Contracting Myth: You Need a Stable of Contractors

There are a number of reasons why recruiters shy away from contract placements. However, most of those reasons are the result of myths or misconceptions. One common myth about contract staffing is that you must have a stable of contractors ready because clients may request them at a moment’s notice.

This misconception is tied to the temp agency model. They have a group of temps who are employed by the agency and are sent out on assignment after assignment, the majority of which only last a few weeks at the most.

Temps and contractors

The use of temps in this model is more common for blue collar and clerical positions, where turnover is more frequent and immediate replacement is necessary. Temps are also often used to fill in for absent workers due to vacations, maternity leaves, disability leaves, etc.

Contract staffing is a “different animal.” Contractors are highly skilled individuals who typically fall into the professional, technical, or healthcare realm. They are most often used for long-term projects that last six to nine months or even longer.

While the lead time is usually shorter than direct hire placements, it is not the “warp speed situation” that many recruiters envision. The lead time is generally a few days or a week or two, depending upon the search. Many recruiters actually like the quicker nature of contract placements.

While clients want to ensure they’re getting someone with the right skills, they are less concerned about a cultural fit. As a result, you can bypass all of the second guessing, third and fourth interviews, and requests for more candidates. If you present a candidate who has the right qualifications for the contract assignment, it is likely they will be selected.

You already have a stable!

Chances are good that you already have the stable of contractors you need in your database. Recruiters have told us that their best source for contract candidates is their direct hire candidates.

Simply ask every candidate if they would be willing to work on a contract assignment. As flexibility becomes a key issue for workers, more of them are turning to contract staffing. That’s because there is more leeway when it comes to when and where the work is completed, the work schedule, daily requirements, etc.

Offering contract staffing services can smooth out the peaks and valleys of direct hire. Don’t turn away from it just because you don’t think you have a stable of contractors.

Give contract staffing a second look. You may be surprised by what you find!