The Value of Temp-to-Perm Hiring: A Win-Win for Employers and Candidates
In a dynamic job market, where flexibility and fit matter more than ever, the temp-to-perm hiring model is gaining momentum. For growing companies and job seekers alike, this approach offers a low-risk, high-reward path to long-term employment success.
At Dunhill Staffing Systems, we’ve helped hundreds of companies successfully implement temp-to-perm strategies — especially in industries like engineering, skilled manufacturing, operations, and finance. The results? Faster hiring, better retention, and stronger alignment between employer and employee expectations.
What Is Temp-to-Perm Hiring?
A temp-to-perm (or temp-to-hire) role starts as a temporary assignment but is designed to transition into a permanent position if the match is right — for both the employer and the employee.
This model gives companies the chance to evaluate performance and cultural fit before making a long-term commitment. At the same time, it allows job seekers to experience a new role and organization without immediately leaving their current job or benefits behind.
According to American Staffing Association (ASA), nearly half of all temporary workers are offered permanent positions, and a majority of those accept. That’s a powerful endorsement for the model’s effectiveness.
Benefits for Employers
For employers, temp-to-perm hiring helps solve a number of real-world challenges:
- Faster hiring without long-term risk: You can bring on talent quickly without immediately committing to full-time employment.
- Evaluate in real work conditions: You’ll see how a candidate performs on the job — not just how they interview.
- Improved retention: When hires are made based on proven compatibility, turnover drops significantly.
This approach is especially valuable for companies experiencing project-driven demand, rapid growth, or workforce shifts due to retirements or attrition.
Benefits for Candidates
From the job seeker’s perspective, temp-to-perm offers a number of key advantages:
- Real-world job preview: Try out a role before fully committing.
- Faster entry into competitive companies: Some employers only hire full-time staff from their temp-to-perm pipeline.
- Opportunity to build credibility: Show your value through performance rather than résumé alone.
A recent Forbes Human Resources Council article notes that temp-to-perm assignments are particularly beneficial in markets where employers are cautious but still in need of qualified workers.
Dunhill’s Track Record with Temp-to-Perm Success
At Dunhill Staffing Systems, we’ve placed hundreds of professionals into temp-to-perm roles over the years. These assignments range from skilled assemblers and machinists to accountants, lab technicians, and engineering project managers.
One example: A South Carolina-based manufacturer needed to double their second-shift staff in less than 60 days but wasn’t ready to commit to all full-time hires. Dunhill sourced and deployed 18 temporary employees in two weeks. Within 90 days, 14 of those team members were offered permanent roles — and 12 are still with the company over a year later.
Another client — a regional engineering services firm — uses our temp-to-perm pipeline exclusively to vet project engineers. Their VP of operations recently shared:
“The temp-to-perm model has been a win for us. We get to see how someone communicates, solves problems, and fits into our culture — not just how they look on paper. Dunhill’s process has saved us time, money, and turnover.”
When to Consider Temp-to-Perm
If your company is in one of the following situations, temp-to-perm may be the right strategy:
- Opening a new location or launching a large project
- Replacing retiring employees in key skilled positions
- Scaling a team but unsure about long-term headcount
- Wanting to reduce time-to-fill without increasing turnover
And for candidates? It’s a great option if you’re re-entering the workforce, changing industries, or simply want to be sure a new opportunity is the right fit before committing full-time.
Final Thoughts
Temp-to-perm isn’t just a stopgap solution — it’s a strategic hiring tool that aligns performance, expectations, and growth. At Dunhill Staffing Systems, we know how to implement this model effectively and have the track record to prove it.
If your business needs to hire fast but smart — or if you’re a job seeker ready to try a new path — temp-to-perm could be the perfect fit.
