97 | When to Consider a Contractor Position in Your Job Search

If you’re struggling to find a full-time role, or you’re not yet sure what you want to commit to full-time position, a contract role might be a great fit for you. In this episode, we’re sharing some of the benefits of taking on a contractor position, how to negotiate as a contractor, and key things to know about contract roles from an HR perspective.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Taking a contractor role can have a few benefits. You can expose yourself to different types of companies, leaders, and roles to get a feel for what you will eventually want in a full time role while building your skills and your resume.
• If you sign a contract with the understanding that a contract role will turn into a full-time role down the line, try to get a timeline in writing for when you’ll have a follow-up conversation with your manager about it.
• As for what to charge, remember that you’re responsible for paying your income taxes yourself as a contractor. A good rule of thumb is to add about 20-30% to your standard hourly rate, factoring in the industry standard and your experience.

Welcome to the Shine at Work Podcast! On this show, your co-hosts Karen and Dan will shine a light on your job search so you can land a role that lets you flex your strengths and progress your career in an environment you actually look forward to working in each day. From creating a stand-out resume, to confidently negotiating your salary, to finding your footing as a new manager, you can expect to hear actionable advice to help you shine your brightest in your role.

Karen D. Weeks is the CEO and Chief Career Coach of Shine at Work Coaching. She has over twenty years of HR experience, including as CPO at Ordergroove.

Dan Carr is a Shine at Work Career Coach with over a decade of recruiting experience helping high-growth startups expand with top talent.

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