Reasons Why You Should Take a Contract

Are you having trouble securing your dream job?

In this competitive work environment, finding the perfect job can be a challenge. However, having big employment gaps on your resume can be a red flag to many employers. So what’s the solution?

Taking on a contract job can be a great way to secure a salary while you look for something else. In some cases, a temporary contract can even lead to a more permanent opportunity further down the line.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at some of the main reasons why you should take a contract job.

What Is A Contract Job?

A contract job is a position that is only open for a certain period. This could be several months or just a few weeks. A contract worker is usually legally employed directly by the company or through a staffing agency.

It is important to note that an employee working on a contract basis is different from an independent contractor. Independent contractors are self-employed, meaning that they take care of paying their own taxes. They are also responsible for finding work and negotiating their own contracts.

Payroll and taxes…

Conversely, contract workers are W-2 employees, and only the employee portion of FICA taxes comes out of their wages. Contract employees are usually hired for a prearranged amount of time to work on a specific project. Their payroll taxes are handled by the employer or by the staffing agency.

Why Some People Are Reluctant To Accept A Contract Job?

For many people, the issue is that they feel contract work lacks security. The maximum contract period is usually twelve months. If a new contract is not secured in time, the worker will have to face unemployment for a certain period of time.

Contract workers often feel pressure to make a lasting impression. However, this can be difficult in companies where employees work independently or have already formed strong bonds. Searching for a future contract job while workers are already employed can also be tricky.

Reasons Why You Should Take A Contract Job

Although some people look down on contract workers, taking on this type of employment can be a smart move. Depending on where you are in your career, it could actually help set you apart from the competition. Here are some reasons taking a contract job could be the right move.

Job security

Although many people believe that contract work lacks job security, this simply isn’t true. Contracts typically run from three months to up to two years. The employee will be guaranteed work as long as their contract lasts and will not be affected by company restructuring. There is actually a relatively low risk of contract workers losing their jobs.

People who work contract jobs usually find it much easier to find their next role. They often have a strong network they can rely on or can find work through a staffing agency. In fact, most contract workers secure their next role long before their current one has ended.

Gaining new skills

Working for a range of different companies allows you to see how each one operates. Even if you work in exactly the same field and role every time, there will be differences between companies. One company may have advanced software or have developed a more efficient way of getting the work done.

As a contract worker, you can take advantage of paid training on the job. This will teach you valuable skills that can serve you well in your career. You can add these new skills to your resume to attract and impress potential employers.

Networking

Each time you work for a different company, you will meet a whole host of new people. It is important to take the time to build relationships with these people and maintain the relationships. These can be very useful when you are looking for a job later in your career.

The larger your network is, the easier it will be for you to find work. Make sure the people in your network know your skills so they can recommend you for different projects. You should make an effort to return the favor from time to time and keep your contacts up to date.

Advancing your career

People who take on contract jobs can advance on their career paths much quicker than people in permanent jobs. Most permanent employees need to wait at least two years before they are considered for a promotion.

If they are part of a large team, it could be up to five years before they are finally promoted. Waiting for advancement and the recognition that goes with it can be very frustrating.

Learn new skills quickly…

However, the career path can be very different for contract workers. Each time you search for a new job, you have the chance to advance on your career path. If you take on short contracts and quickly learn new skills, you could advance every six months or so.

Higher monthly salary

You also have the chance to renegotiate your salary each time you sign a new contract. If your specialist skills are in demand, you may be able to negotiate a much higher salary.

Employers are often happy to pay contract workers more because they do not have to provide the same benefits. Contract workers who meet or even exceed the employer’s demands could even receive a completion bonus.

Technology industry pays higher…

Those who are employed in the technology industry receive particular high salaries. If you are a system engineer with Cloud experience, you could easily earn up to $15,000 per month. Business analysts and marketing managers can also expect to command a similar salary.

Finding the perfect career

Not everyone knows exactly what they want to do when they graduate from college. Taking on contract jobs allows you to explore different options. You can try different roles and types of employers before settling on a more permanent role.

Once you find your dream job, you may even be able to secure a permanent job on the spot. Employers value employees who work hard, have specialist skills, and are passionate about their work. If a role becomes available at the company, offering it to you saves the employer from going through the hiring process.

Things To Think About Before Signing A Contract

However, not all contract jobs are created equally, and you need to consider your options carefully. It is important to make sure that this is the right role for you, especially if the contract is for two years. Here are some things to bear in mind when working out if this is the right job for your needs.

The project duration

Make sure you know exactly how long the project is going to last. If the project is only expected to run for a few months, you may need to secure another project immediately. It is also important to find out if the project is likely to be extended or could be terminated early.

In some cases, the project may not have actually been secured. The company could simply be working out its options in case the project goes ahead. Signing onto a project that has not been secured can prevent you from getting another project.

The pay rate

Make sure you know exactly how much you will be paid and when you will receive your salary. Most contract workers get paid every month. However, you may be expected to wait until the whole project has been completed.

Temp-to-hire

This is an important consideration if you have your sights set on finding a permanent role further down the line. Temp-to-hire means the employer could offer you a permanent role if you do your work well.

If this is simply not an option, it is better to know upfront. You may prefer to take on a contract at another company where you could be offered a full-time job.

The project termination

You need to confirm exactly what will happen once the project comes to an end. Some companies make their employees sign non-disclosure agreements. Signing an NDA could prevent you from working on a similar project for another employer. This could be an issue if you have a specific skill set, as it will limit your options.

Why Not Try Construction Work?

One of the most common contract jobs is co instruction, and it doesn’t pay too badly either! So, let’s take a look at my Construction Laborer Job Description, or Construction Worker Job Description, or my Construction Manager Job Description, and Construction Superintendent Job Description to see what the positions entail.

Next, we’ve put together our KBR Construction Application and Halliburton Construction Application for possible job opportunities, as well as our info on The Top Highest Paying Trade Jobs for alternative job ideas.

For help with your EEI exams, we recommend using the Technician Occupations Selection System Secrets Study Guide, the SASS Exam Secrets Study Guide: SASS Exam Review and Practice Test for the EEI Support, as well as the CAST Exam Secrets Study Guide and the CAST Exam Practice Questions all available online in 2023.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not a contract job is right for you. However, it could be perfect if you are searching for a temporary role until you find something more permanent.

You will be in a much stronger position if you apply for your dream job while you are already working. However, a series of short roles on your resume can make you look like a job hopper. You can easily avoid this by highlighting the fact that these were contract jobs.

By choosing your contract jobs carefully, you can learn new skills and perhaps make important connections at the same time.

Good luck on landing your next Contract Job!