Certifications and IT jobs/Salaries

Author

Working on contract

mariefahmy

2001-03-07, 12:56 pm

I worked on contract positions for 5 years and I have changed 4 jobs. Now I am looking for a job and I don't get lots of calls. I am still working but I have been looking for a job for 2 months, until now I didn't get an interview. Except one company far-away from home is interested to interview me and I don't want to drive for 1,5 hours.

I need your opnion! Do you think employers would not like someone who changed jobs like me?

Thanks,

2001-03-07, 1:09 pm

From what I have seen myself, and with the other I.T. guys I have worked with, its not that big a deal. Employers seem to expect it a little in our industry... They usually don't mind at all if its because of contracts. Maybe you should make sure to indicate on your resume that they where contract positions. That way the employer will understand and not think that you can't keep a job.

2001-03-07, 5:44 pm

Contracting/Temp jobs are part of most any industry these days. Just be sure you address the issue with prospective employers. It would probably be best to place "contractor", or some other appropriate description when describing your work experience on your resume.

2001-03-07, 5:50 pm

I was about to post about contracts as well. I have worked 6 contracts in 7 years between 3 FT positions. My résumé is 4 pages without the small part time jobs. Currently I am on a 1 year contract, but it is considered FT. I have had to make it a point to identify my status as a contractor on certain projects [on the résumé]. I also mention it in the cover letter and any initial communication, such as an email or fax to the prospective employer.
Most recruiters and HR people are overwhelmed by the amount of information as to where a contractor has been and what they have done. They seem to be unaware of what these contracts pay [usually with 0 benefits] and balk at paying an equivalent amount adjusted to include the dollar value of the benefits package.
I have had to go round and round with recruiters who can't open documents sent to them, people who don't check their email and dead fax machines on the recipient end. I don't know how much time I have spent filling out application forms by hand, which could have been sent to an applicant electronically.
If you do get into a FT, people tend to resent your "adventures" on the road. Any knowledge you may have which may benefit your new employer is often discarded as "not what we do here". Surrounded by people who can't/won't learn to use software, the irony will settle in: these are the same people who pored over your résumé/certifications with a fine-tooth comb.
Sorry to be cynical, but it's what I have experienced. If you do find the right place, and the person with hiring authority has the time and patience to really read the résumé and listen to a candidate, you needn't worry. Unfortuneately, these people scan your documents electronically for keywords and toss the rest. If you don't have the text they are searching for, you won't get into the 2nd sorting.
Good Luck.

2001-03-08, 9:03 am

I agree with what you say.

Now I have 2 interviews for 2 FT positions, both of them are far-away from my home. I was waiting for a really good opportunity close to my house. I can't wait any longer. I have to go to those 2 interviews. My problem is I am not sure whether I will handle the long driving every morning or not. I don't want to keep changing jobs.

Thanks,

2001-03-08, 5:50 pm

Just about every contract project I have taken has involved land or air travel-or both. My current office is an hour away from home, but I am tasked to support places which can be 1 or 2 hours from there and even if I go directly to them from home, they are an hour or 2 away. I took this for the benefits, but it does take it's toll.
If there is nothing near you, then take the one of the 2 far ones which offers you the best of everything.
Stuff to consider, which bit me in the past-is free,covered parking available? I had to pay $110 monthly in one city or take my chances going 'round in circles every day. If you are in a city with a sports team, some places will raise the parking fee for daily customers if you don't leave by a certain time [to make room for the fans].
Another thing-I got the flu bad once, while at work. I was allowed to go home but then still had to drive my sick self the 1&1/2 hour drive home.
If you're not getting paid mileage, the wear and tear on your car is going to come out of your pocket-unless you plan to keep tons of receipts and put the car expenses on your taxes.
Then there are the tons of bored city, county and state troopers just waiting for you.

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