Job Opportunity

What are the benefits of being a Consultant/Contractor

First job or seasoned veteran, deciding to be a consultant/contractor is a big decision.  It is important that you know your own personality.  Consultants don’t have the security that a person in a permanent/corporate position does (most of the time).  You are basically running your own business.  So if you fret a lot about your next pay cheque than contracting may not be right for you.  But if you are confident and secure in yourself than there are a lot of good reasons for contracting over permanent employment.

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  • Most consultants are paid hourly wages/salaries that are higher than the permanent employees.  This is because they don’t receive the benefits of full time employment, ie medical, dental, sick days, etc.
  • You will be given a contract to sign, make sure you read it before you sign it.  It should layout your “deliverables” – what exactly is expected of you at the end of the contract.  Your rate.  What happens with personal days.  If it is long term can you take vacation days, etc.
  • You are running your own business so you can decide where your money goes. For example, if you are single then maybe benefits aren’t that important, whereas if you have a family you may want to sign up for a benefits package through a health provider.  There are no union dues.
  • There are good tax write offs, for example your car, your home office, entertainment, computers, printers, education, benefit packages, etc.  These can all become business expenses.  Yes, hire a tax accountant to help you Incorporate.  You want to make sure you are taking advantages of everything you can, but also being honest.
  • You may get to work remotely if that appeals to you.
  • The chance of feeling in a rut is less likely in a contract position as you have the opportunity to work for a number of different companies on a number of different systems.  This will enhance your training and saleability.  Big corporate companies tend to put you in a slot and then leave you there so your resume can look a little boring if you have been doing the same job, working on the same system for the last 5 years.
  • There is the opportunity to travel.  It is much easier to work in another country on a short-term contract than it is to try and get a work visa.
  • If you want to take an extended holiday then just work your contracts around the dates you want to be away.
  • Company politics – not your business, you don’t have to get involved.
  • Networking – you will meet an amazing number of qualified people, who will keep you in mind when they hear about other jobs.  Contractors love to network with other Contractors.  We receive lots of referrals from our placed Contractors who are in long term arrangements, but know a colleague who is qualified and is looking for a new opportunity.
  • You are usually considered an expert in your field.  Companies hire contractors in good and bad economies.  Permanent placements can be harder to get in a downturn.
  • If you find a job and a company that really interests you, and you are doing a good job then there is an opportunity to get in full time.
As the global economy has changed over the last thirty years, there is a need for both contract and permanent positions in nearly all companies.  If you decide to contract, remember it’s not cut in stone.  The important thing is to keep gaining experience and growing your network. Contractordontstandalone

Let me know if in your experience you can think of any other good reasons for choosing the consultant/contractor career path.

happyfacehanddrawn Good luck job hunting

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Lynne Carlson started her career off in administration, moved to Cobol Programming and for the last 14 years worked in all things recruitment.  Absolutely loves social media and excited about all the new innovations appearing every day!

Featured Job: Digital Solution Analyst

When you’re a Digital Solution Analyst who is looking for the right challenge in the modern world, it can be difficult to know where you fit. Look no further! We can tell you exactly what your next move should be.

Our client is turning the gears of the global economy. They run the everyday transactions that make life easier for Canadians and the rest of the world. For more than 130 years, they have helped companies connect, interact and transact with customers from all corners of the globe. You could be a part of this revolutionary company that is transforming businesses, and easily keeping pace with the Digital Revolution.

They are looking for someone who can quickly understand next generation digital commerce. They need someone who has the determination and the dedication to revolutionize loyalty management systems, who can develop customized applications using the MS Win platforms, and is as proactive and innovative as the company they will be working for.

The ideal candidate has retail business analyst skills, with knowledge of recent retail digital strategies.  They also have experience with BRD and SRD solution determination, good verbal and written client communication skills, and have business experience working with customer information.

This is a contract position, but any candidates selected will be kept busy for a long while.   Untitled-1

Featured Job: Senior Game Developer

The digital revolution is bringing ground-shaking changes to the way we work and play.  For many companies and individuals, it is difficult to keep pace in the wake of these innovations. Our client has no such problem.

They are known for their revolutionary shifts in driving forward the world of Canadian entertainment. They are making amazing strides and are helping define this changing landscape.

They have an opportunity for a senior game developer with a passion for the digital revolution. This candidate must be able to look to the challenges that the future may bring, and see them as moments to excel.

This innovator must be someone who can quickly understand the scope of game entertainment, and scale it to millions of users. They must also have the determination and the dedication to develop truly social experiences through mobile technology, to enhance concepts and designs for games, and to bring the next generation of entertainment to audiences.

The ideal candidate has experience with game scripting and design.  They must be able to quickly adapt to a fast and changing environment. Ideally, candidates are familiar with internalization and localization, and are comfortable taking the initiative for quality and productivity.

This is a permanent position, and any candidates selected will be kept busy for a long while.

Our client is an award winning company that is set to carry Canadian entertainment into the future. On top of that, they are in multiple venues across the country and provide content to millions of consumers worldwide. You could be a part of this exceptional company that is making a difference in how people the world over work and play.

If you’re an innovator or a builder who is looking to put their own stamp on things, this company is just what you’re looking for.

 

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