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.
Searching for a job is never easy, but searching during the holiday season can be challenging and discouraging. Here are 5 tips for your holiday search:
Companies Do Hire in December—Don’t believe people who say that no one hires in December. While it’s true that some searches slow down or get put on hold, plenty of hiring still happens around the holidays. December is still a great time to get your resume out to companies and have interviews. Often, manager are scrambling to hire for open positions before January 1st, so the decision making process can be faster.
There is Less Competition— Most job seekers get discouraged during the holiday season or choose to wait until the New Year. So, often your resume will get noticed faster during the holiday. In fact, some hiring managers report that job applications slow to a trickle around this time of year and they have trouble finding suitable candidates for jobs that must be filled quickly.3.
Remember to Be Flexible—Often companies that are trying to make a hire before the new year are often trying to move quickly but may have limited interviewing slots available because of the vacation schedules of those involved in the interview process You’ll have a leg up if you’re willing to juggle your schedule to make yourself available when they can talk. So, remember to be flexible and it will pay off.
Be Prepared for the Holiday Rejection—Realize that some rejection might come along with the mistletoe this year. If you are searching for a job in December, you could get a rejection near Christmas. Don’t let the possible rejection interfere with your holidays.
Take Advantage of Holiday Networking—We all go to holiday parties and events during this time of year. Most likely, you will be asked about your job search. So be prepared to make the most of these events and the opportunity to network. Networking at any time is a great way to learn about new positions and job opportunities.
Having a group of friends at work definitely makes life easier. When you have friends at work, you have people to talk to when you need a break and have people to make lunch plans when you want them. Often, work just feels more fun when you know you have some friends by your side, especially if you have a high-stress job.
If this sounds intriguing but you’re not totally sure how to foster work friendships and a team mentality, here are some tips to get you started.
Delta Computer Consulting, Inc. is certified through the WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) as a woman-owned and woman-operated business.
