Things You'll Need:
- Confidence...Confidence...Confidence
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Step 1
Two years ago I found myself unemployed, tech educated and looking for work experience. I had previously returned to higher education in order to follow my desire to enter the high tech industry and found I needed real world experience. I found contracting by far the easiest and fastest route to gain experience...
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Step 2
Decide on the vein of work that you would like to follow but be prepared to "go with the flow". I entered the contracting world wanting quality assurance experience yet, presently, I am 3/4 of the way through a technical writing contract that I have enjoyed 100%. I would never have dreamed of attempting this contract at the start of my contracting search.
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Step 3
DO ask for 10-20% more than you want to actually be paid for the position. Many contractors do not get paid for benefits etc and so take this into consideration.
DO attempt to interview for any kind of position you think you may grow into. The expectation of "hitting the floor running" work performance is lower for a contractor than that for a full-timer.
DO allow position proposals from more than one contract agency.
DO your very best in your position and LEARN. Anything you learn will be a bargaining chip for your next contract - higher pay!
DO realize that a contract recruiting firm "splits" the hourly rate. I regularly ask for 'x' amount of dollars for the position and if hired then call the recruiting company (not the actual workplace) and ask for 'x + $x'. 90% of the time they will agree - you will be doing all the work and they will be getting a large part of the allowed hourly pay simply for putting you in contact with the hiring company in the first place - get what you can, you deserve it. -
Step 4
DO NOT be too nervous at the interview - its contract work and temporary.
DO NOT work overtime "for free" if hired. A few companies will dangle the hope of full-time in front of you if you will stay late etc. In my experience this is a ploy to get a few hours for free.
DO NOT stress about the job - its temporary and not worth an ulcer.
DO NOT gossip with your new office mate - chances are if they are a returning contractor they know more people than you do.
DO NOT get your hopes up for a full-time position - very rare.
DO NOT sell yourself short - you will receive calls from many contract recruiters offering relatively low-pay to maximize their profits. -
Step 5
For now, that's all I have to share. I will expand further as I come across useful information.
Sorry if the topic appears a little negative but I would have appreciated a few tips on my initial search for a position.
The MAIN point that I would like to get across is that the work is TEMPORARY - in other words, do your best and don't stress or be taken advantage of.
If you and your future employer are aware of each others expectations upfront, you will harvest a positive and fruitful relationship that may lead to a harmonious series of contracts for both parties involved.
Good luck!
