iMPact Business Group is a staffing agency specializing in Information Technology, Engineering, Finance/Accounting and Business Administration/Process positions. To connect with one of our professional recruiters, view our job board for all available positions or submit your resume for consideration here.
According to the American Staffing Association, more than 3 million temporary and contract employees work for America’s staffing companies during an average week. While some employees see it as a way to get their foot in the door leading to a permanent position, there are also many who prefer going from one contract position to the next. There are many different reasons and benefits to consider when taking on a contract position.
In this episode we’re joined by iMPact Partner Matt Peal and from our Tampa office, Market Delivery Manager, Mark Herman.
“Try before you buy”
If you’re looking for a full-time position, starting with a contract position is a great way to make sure the organization and job role will be a good fit long term. It’s not just an opportunity for the employer to get to know you better first, but for you to get to know the employer as well. Many contract roles lead to full-time positions. If for any reason you decide not to stay with the organization at the completion of your contract, it is much easier to explain why you left when applying for your next position – your contract ended. Explaining why you left a full-time position after just a few months is more awkward to explain in your next interview.
Work-life balance & flexibility
When on a contract you’re paid by the hour and usually have more flexibility to schedule your work-day around your own schedule. In some cases there’s also an opportunity to work from home. In between contracts you have the option to take as much time off as you want to travel, spend time with family or anything else you’d like to do before taking on your next contract. While working in contract roles, if you want to take a few weeks’ vacation you can. You don’t have to wait to earn vacation days or to get permission to do so.
Avoid office politics
If you don’t enjoy long staff meetings and office politics, being in a contract role you generally do not have to participate in events and meetings not directly related to your project. You’ll also more likely be left out of the typical office politics and other non-work office related activities that many employees may find stressful.
Networking
Taking on different contract roles is a great way to meet new people and build out your professional network of contacts. The new internal contacts you make can lead to more opportunities at a future time. They can also provide recommendations and referrals for other jobs if you make a good impression.
Career variety and advancement
Taking on several different contract positions will allow you the opportunity to work on many different kinds of projects in different industries, giving you the opportunity to gain new skills that you may not have the opportunity to do in a regular full-time position. For some the stability of full-time employment can be a benefit whereas to others the ability to move around between different jobs can be an advantage.
Other pros and cons
As a contractor, you will not qualify for some of the same benefits that a full-time employee would such as paid time off and medical benefits. Although when working with a staffing agency, they may still offer contractors some of those benefits. Here at iMPact, contractors may qualify for benefits after 90 days. If you’re working with a staffing agency, make sure to ask during the interview process if you will qualify for benefits. When you’re working as a contractor you’ll be eligible to write off some of your expenses on your taxes that a traditional full-time employee would not qualify for.
Salary
When you’re discussing salary expectations for contract positions, plan to discuss your expectations in hourly wages as opposed to annual. Although you will not receive all the same benefits as a full-time employee, you can expect a higher hourly wage that in the end may well outweigh paying for medical and other benefits on your own. Depending on your personal circumstances, a contractor salary can by far exceed a full-time salary.
Changing careers
If you’re looking to make a career change, taking on a contract role is a great way to build your resume and gain experience in your new field. Getting into a contract role can be quicker and a less complicated process than obtaining a full-time job.
Working with a recruiter
Although you can certainly find a contract position the traditional way by searching job boards and applying directly to employers, you will find working with a recruiter to be very beneficial. They are aware of projects their clients are working on and may need help with and can present your resume to potential employers that they already have a working relationship with and get you in front of opportunities you would not have been able to access on your own.
Before we start working with a client, we will research them, have in-depth conversations with their hiring team and visit their facilities to get to know them and what makes a candidate successful in their company culture. To connect with a recruiter and find out about our currently available opportunities in Information Technology, Accounting/Finance, Engineering and Business Administration/Process, please visit our job board to view all available job opportunities. Or, submit your resume here for consideration to connect with one of our experienced recruiters in either our Grand Rapids, Michigan or Tampa, Florida location.
