When you're deep in a job search, it's not always easy to find exactly what you're looking for. You've probably considered altering your ever-changing checklist of "wants" to accommodate a less-than-perfect position at a great company (or vice versa), but would you be willing to change the job type you seek?
2018 was the first year that contract workers at Google outnumbered direct, full-time employees. If Silicon Valley continues to set the trend, it seems that contract work is the future. The flexibility and easy connections to top talent is appealing to companies and candidates alike.
If a new full-time position is on the horizon, it can be very beneficial to your career to consider contract work. We'll tell you why!
1. Get hired full-time
More and more employers are treating a contract term as a trial period rather than utilizing it as a temporary position. Given the chance to prove yourself, you could easily secure your future role as full-time employee in a matter of months. A company may also need more staff but lack the established budget for a new full-timer, instead filling a contract role to prove the payback to the business.
2. Try out a company
This period is as much a trial period for an employer as it is for you. Avoid that usual nagging question during the interview – "Will I like it here?" – the pressure is off! See how you're feeling about the management, workplace, and position. If you aren't sold after the contract ends, you're able to move on to something different.
3. Add big names to your resume
Spice up your resume – let's put something impressive on there! A big name company will attract the eyes of a hiring manager, but full-time employment is tough to come by. A rigorous interview and hiring process (not to mention a huge applicant pool) leaves many worthy candidates in the dust, but contract positions can be a great way to get your foot in the door.
4. Receive full-time benefits
If a lack of time off or health insurance is plaguing your brain, you don't have to worry. Many employers are realizing their contract workers play a vital role in the success of the company, and they've begun to offer benefits comparable to a full-time employee. Also, contract positions available through a staffing agency are sometimes provided with benefits like paid time off, or medical, vision, and dental care.
5. Add new skills, or revamp old ones
Use the opportunity of a new job to bulk up your creative tool belt. Add some new skills, get comfortable with different programs, and familiarize yourself with a different department than usual. Temporary employment is a great time to get some experience (on paper) in a territory previously uncharted.
6. Make new connections
You know what they say: network, network, network! This is an easy in for a new group in your web of contacts. Even a quick project can get you added the contacts list of a handful of new people. With estimates that over 85% of open positions are filled through networking, it's one of the most important facets of your professional career.