How to decide if working for a consulting(contracting) company is right for you.

Many large corporations fill positions via third party contracting/consulting firms such as Ajalon, Saphire, and the like.

Working for one of these firms can be a wise career move. Here is how to decide if this is the case for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Think of the field in which you wish to work. Corporations most often hire contractors for IT, programming and systems work, business support, and finance. So if you work in one of these fields, or wish to do so contracting may be a good move for you.

2. Decide where you are at in your career. Contracting can aid in getting your foot in the door. It can also be a valuable asset for an experienced worker who wishes flexibility in shopping his talents. Thus contracting can be a great tool for career advancement.
   
   If on the other hand you wish stability contracting may not be for you as you may be moving often from job to job under the aegis of your contracting firm.

3. Consider the type of organization in which you wish to work. In general only large companies hire contractors as it is very expensive. If you want to work at a smaller organization then contracting may not be for you. If you wish to be at a major company with thousands of employees, then contracting can be a great fast track.

4. Consider where you wish to live. As a contractor you will most likely work at a mega-corporation and thus probably be in a city.

5. Remember that as a contractor you will be an employee of your contracting company, working at the client company. The contracting company is only paid if you are working. That means the contracting company wants you to be employed and successful. It also means you have to deal with red tape and management of two organizations.

6. Consider salary as contractors often earn far more than can be expected by a full time permanent employee of the large company.

7. Consider benefits, as contractors often are not afforded the privileges of full time workers at the contract site. They may also not be granted health coverage by their contracting firm.

8. Take your results from above, place them in a side by side listing tally the positives and negatives, then use this in aiding your final decision.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that not all contracting companies are created equal. Research many before deciding if this is the career move for you. Ask about salary, benefits, vacation time, bench pay, and anything esle that is of import to you.

[aezea]

on 12/10/2009 I'd like to know how these companies work. It's my understanding that the client company signs a contract that they are going to pay the consulting company x amount of money per year or whatever. The consulting company gives you your starting wage which is much lower than what the Client is paying the consulting co. The Consulting company then gives you raises, until they are not making any profit from your contract, at which point they will have the client sign a new contract for more or you've reached the top ofyour pay scale for that position... Is this really the way they work? It makes sense but I want to verify before I get on my contracting companies case about not giving any raises after 1.25 years work...