Are you new to the world of contract employment? Contracting has its place in any industry, but is especially common in IT due to the nature of tech projects and the variety of skills a single company can require in its lifespan. As the field continues to grow and expand, you might find the opportunity to take a contract role, but be unsure if contracting is right for you. Read on to learn the basics about different types of employment, pros and cons, and how to evaluate what’s best for you.
Contract
A straight contract role is exactly what it sounds like: you work for a company for a set amount of time on a specific project, and when the assignment ends, you do not become a permanent employee. This is fantastic for people whose skill set is in high demand and who like to work on specific types of projects at a variety of companies. It’s also a great way to find out if the culture at a particular company is a good fit for you, and make a positive impression if you’d like to seek out a permanent position with them in the future. Contracting also builds out your resume, showing that you’ve successfully completed projects and grown your skills. Thinking about what you’re used to making in total compensation is very important when considering a contract role, especially if you’re accustomed to working as a standard, direct hire employee. What kind of benefits do you need? Are you willing to relocate for a role that’s temporary? This is a great time to connect with an experienced Technical Recruiter who can advise you, answer your questions, and help you determine if contracting is right for you.
Contract to Hire
This is a middle ground between contracting and becoming a permanent employee. Some companies prefer to start a new employee as a contractor and then bring them on full-time if they’re happy with the employee’s deliverables. There is a budget in place for a permanent position and the company will hire someone to fill the spot. The contract to hire process can occasionally make an employee nervous if they’re relocating or accustomed to a direct hire role, but this is a good opportunity for employees as well. It gives you the chance to make sure you enjoy the work environment, and the role is a match for your skill level. As long as you’re a good fit, and the job is a good fit for you, there is little reason to be nervous. Your recruiter will be able to tell you about their history with the company, and what the process to convert a contractor to a permanent employee is like.
Direct Hire
The traditional method of finding a new job. Whether you apply for direct hire roles on your own or work through an agency, at the end of the process, you’ll be working directly for the company according to the terms in your employment contract. Most of us are pretty comfortable with how a direct hire position works, but it’s still very important to look closely at the salary and benefits package, as well as the company culture, to make sure the opportunity meets your needs and lifestyle.
Finding a new career opportunity is important, time-consuming and requires a lot of consideration. Being happy at work has been shown to be a big factor in overall life satisfaction; after all, most full-time workers spend more time at their job than they do anywhere else. Get familiar with the different types of roles that are out there, be fluent in your total compensation needs, and when in doubt, connect with an experienced recruiter to help you find the perfect opportunity!
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