Tag Archive for: Contract Roles

Is a Contract Position Right For You?

Contract work has become increasingly popular amongst early career professionals. Due to increased difficulty in finding a role that matches their degree, many are turning to temporary work because of it’s flexbility and practacality. But is contract work the right choice for your career?

Contract positions are short-term roles that typically range from a few months to a year. However, many employers offer the possibility of transitioning into a full time role for good performance. One of the primary benefits of contract positions is flexibility — they allow you to gain experience in diverse industries, build new skills, and expand your professional network. Understanding the benefits of contract work can help you make an informed decision about your next career move.

Here are 5 benefits of contract work:

1. Try a New Role

Contract work provides an excellent opportunity to explore different career paths without making a long-term commitment. You can test out new industries, work environments, and job responsibilities to see what truly fits your interests and skills. This trial period allows you to gain firsthand experience in roles you might be curious about but hesitant to pursue permanently.

Many professionals use temporary work as a stepping stone to discover their true calling. You might find that a role you never considered becomes your passion, or you could confirm that a particular field isn’t right for you. Either way, contract positions give you valuable insight into different career options without the pressure of a permanent decision.

2. Gain Experience

Temporary work helps you gain experience in your choosen field while learning new skills. This can be important for landing your next role or transitioning to a new industry. These roles expose you to diverse tasks and environments, helping you develop critical skills that employers value. Contract positions also allow you to explore new roles, industries, and work cultures without a long-term commitment, giving you insight into what truly aligns with your career aspirations. Contract work helps you break in to a new industry, demonstrate your abilities, discover your passions.

3. High Earnings

Contract roles can be a smart way for job seekers to boost their income quickly. Because companies often need specialized skills on a short-term basis, they’re willing to pay a premium for contract workers who can hit the ground running. In many cases, hourly rates for contract positions are significantly higher than those for permanent roles—especially in industries like skilled trades and light industrial work. Without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire, businesses can offer more competitive pay, and for job seekers, that means the chance to earn more in less time while gaining valuable experience across a variety of companies.

4. Fill Resume Gap

An ideal solution for addressing employment gaps that might concern potential employers is contract positions. Rather than having unexplained periods of unemployment, you can use temporary work to maintain continuous employment history while searching for the right opportunity.

These positions demonstrate to future employers that you remained active and engaged in your field during transition periods. Contract work shows initiative and adaptability, qualities that hiring managers value highly. It also provides recent references and keeps your skills sharp, making you a stronger candidate when permanent opportunities arise.

5. Increased Flexibility

Contigent positions offer unparalleled flexibility, enabling you to take control of your career path. It allows you to select projects that align with your interests and strengths, offering the chance to tailor your workload to fit your personal and professional goals. Additionally, it provides the freedom to explore various industries and roles, helping you gain diverse experiences while finding what resonates most with your career aspirations. This adaptability empowers you to grow and thrive on your own terms.

Take the Next Step in Your Career Journey

Temporary opportunities offers numerous advantages that can accelerate your career growth and increase your earning potential. From gaining diverse experience to enjoying greater flexibility, temporary positions provide opportunities that traditional employment often cannot match.

If you’re interesting in beginning a contract role, Award Staffing is here to help you find the perfect temporary position. View our newest job opportunities to find the best fit for you.

Why the Holidays Are the Best Time to Find a Job

The holiday season is often seen as a time for relaxation and celebration, but did you know it’s also one of the best times to search for a new job? Contrary to popular belief, the demand for talent doesn’t pause during the holidays—and savvy job seekers can use this window to get ahead. Whether you’re looking to land your dream role or simply take advantage of seasonal opportunities, the holidays can offer unique advantages.

Here’s 5 reasons why it’s a great time to get started:

1. Less Competition During Holidays

While many people assume hiring slows down during the holiday season, the truth is that hiring managers continue to search for qualified candidates. The difference? Fewer people are applying during this period. Many job seekers pause their search, believing it’s not worth the effort, creating a less crowded playing field for those who remain active. With fewer applications flooding inboxes, your resume is more likely to stand out. Hiring managers have more time to focus on the candidates who do apply, giving you the chance to receive more attention than usual. This means you might get contacted faster, scheduled for interviews more quickly, and considered more seriously for open positions. By staying active when others go inactive, you give yourself a significant advantage.

2. End of Year Hiring

Many businesses aim to wrap up hiring before the year ends. Companies often have budgets that must be spent by December 31, including funds earmarked for hiring. This means that many hiring managers feel the pressure to fill vacancies quickly before the new year begins. Additionally, roles that have been open for months often receive renewed focus as teams push to finalize their year-end hiring goals. It’s also common for companies to plan ahead by hiring in December for positions that will officially start in January. This creates a window where quick decisions are made, which works in favor of motivated job seekers who are ready to seize opportunities.

3. Flexible Assignments

Seasonal and temporary roles abound during the holidays. These short-term positions are perfect for those who need flexibility or are looking to add experience to their resumes. Manufacturing, logistics, production, and even administrative roles often see a surge in demand during this period. Taking on a contingent position isn’t just about earning extra cash—it’s also an excellent opportunity for networking and gaining new skills. Many companies use seasonal assignments as a way to evaluate potential full-time employees. Performing well in a contract role could lead to a permanent position or a glowing reference for your next career move.

4. Holiday Pay

Beyond the abundance of flexible roles, many holiday jobs come with the added benefit of holiday pay. Employers understand that working during the busiest time of year can be challenging, so they often compensate by offering higher wages, bonuses, or holiday-related perks. This extra income can be especially helpful if you’re between jobs or looking to fund a career move. Whether it’s overtime pay, end-of-year bonuses, or special incentives, taking advantage of these roles can provide both financial and professional benefits.

5. Start the New Year Strong

Job searching during the holidays isn’t just about landing a role before January—it’s about setting yourself up for success in the year ahead. By starting your search early, you’re already ahead of those who wait until January to begin. Employers often use the new year to onboard fresh talent and implement new strategies. By throwing your hat in the ring during December, you’ll be among the first in line for positions that open in January. Plus, making good use of December shows your motivation and determination, traits that any hiring manager will value.

Make Your Holiday Job Search Count

The holidays don’t have to be a season of waiting—they can be a season of action. By taking advantage of less competition, end-of-year hiring urgency, flexible opportunities, and unique holiday perks, you can position yourself for success. Now’s the time to turn your job search into a winning strategy. Visit our job opportunities today and find positions that will kickstart your career in the New Year.