Contract work is a vague term that can apply to several different kinds of positions. Before you start any kind of work, you’ll draft and sign a contract with your place of work. Make sure you go over your contract before you agree to anything. You’ll want to know exactly what you’re agreeing to before you get started.
Whether it’s a temporary project with a defined end point, or a job with an employer who isn’t ready to take you on as an employee yet, there are some basics standards you can expect when it comes to a contract position.
Contract Jobs Can Offer Better Pay
Especially if you’re working on a short-term project, employers can afford to pay you a little more than you’d make at a more permanent position. Since your benefits don’t have to come out of your paycheck, that money will go straight to you instead.
Contract Jobs Can Get Your Foot in the Door
Some contract jobs can turn into full-time gigs unexpectedly. There’s nothing better than going into a job you thought would end soon, only to hear the company still needs your help and would like you to stay on a little longer.
Contract Jobs Have Better Schedule Flexibility
The details of this differ with each contract. But many contract workers can set their own schedule and even work from home. If this is the case, you don’t even have to put on pants to get work done! (But if you do go into an office to work, please make sure you’re wearing pants before you leave for the day). Some jobs only need you to come in a few days a week, giving you more time to take that underwater basket weaving class you’ve always wanted to try out.
Contract Jobs Give You a Taste of Different Career Fields
If you’re undecided about what sort of job you want, working one or more contract jobs can help you get an idea of the kinds of work you want to do. New graduates or unsatisfied workers are trying to figure out where they fit in the world, but might be hesitant to commit to a “big kid” job. Working a contract position allows you to take a company, or type of job, out for a test run before you decide if it’s right for you. If you find you cannot stand writing press releases, then you don’t have to commit to a job that requires you to do so.
Contract Jobs Add to Your List of Marketable Skills
Even if you think you know everything you need to know to get a job done, each contract has something different to offer. No one can completely predict what will happen while you’re on the job, so it’s likely you’ll gain a skill or two while fulfilling your assignment. If you’re working in a marketing position, you might gain email writing skills, or a better ability to put up with people who drive you nuts. Whatever skills you acquire in your time between “real jobs”, you can put them to work in helping you get a better position later on.
Although working a contract position may seem scary, the benefits can be worth taking the risk. Several recruiters can help you find a contract job that works for you, or you can try finding one on your own. You’ll likely have more luck with a recruiter, as businesses prefer working with them over working with single candidates.
If you’re interested in contract work, take the first step and submit your resume to Profyle Tracker!
