As a recruiter that specialises in design management contract jobs I am often asked for my opinion on contract work and whether it is worth it.
Generally there are two types of job seekers that I work with: experienced contract workers who complete a set assignment then move on to the next contract and job seekers who are used to being in permanent employment and are perhaps trying contract work for the first time.
Experienced contract workers accept that they will always be looking for the next contract but enjoy the freedom they have, after all, they are their own boss and they reap the pay rewards in the meantime.
Permanent job seekers tend to ask me if a short-term contract job is a good thing? It certainly can be! There are many reasons why a contract job will be worth it. Here is a selection of some of the best reasons:
- Keeps you in your specialisation – It is always better to be working within your area of expertise than not
- Gets you in the door with an employer – It may lead to long term contract or even permanent employment. Don’t miss the opportunity.
- The pay is great – Employers are typically willing to pay generously if you can solve their problem or need quickly.
- Expands your professional network – You never know where a contact may lead you, and who they might be able to refer you to for future jobs.
- Makes your CV vibrant – Contracting helps to avoid those troublesome blank spots on your CV and allows you to talk about how you’ve applied your skills to a variety of projects and situations.
- Keeps your skills sharp – The old saying ‘use it or loose it’ is a definite reality when it comes to work. Contracting helps you to practise your skills and learn to apply them to new situations.
- No job is forever – This one is just shorter than most. Knowing that can be a liberating experience.
You can’t expect that contract positions will lead to a full-time or on-going position, we both know that, but if it is a job or a company that you would like to continue working with then you are in the ideal position to demonstrate your skills. You can work to build relationships with hiring managers and subtly let it be known that you’d love an opportunity to be considered for future work should they have a requirement.
Another question I am also asked is whether leaving a permanent job to become a contract worker is a good move. This depends entirely on you! If you are looking to secure a higher income then this can generally be achieved if you can repeatedly secure contract assignments. For this you will need a good recruiter to work with you, as your agent, sourcing new opportunities for you and helping you to secure them as and when you need a new assignment. I have this relationship with several of my contractors; they know I will put them first!
A final tip: Even if the contract was the pits, and that’s always possible, you can always reference it in a future job interview. It can be a great example of your work ethic, ability to helicopter in and solve a problem, or fill a professional need for a company. Make the time spent there part of your personal career story.
If you currently work on a contract basis or are considering moving into contracting then I would encourage you to contact us. I work along side specialist recruiters who focus on commercial & quantity surveyor contract jobs, estimating contract jobs, planning contract jobs, project controls contract jobs and design engineering contract jobs. Any of my colleagues would be delighted to speak with you and discuss how we can best help you with your contracting.
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