To Contract... or not to Contract...?

So, I often get push back from candidates who are reluctant to take a contract, as they see this as a negative.  This could be a side-effect of the typical candidates who I work with - Supply Chain / Procurement professionals, who are paid the big bucks to be cost conscious and risk adverse for their companies.  Why then would I expect them to be willing and ready to jump into a short term engagement with little stability, and which has no benefits?  Well there are some great positives to the Contract world. 

Contracts are great when:

• you want to try out a different industry "You don't have food manufacturing experience".  This is a classic!  Companies stick to what they know, and they are reluctant to hire someone on a permenant basis with little "proven track record" of experience in their specific industry.  It's not rocket science... most of us are capable of picking up new industry idiosyncracies, but when a Contract opportunity is available, a business is usually more lenient on this "industry experience". 
• you are between engagementsShowing that you worked through a "lay-off" period, or similar, is better than being unemployed for 6-18 months.  If you have to take a step back / sideways, just to keep yourself busy, and current, then at least try to get some different exposures, so you are still learning. Companies want to know that you're not going to be rusty when they look to hire you for permenant gigs!
• you would like to gain more experience Companies are more likely to "forgive" some of the experience you don't have, when they are hiring on a contract basis, as they realise that they are in a position where not as many "ideal" candidates are going to be interested.  I am not suggesting you are a misfit if you take a contract, but it's a great way for you to expand your experience!  How many people have been turned down for great roles, given the reason that "you don't have the experience we're looking for".  HOW are you supposed to GET that experience if noone gives you the chance!?  - Contracts are how!
  

Some food for thought....

• Even permenant opportunities have 2 week notice clauses, and can end at any time
• Most full time permenant opportunities have a 3-6 month probationary period - at which point an employee has as much security / benefits as a contractor
• Contracts usually offer a higher compensation range compared to equivalent roles in the market
• A good employee is a good employee!  Most companies will try to keep someone who is a great fit for their team and their business needs.  If they are unable to extend / turn permenant your role, they will most likely be very happy to refer you to their colleagues, and will provide a great reference!

Try out Contracting... you may never look back!!!