Contract work can be an excellent way to gain experience in a new career field or a way to survive gaps in employment. But how do you list contract jobs on your resume or in an interview? Many people have concerns about listing temporary or contract jobs on their resume, believing it will make them look “flighty” or unable to hold down a long-term position. However, that is far from the truth. These jobs can be an incredible boost to your resume, showcasing your ability to learn systems quickly and hone a wide variety of skill sets.
Hiring managers see resumes with contract experience frequently. Many see long-term contract work as equivalent to a full-time job and understand that, over the past several years, this sector of the job market has shown growth while other areas have struggled.
Contract work doesn’t have to be a hindrance to the possibility of a full-time position later in your career. Choosing to list contract jobs on your resume is a smart plan and can highlight the wealth of skills you have gained through working in a variety of environments. Follow these basic steps, and you’ll have a permanent job in no time!
Be Clear
If you worked with a staffing agency; include them on your resume, in addition to the company you worked for. While it’s important to specifically denote that it was a temporary position, having the staffing agency listed will hint to your potential employer that it was a temporary position as well. Be sure to highlight the company you worked for as well. This shows you have worked for reputable companies and garnered a wealth of experience from these opportunities.
Focus on Your Accomplishments
Rather than placing attention on the number of positions you’ve held, focus instead on the skills utilized in those positions. Hiring managers are more likely to be impressed by the tangible change you enabled than your job title, so play up any big wins or reputable results that you achieved during your time in contract roles.
Group it Together
One smart way to set up your resume is to include the contract work you have done under one heading. You could even create a consulting business for your contract work and place your myriad experiences underneath this heading. Organizing your contract work together in one place shows how the jobs complement one another and provides continuity in your job history.
Listing contract jobs on your resume is far from an opportunity killer. Most hiring managers understand the job market and regard these jobs similarly to a permanent position. If you take the time to list your relevant experiences in a logical and organized way, you can highlight the skills you have gained and emphasize your ability to work in a new environment.
Are you ready for your next big career move? We are your IT staffing experts — technology jobs are continuously in need of great talent, and we’re here to connect you. Whether you’re looking for your next contract role or a new full-time position, one of our many skilled recruiters today can lead you in the right direction.
Sources:
http://fortune.com/2015/05/15/temp-jobs-permanent-employment/
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-list-temporary-jobs-on-your-resume
https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/temping-experience
