Maternity leave cover - would you ask about possibility of permanent position?

[maggiethecat]

Interview coming up for postion covering mat leave. Am in two minds about enquiring about long term possibilities. On one hand I think it shows interest; on the other I wonder if some may be put off by it?

I don't think there's any harm in enquiring about the possibility of longer term positions within the organisation - as you say, I think it shows that you're keen. As long as you have good reasons why you're applying for that particular position, even though it's temporary. The concern from an employer's perspective would probably be that you would leave without completing the contract if you were offered permanent work elsewhere, so you need to convince them that you are enthusiastic about that particular job and company, and don't just see it as a stop gap.

Good luck with the interview!

That's what I was thinking but I suppose that unless there was a reason for someone wanting to do temporary work as opposed to permanent, that's always going to be the question in the emp'er's mind.

Thank you.