So you’ve been searching for a permanent job for a while, but in spite of reports showing an improving economy and job market, haven’t had any luck. Last week I suggested moving to where the jobs are. But not everyone wants to (or can) relocate. It might be time to start considering the job search from a new angle—how about consulting or contract also known as project based assignments?
Companies turn to consultants when they have short term projects that require a specialist’s expertise, but don’t have enough work to warrant bringing another employee on board with a full time commitment. A lot of job seekers tend to shy away from this type of employment— to them, it seems like a better use of time to continue the job search for a permanent position. But there are tons of benefits to consulting that make it, in some ways, a preferable alternative. Let’s look at 4 benefits of working as a consultant:
1. Get Your Foot in the Door.Ideally, you want to find a permanent position to replace the one you lost. But consulting and contractual work may be the next best thing. It’s an opportunity to tangibly prove to companies how valuable you can be to their operation. At Wall Street Services, our candidates have had a 70% success rate in converting their contracts into full time employment. It’s all about positioning yourself well and within the right company. Luckily, we’re experts in this and work individually with each of our consultants to strategize for their success on assignment and reach each consultants pre-determined goals. In addition, working as a consultant allows you the opportunity to add specialized experience to your resume and expand your network of contacts!
2. Higher Compensation.In general, consultants receive a higher pay rate than full time workers would for the same time frame (a truth I’ve discovered in a substantial number of industries). Consultants bring a very specific skill to the table. Because that skill is only needed for a brief time and needed as soon as possible, companies are usually willing to pay a premium for it.
3. More Flexibility in your Work Schedule. Last week, I decided I wanted to take a few days to visit my cousin in Dominica. “You can’t just pick up and go anymore,” she reminded me. “You’re a full-timer now.” And it’s true. Permanent, full time employees have very limited scheduling freedom. Consultants generally have more flexibility. They have the option of accepting or rejecting projects to suit their own timetable (although, depending on the industry demand for their skill, it can also mean an intermittent workflow).
4. Work for Multiple Companies. Consultants have to take in a large amount of information about their employer’s operations in a comparably short amount of time. Doing so gives them the necessary knowledge to make good project decisions on behalf of the company. Consequently, it gives them an exclusive understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each company they work for. That knowledge is gold to potential (especially competing) employers, even within the constraints of a privacy agreement. So, having consulting experience, especially within your industry, might actually be attractive to hiring managers and therefore helpful in the job search. Furthermore, some people have itchy feet—they love what they do, but after a spell, they get bored doing it for the same employer day after day. For them, consulting work is ideal. After a predetermined amount of time, they get to leave, but continue to do what they love elsewhere. No muss, no fuss.
By Abena, Wall Street Services Reporter
(Photo via aspiregroup.eu)
