As previously mentioned in our earlier blog post, the unemployment rate still remains high. The good news is that companies are starting to ramp up their hiring, however many are proceeding cautiously. What does this mean? It means that there will be more consulting roles than permanent roles early into 2021. For many, consulting roles may seem a bit scary because the unknown is scary. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite reasons as to why you shouldn’t be scared to take a consulting role and how it may even help your career.
Get Your Foot in the Door
Oftentimes, large corporations fill roles with consultants, and then if they like the consultant and their work, they will ask the staffing company to convert them to a permanent role. Sometimes it can be hard to get your foot in the door, especially at large organizations (for more tips on how we can help, refer to our previous blog post), but by accepting a consulting role you will be able to impress your manager so when a full-time position opens up, they will have you at the top of their mind for the role. In addition, if you accept a consulting role, even if you don’t want to stay in the same department, your (stellar) reputation can open more doors and opportunities for you within the organization.
Try Before You Buy
Try before you buy, as they say. In this case, you get to try out the employer before you actually sign on as a permanent employee. While it is estimated that millennials will have 12 different employers throughout their career, accepting a consulting role will help you understand the company culture, as well as the team environment before actually committing to a long-term commitment. By accepting a consulting role with a company that you’re interested in working for, you will know what challenges the company and different departments are facing, what managers are great leaders who believe in their team and want to contribute to each team member’s success, and conversely, you’ll know which departments and managers you don’t want to work for.
More Negotiating Power
Negotiating a job offer as a full-time employee usually doesn’t allow for many contingencies, however, your recruiter can help you negotiate a great offer. For example, do you only want to work specific hours or maybe even specific days? Since consulting roles are usually for highly skilled workers, organizations are usually more willing to make exceptions and modifications for the right person. In addition, consultants are also usually paid a higher pay rate than traditional employees and your recruiter can help you get the highest pay rate possible.
Try Something New
One of the greatest benefits of accepting a consulting role is the opportunity to try something new. Maybe you’re a programmer who has always worked in the insurance industry, but you’re looking to switch to the financial industry; by accepting a consulting engagement in the financial industry, you will be able to try something new before making a lasting decision.
Bonus: No Office Politics and No Boring Meetings!
One of the highlights for many consultants is that they are often shielded from company politics – they aren’t competing for the next promotion or involved in office drama, they are there to fulfill their engagement and focus on getting their assignment done. In addition, a huge benefit, one that most IT professionals are fond of, is not only is your presence not requested at boring company meetings, but it’s actually prohibited! Many organizations restrict consultants from their company meetings, as to not share trade secrets and financial information. For many consultants, this is a relief, as nobody wants to spend 2-3 hours every quarter listening to monotone executives talk about the latest financials.
Are you looking to try something new this year? Are you looking to get back into the workforce? If you think a consulting role is something you would like to learn more about, contact us today!
