For many IT professionals, contract work offers the right mix of flexibility and project variety they seek – while others prefer the predictability of a full-time position. Still others may want to ease into a full-time role by starting out as a contractor. This checklist can help you determine which type of job is the best fit for you.
As a contract associate:
- You are hired to work on a specific project or type of project because you have expertise in that area. You are not often given tasks outside the job description.
- Over time, you can work for different companies across different industries, gaining a wide range of experience to add to your resume.
- You have greater flexibility and freedom to work when and where you choose.
- You will usually make more money than you would doing the same job as a full-time employee.
- Working with an IT staffing recruiter, you will need to find a new role when your current contract ends.
- It is your responsibility to keep your skills current.
- You will typically receive overtime pay when asked to work more than 40 hours a week.
- You will typically have the option to participate in a standard benefits package that includes healthcare insurance, paid holidays, and other benefits.
As a contract-to-hire associate:
- You will work in a position for a period of time before accepting a permanent role. In a standard contract-to-hire arrangement, you will work six months as a contractor before conversion.
- You and the employer have the opportunity to get to know each other and find the best working relationship.
- You can choose to stay on as a full-time employee or, if the position is not a good fit, you can work with your recruiter to seek a position with another firm.
As a full-time employee:
- You will often have lower insurance costs and more paid time off (PTO) than contract associates.
- You might have greater sense of job security since your position does not have a defined end date.
- You might feel more integrated into the company’s culture.
- You are sometimes offered additional training as a benefit.
- You might not get overtime pay if you are on a salary.
- You may have more options for promotions or moving to other departments, depending on the company.
In the end, it all depends on which type of role best fits your needs, personality and goals. If you are interested in exploring your employment options further, contact BravoTECH info@bravotech.com or 800.762.7286.
