CAREERS NOW 02-18-07

Turn Failing Interview Into Contract Gig

DEAR JOYCE: I don't seem to be succeeding at job interviews, having been through eight in the last three months without being offered a job. What am I doing wrong? - D.S.

Countless things can go south in an interview. And even when you ace it you may not hear back for a litany of reasons ranging from a company's change of mind about filling the position domestically and squabbles over to which manager the position will report, to company budget quakes and sudden hostile take-over threats (think Alcoa).

I agree that eight misses does suggest you need to change something about your interviewing performance, references or credit checks and background reports. Or you may need to reevaluate your direction in the level of job you're going after.

LOOK FOR A SIDE DOOR. But when you need to quickly regain paid employment, even when you're seeking regular status full- time work, consider this classic move: Offer to do a long audition for up to three months (no longer) as a contract worker. If you get interest, follow up quickly with a brief letter of agreement spelling out the short-term commitment. Expect to work your tail off to show that you're too good not to become a regular status hire.

The contractor concept continues to gain ground today, primarily because employers want to be able to respond quickly to changing economic conditions and not be burdened with long-term promises to "permanent" employees.

DUE DILIGENCE RESOURCES. When you've never worked as an independent contractor (who receives the federal tax form 1099 for the self-employed) or as a contract worker (who receives the federal tax form W-2 for working on a direct contract basis for an employer, or on assignment by a staffing company for a client employer), get up to speed on your options and the implications for your taxes and career. Start with the following resources.

- Nolo.com is a respected do-it-yourself publisher of legal books and software; search the site for "contractors."

- The Professional Association for Contract Employment (pacepros.com) isn't a membership organization but a service offering W-2 employment, payroll processing and group employee benefits, including insurance, that big companies give to their employees. The business model appears to be unique; at least, I haven't run into it before. If you want to work for yourself but don't want the hassle of all the back-office chores and need benefits, evaluate PACE's "Solo W-2" program.

- Hotgigs.com, is a staffing exchange for hiring companies, staffing firms and contract workers. The exchange is free to companies seeking to hire contractors and consultants. Contractors' basic membership is free but full participation costs $99 per year. After a free trial, staffing vendors pay to have their gigs included in the contractors' marketplace. Hotgigs.com claims a network of more than 13,000 staffing and consulting firms, and some 50,000 contractors and consultants.

The Hotgigs.com site lists nearly $600 million in billable contract opportunities in 17 workforce categories, including information technology, healthcare, human resources, creative fields, marketing, accounting, financial and administrative. A feature that contractors and hiring companies will especially like is a free billing rate comparison chart that allows users to compare the rates paid for contractors with desired skills and experience levels.

- Google a search for "Turn a Job Interview into a Contract," a 2003 article by David Southgate.

- Monster.com hosts a discussion forum peppered with tips, caveats, gripes and satisfactions from viewers who have worked as contractors. From the home page, click to Career Advice, scroll down to Career Community, then click on Contract, Temp & Staffing.

CONTRACTOR BENEFITS. Many people "work contract" by choice, citing the value of flexibility and time to chase after non-work interests. Additionally, contracting is a way to re-enter the job market, grow a network of contacts, learn and upgrade skills through a variety of jobs, avoid office politics, and meet new people.

As to whether the pay is - in the final analysis - better than comparable work at a full-time job, sharpen your pencil. That's a complex question when all expenses are considered .

But when you need employment and nothing seems to be progressing as expected, making a deal for a three-month tryout as a contract worker is a viable option to consider.

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