7 Myths About IT Contracting
By: Justin Pleadwell, Marketing Manager
So, you’ve been offered an IT contract job, but you don’t quite know what to think. Many questions and preconceived notions flood your brain as you evaluate if you will be able to receive benefits, how the short-term job will look on your resume, or if you’ll be on the market shortly looking for a job again. There are myths about IT Contracting that have grown a life of their own over the years, so let’s attempt to separate myth from fact.
First of all, the opportunity to work as a contract or permanent employee is a key benefit of being an IT or Engineering professional. While contract jobs are seen across many industries, they are especially prevalent in the Information Technology industry.
According to American Staffing Association, US staffing companies hire nearly 15 million temporary and contract employees over the course of a year. Contingent workers now make up 40.4 percent of the U.S. workforce, as stated in a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office and featured on Forbes.
Although contract employment is gaining in popularity, there are still many myths and misconceptions that need to be debunked so that you don’t miss out on a great opportunity.
Below are 7 Myths about IT Contracting:
1. Myth: Contractors don’t receive benefits
Fact: That is the case with some agencies, but not at Digital Prospectors! We pride ourselves on being able to offer consultants a variety of compensation packages to meet their specific needs. Depending on the client, we can offer our consultants full benefits such as medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO and more. Full details can be seen in the Benefit Spotlight download on our benefits page. W2 employees can choose the right compensation package for them, which can include a higher hourly rate without benefits.
2. Myth: Contracts are short in duration
Fact: Most of our contractors are extended beyond the initial length of the contract. At Digital Prospectors, the average consultant contract duration is over 30 months, almost 3 years! It is common for contracts to be extended. We even have consultants that have had their contracts extended for over 10 years. Additionally, consultants are fairly frequently converted to permanent employees.
3. Myth: Contracting doesn’t look good on a resume
Fact: Contracting empowers consultants to make a difference on a variety of projects at various companies in a shorter period of time, allowing for them to gain more experiences and exposure to new technologies. Often, the only way to get into these top-tier clients is through contracting, so our IT contract opportunities bolster your resume. Additionally, contracting often leads to long-term or permanent work at our clients. Plus, we work with prestigious companies that are sure to stand out on your resume.
Search top-notch contract job openings at prestigious companies
4. Myth: Contracts never get extended or converted to permanent positions
Fact: Many employers see contracts as a ‘working interview’ for a permanent position. Additionally, some managers prefer bringing folks on as contractors so that they can avoid a potentially slow HR onboarding process and get better candidates, quicker. According to American Staffing Association, one-third (35%) were offered a permanent job by a client where they worked on an assignment, and two-thirds (66%) of those accepted the offers of permanent employment.
5. Myth: Contract work is part-time
Fact: This may be true in certain cases, but nearly all Digital Prospectors’ contract employees work full-time averaging 40 hours per week. Many of whom are salaried employees with all the same benefits of a permanent position. There is a common misconception between the words “full-time” and “permanent employee.” Our contractors work full-time schedules and have the opportunity to receive the same benefits of a permanent employee.
6. Myth: Temp jobs are usually low-wage or entry-level
Fact: Contractors actually make higher wages than permanent employees in the same role. Certain IT contract jobs command a considerable compensation. For example, IT Contractors in Boston with experience in roles such as DevOps and Java Developers are in high demand and command top rates.
7. Myth: Contractors don’t work on anything interesting or get the same respect as permanent employees.
Fact: Every situation is different, and there are plenty of consultants out there with contract ‘horror stories.’ The key is to partner with a staffing agency that works with clients who respect their consultants, and who utilize them regularly. When consultants are a standard part of everyday working life at a client, they garner the same respect, work on the same exciting projects and are expected to deliver the same results.
So, there you go…7 Myths about IT Contracting debunked! The next time you are considering a contract job offer, you will be able to separate myths from facts. Contracting is a terrific option for many IT and Engineering professionals seeking to advance their careers.
Contact our recruiting team to find a contract that might be a fit for you today! Still have questions? Let us answer any specific questions you may have about contract jobs at Digital Prospectors.
About Digital Prospectors
We believe all people should love their jobs. Founded in 1999, Digital Prospectors is a top IT staffing agency in Boston that has placed thousands of contractors and direct-hire employees with hundreds of prestigious companies nationwide. Our work is about improving the lives of the people we serve by connecting opportunity and talent in meaningful ways. Life is short – Love your job!®
Contact
Justin Pleadwell, Marketing Manager
Digital Prospectors – Boston, MA | Exeter, NH
(617)938-6100
Email: jpleadwell@digitalprospectors.com
