire Associates.

            Attitude determines altitude

           “Always have a pleasant, cooperative and willing attitude, even if the work sucks or the work environment is not where you would want to work. A good referral from someone there could help you find a permanent position elsewhere,” says Carl Wellenstein, author of 12 Steps to a New Career.

           Don’t go it alone

           If you’re not sure of what moves to make, consider a coach.

         “Get a partner in crime. Two heads are better than one. A coach can brainstorm new directions and help you with blind spots. We can develop an action plan,” says Rich Gee of Rich Gee Coaching.

           You have your foot in the door, make it hard for them to say goodbye.