Most people feel comfortable in a fulltime, permanent role. It represents security and comes with benefits. However, contract role can be a great deal. In this economic client, contract roles are becoming more common place. By their nature, they allow you the flexibility and often more growth potential than a full time, permanent role. Additionally, seeking contract roles through a staffing or agency can give you the benefits (like health insurance and 401k) and security of a full time role with the added benefits of contracting.
If you are ready to make the transition from full time employee to contractor, there are some tips to help.
1. Be Up Front
Before anything else, you should make it clear that you’re interested in a contract position during the interview. Many companies may ask why you are moving from full time to contact. Remember to discuss the growth potential and flexibility.
2. Become Indispensable
It goes without saying that a company want contracts to outperform their expectations, but even meeting the expectations of your role isn’t always enough. To truly stand out (especially as a contractor, you should work to stand out by working hard and exceeding expectations.
3. Make Sure to Mingle
Sometimes, contract workers make the mistake of isolating themselves from colleagues since they don’t see themselves as a “real” team member. This is a missed opportunity. When you are part of the team, companies will want to extend your contract. This can create long term contract opportunity and allow you to create personal connections that will go a long way in your career.
We all know that your appearance is the first thing people notice, especially during an interview. With the tech startups on the rise, more job seekers moved to a more casual attire for interviews. However, more and more interviewers expect that job seekers dress professionally during the interview process. What’s appropriate attire depends on the industry…interviewing at a bank is different from interviewing at a gaming company. So, do your research to understand the company’s culture and attire standards. If you are unsure, you can always ask the company’s HR department or your recruiter. However, the best rule is always to dress more conservatively.
Tips for all candidates:
So, we all know of corporate brands. We see their logos in commercials, on billboards and even on clothing, like t-shirts. However, we are less familiar with personal social brands. Your social brand is your identity online and in social media. Most of us have some social media imprint, but haven’t consciously considered our individual social brand. This social brand is always important, but never more than when you are looking for a new job.
Why Build a Social Brand?
How to Begin Establishing Your Social Brand