I have been contracting for four years but want to go permanent and
build a career in networks. I have not had much luck so far.
Agencies tell me that most firms do not want contractors for
permanent vacancies and they worry that I will leave when the
contracting market picks up, or simply get the necessary skills and
go back to contracting. What should I do?
Consider an associate scheme
To successfully make the
leap back to permanent work, you first need to examine if this is
truly the option to which you want to commit. The frustrating
agency feedback is most likely coming from employers that have had
their fingers burned by contractors making a break after obtaining
new skills through permanent employment, so it is the demonstration
of your enthusiasm and commitment at interview stage that is going
to sell you to potential employers. Once you land a permanent
position, push for training in new areas that will allow you to
develop within that organisation.
An alternative to traditional contract and permanent work would be
to get involved with an agency associate programme, allowing you to
work on a temp to perm basis for a period of time. These are
increasingly popular as they reduce the risk for employers and give
employees a chance to prove themselves over an extended period.
Agencies conducting associate programmes recruit people onto their
own payrolls for 12 months and take responsibility for HR support.
Participants in the performance-based schemes are motivated by the
prospect of a permanent position, fostering commitment but
maintaining the flexibility of contract staff. Reviews take place
after three months or so, after which the employer has the option
to take you on permanently. You will also be in a position to make
an informed decision as to whether the employer is right for
you.
Solution by Carole Hepburn, Computer People
The panel: MSB International, Best International
Group,
Computer Futures, Computer People, Elan, E-Skills NTO,
Monarch Recruitment, Reed Computing, Netheads Consulting
Need career advice?
If you are an IT professional who
is looking for advice on your next career move, put your question
to our panel at cwxtra@rbi.co.uk. Regrettably, due to the volume of
requests, we are unable to print solutions to every question.