Contract work, or temping, sometimes gets a bad wrap. The nature of the work sometimes leads to a fear of instability. But there are also real and measurable benefits to transitioning your career to this employment method. Flexibility is a big one. Here’s a look at why flexible contract work might be the next step for your career.
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There’s Plenty of Jobs
While it’s true that contracts don’t last forever, the great thing about contract work is that there are always plenty of jobs available. That means plenty of opportunities to try new things, learn new skills, and build your network and your resume in a short amount of time. If you are looking for work, contracting is a great opportunity for you. If you are looking to develop your skills, contracting is an excellent opportunity for you. If you want to work for a company that needs your specific skills and expertise, contracting is where you can find amazing opportunities. Whatever your reason for looking for a new job, contract jobs are ready for you to step in and make an impact.
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Opportunities to Specialize
Contract jobs often call for a unique or specialized skill set. Employers often need help filling roles for live projects that require an experienced professional to accomplish key business goals quickly and effectively. Contract workers are the solution for specialized jobs on short-term projects, and experienced contract workers can find themselves in very good positions as they build up that high level of experience and industry knowledge. Contract lengths can vary from the length of a project to specific 18-month contracts, short-term or long-term. Some are even scoped as contract-to-hire, depending on the success of a worker and the needs of the employer. The key is to find the best fit for all parties.
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Take the Jobs You Want
Contract work is a great chance to do more of what you want. You can easily choose to specialize in your areas of strength, find your passion, and even try out new skills. The short-term nature of a contract will help you develop your skills, build your career, and make important connections that will be valuable later in your career. It’s also a great way to build more flexibility into your schedule, move around and work in different locations, and provide a truly valuable resource to a team that needs your knowledge and expertise. What better way to focus on your strengths?
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Build Your Network
One of the most valuable parts of working contracts is the people you meet and the connections you make. Expanding your professional network is difficult when you are not working, but in contract positions, you are more likely to make many new acquaintances and hopefully leave them all with a good impression. Think of it as an opportunity to try out a new company, explore a new role, and meet new people, even if it’s not with your current company.
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Work On Your Time
If you are looking for work but only on weekends, there’s a contract for that. If you want to try working the night shift, there’s a contract for that. How about alternating weeks of work, one week on then one week off? There’s a contract for that. Many employers are looking for contract support that is flexible or outside the normal 9 to 5 schedule. The benefit of working with a staffing agency is that they can help you find the contract that fits your needs.
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Get Career Support
Recruiters are powerful allies in the job search process. Their industry knowledge and exceptional career development skills can be very helpful in finding and placing you in a contract. Use a recruiter to find jobs consistently and reliably and spend your time building the skills that will make you even more valuable to employers and businesses. Contact the professionals at ESGI today!