Should I take on a short term contract role while I am still looking for a permanent job? A question that routinely comes up in my first or second coaching session with a new client.
Pro’s of a short term contract
- Landing a short term contract shows that you are employable. As a result, other employers may be more willing to engage you.
- It’s a positive reflection of how you have used your time between full time roles. And it gives evidence that you are self-motivated and take action rather than waiting for someone or something else to change your situation.
- Short term contracts can position you for a longer-term opportunity. Many companies use contracts as a “try before they buy” approach to filling a permanent role. This works both ways. If it doesn’t work out well you haven’t made a long-term commitment either.
- When a permanent role becomes available, you are already a ‘known quantity’ or internal candidate. And that can give you a real advantage over external applicants.
- It can broaden your experience of various industry sectors and companies which will ‘refresh’ your resume. This is especially helpful if you have worked for a long time in one company or industry.
- It keeps your skills current and adds relevant, recent achievements to your resume.
- As a contractor you are likely to be less involved in the office politics, so you can leave all that behind at the end of the work day.
- Cash coming in is always good and depending how you are set up you could have more tax flexibility. But ask your accountant about this, as I can’t give you tax advice
- You may even discover that you like the life of the contractor and commit to this as a new career direction.
Cons
- You can get very busy on the assignment at hand. So you may not have enough time and energy to focus on maintaining your job search efforts. Alternatively, you may be able to negotiate flexible arrangements. For example a 4-day week or 9-day fortnight. That would leave you some time to meet network contacts and attend interviews.
- Uncertainty about the longer-term future and income. Your cash flow can get ‘bumpy’ so you have to learn to manage this.
- The other side of the coin to number 8 on the Pro list. As an ‘external’ you won’t always feel like or be treated as one of the team. Some companies are very good at helping contractors feel included; others, not so much.
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