Expertise Q&A - Potential HR Contractors

Why become an HR contractor? It is more flexible and you get to stay out of the politics. You can work with different clients at a time as long as you can commit the hours. It is a popular solution when looking for a full-time role.

How do you start? Contact several recruiting experts - like VF&Co - who specialize in your industry and who can represent you to potential employers. Send them your updated resume and your bio if you have one. You'll be able to access the best of the temporary assignments available. Keep your recruiting contacts updated on your availability. It does not look professional for you or the recruiting firm if you are presented to employer only to discover you cannot complete the assignment you were endorsed for.

How is the selection process for contracting assignments? We will contact you when we have an assignment that matches your skills and experience. Assignments usually start immediately and client are in a hurry to get someone started so be ready to interview the next day or so with little information about the assignment. Most clients will only have one in-person interview and have the contractor start in the next few days following that.

What is expected of me as a contractor? Before an assignment commences, find out who you are to report to, the tasks you're likely to undertake and research the organization concerned by visiting their website. When on assignment, a high degree of professionalism is expected. You need to respect the policies, procedures and culture of the company at which you are working. The expectations of temporaries and contractors are often higher than those of your full- time colleagues.

What if I'd like to do more work with a client? Market yourself: Once you are in an assignment, you are in the best position to market yourself within that company. Don't be afraid to look for further opportunities – ask if there are any other areas or departments in which your skills might be needed. Let your face be seen.

How long is VF&Co's average assignment? If it is a project base assignment, most clients estimate their projects to 3 months and these are very often extended to 6 months. Keep your recruiting firm posted if you anticipate any changes in the duration of the project so they can make sure everyone is happy. Sometimes plans change, on both sides so if we know in advance we can help to minimize any inconvenience. Non-project assignments are usually limited to a couple of hours a week and go on for years. Contractors involved in these types of assignments work with a portfolio of different companies.