Should you take a contracting job in the Semiconductor Industry?
There are many benefits to taking on a contract job and they apply to most industries. When we are looking for a job many of us are inclined to ignore the contract positions as “unstable” or less fulfilling and instead concentrate more on full-time positions. In this modern world of not working for the same company forever you can look at yourself as “your company”, and that aligns perfectly with contracting. Not considering contracting at some point in your career might be a mistake.
There are many benefits to working as a contractor that might just enhance your career path.
A better path to a permanent job
A contractor job can be the best way to get a good permanent job at a top semiconductor company. It gives you a chance to find out if you really want to work there, and it gives your employer a chance to find out if they really want you.
Its a good chance that when you are being hired straight from a contract position, you are actually the only person in consideration for the job. They found you of value and now they have created a full-time position for you.
The best part about all that? Compared that to coming in unknown “off the street”. Negotiating wages from a position of strength can only lead to higher wages, better benefits, a better title and the technical work you want.
Less Competition
Many of the top semiconductor companies have long recruitment processes. They get many applicants, and they need to make sure they are being fair and giving everyone a chance. This leads to even the best of applicants getting the jitters and taking a job that’s not as good, but being offered now (a sure thing as opposed to a hope).
But getting into these same companies as a contractor can be a much quicker process with much less competition.
Exposure
Nothing builds your skills like exposure to other ideas. Working on a few different short-term projects can greatly improve your technical skills, communication skills and management skills.
Make the most of your contracting positions to expand your network. A few years of contracting in the middle of your career can lead to bigger and better things.
Support
Most recruiters will help you polish up your interview skills. Better contracting companies (like Lateral Sands!) will go out of their way to support you (where possible) in the job. Our business model succeeds when you succeed as a contractor, so its in our interests to help you succeed.
You might think that a full-time position at a reputable company would provide all the support you need. But often schedule pressures and other internal issues result in a “sink-or-swim” environment.
More Cash
While a full-time position might look like it has better compensation, often its not what you need. Contracting positions tend to get paid more in cash but less in benefits. If you are saving to buy a house it might be better to have cash in pocket rather than a matched 401k.
So give it some thought.
Let us know you are interested and we can help you find the next step in your career.