Here at Beyond Recruitment, we know that contracting can be highly rewarding, offering plenty of flexibility and providing exciting opportunities to experience a range of projects and teams.
In this series of interviews, we dig a bit deeper into this way of working by talking to some of our top contractors to find out what life is like for them in 2022.
Today we talk to a Senior Project Manager who has been contracting for 22 years.
Tell us why you choose to contract?
Initially it was for the money; I went overseas and got paid a lot for contracting. New Zealand’s contract market is a lot smaller by comparison, but there’s still plenty of opportunities if you have the right skill sets.
What do see as the advantages of contracting?
There are pros and cons like with anything. The higher income is a strong advantage. You have more selection on what you do. You can take a longer-term project or a variety of shorter-term contracts.
What changes have you seen in contracting over the last 18 months?
Where I’m working, all contractors now work from home if there’s any COVID-19 in the community. This has allowed me to set up quite a nice home office environment that I wouldn’t have been able to afford as a permanent employee but I’m able to claim it all on my business.
How important is your relationship/partnership with your contracting recruiter?
Extremely important. Finally, I found someone extremely positive and useful who actually reads my CV!
What would you say to anyone thinking about contracting?
Be very careful. Contractors are treated differently here than overseas. Quite often it’s very transactional. If there is a clash or adverse situation, contractors are the first to be let go. In England, contractors are recognised for delivering the most work and are kept on.
Can you tell us why you decided to move from a permanent role to a contract?
It was the right opportunity at the right time.
What did you like about your onboarding process with Beyond Recruitment's Technology, Transformation & Digital contracting specialists?
My contracting recruiter contacted me quickly. We had a very long talk – a very genuine talk. They did exactly what they said they would do, and immediately started building trust.
Summary
If you’d like to learn more about opportunities for contractors in Transformation, Technology and Digital, get in touch with the Beyond Recruitment team today. Our Technology, Transformation & Digital contracting specialists can talk you through the roles currently available and help you plan out your next move.
