'I’m a Workday® Contractor – Can I Switch to Permanent Roles?'

Are you thinking about a change? Workday® contracting is definitely a rewarding, and lucrative, career choice. However, if things have changed, and you want a little more of the stability, progression and perks that permanent roles have to offer, then have no fear. 

It may feel like finding a permanent role as a contractor is quite the mountain to climb, but rest assured, that perfect role is not as elusive as it seems. In fact, you can absolutely transform your Workday® contracting gig into a permanent dream job.  

So, let’s explore the possibilities, address your concerns, and unveil the path to Workday® permanence. 

Recognising the value of your experience

As a Workday® contractor, you possess a treasure trove of skills and knowledge that set you apart in the ecosystem. You have experience working on a variety of projects, specialising in specific modules, and demonstrating exceptional adaptability. If you have implementation and integration experience, you’ll certainly be au-fait with overcoming intricate challenges, working to tight deadlines, and collaborating within multi-disciplinary teams.  

A contractor and someone in a permanent position will take different views of a project. Organisations value this, and the unique perspective and flexibility that ex-contractors bring to the table when they switch to a permanent role will be attractive to them. 

You may think you’ve turned yourself into a one-trick pony, but you couldn’t be more wrong. The sooner you recognise the value of your experience as a contractor, the sooner you’ll be able to highlight this to your future employer. 

Showcasing your expertise

So, it’s time to convince that Hiring Manager that you are the perfect Workday® professional for their permanent role. 

Think about showcasing the different projects you’ve had the opportunity to work on, and break down the skills you’ve picked up from these. Emphasise your contributions in optimising Workday® configurations, streamlining processes, and enhancing system performance. Shine a light on the positive outcomes you have delivered during your time as a contractor.  

Don’t just list your Workday®-specific skills as well, think about the ‘soft’ skills you need to be a contractor – organisation, time management, stakeholder management, collaboration, flexibility, adaptability, communication (this list goes on and on). Think of examples that evidence these skills, and you’ll be setting yourself up for success in a permanent role. 

Addressing skills gaps

Let’s return to that worry about being a one-trick pony now. Yes, you may possess deep expertise in a specific area of Workday®, and you might find there are gaps in your knowledge in others. Does this rule you out from getting a permanent role ever again? 

No! 

It’s important to identify and address the areas where you feel your skills may be lacking. Take the initiative to explore different modules and functionalities within the Workday® ecosystem that you may not have had the opportunity to work on as a contractor. Engage with as many resources as you can. 

You might consider taking on additional contract work or side projects that allow you to gain hands-on experience in new modules or functionalities. You can also collaborate with permanent Workday® professionals or mentors who can provide guidance and expertise. Take these proactive steps, and you’ll show your commitment to growth and development (which is exactly what they want to see in someone going for a permanent role). 

Build relationships

Networking and building relationships will play a crucial role in securing your permanent role. Leverage your connections within the Workday® community, including former colleagues, mentors, and industry contacts. Let them know your intentions and ask for guidance, advice, and potential referrals. 

This is definitely the time to start a relationship with a Workday® Recruitment Specialist, if you haven’t already (although, if you’ve been a Workday® contractor and you haven’t been working with a Recruiter this whole time, you’ve been missing out!). A specialist Recruiter that works solely within the Workday® ecosystem knows how to translate your current skills as a contractor into a pathway to your permanent role. They’ll also be able to match you with the right organisation that fits your culture and value ideals. This is important now - it’s not just a few months that you’ll be working at this company. If you’re in it for the long run, you need to make sure you pick the right place for you. Now would be a great time to contact Focus on WD, but we’ll revisit that a little later. 

Your time to shine

So, you've made the decision to go temp to perm, and you've got an interview! The interview process for a permanent role may seem a little unfamiliar if you’ve been contracting for a while. It will likely be a bit more in-depth, with more stages than you’ve grown used to. This translates into a longer process overall. 

Once you’ve got your interviews booked in, it's your time to shine. Make sure you research the organisation thoroughly, and be ready to discuss your experience, problem-solving ability, and the value you can bring to their Workday® ecosystem. Highlight examples of collaboration across cross-functional teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and delivering measurable results. 

You can read a more in-depth explanation of how to ace your Workday® interview here. 

Sealing the deal

You’re going to ace the interview, don’t worry about that. Once you have, and offers start landing in front of you, you’re going to have to seal the deal. 

There might be more to negotiate about this time, although if you can handle all the admin that comes with contracting, this will be a walk in the park. 

Think about your long-term aspirations, career progression, financial goals, and the perks and benefits you’ve been missing out on while you’ve been contracting.  

Again, this is a great time to have built a relationship with a Workday® Recruitment Specialist – they’ll help with the negotiation process, making sure you can benchmark your offer against the rest of the market, particularly if it’s been a while since you’ve seen a good permanent offer.

Embrace the transition

Transitioning from Workday® contracting to a permanent role requires a strategic approach, perseverance, and a belief in your abilities. Leverage your valuable experience, address your skills gaps, network with peers, hone your interview technique and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from this permanent role in the future, and you’ll be set up for success.  

Need some guidance? At Focus on WD, we can help you at every stage of the process, from when you first start to consider making the switch to a permanent role, to when you’re ready to take the leap and apply for the right opportunity. We’ll be there through it all. Get in touch today to start your journey.