Most folks see the commute each morning as beginning of their work day – and not the next day in the progression of their career. Actively searching employment candidates are often searching for a “job” – and not they really believe is the natural progression of their careers, which encompasses their desires and ambitions. The best employee is one that wakes up in the morning and looks forward to starting work on that new exciting product or project. One that has a balance between their career and the other demands in their lives (children, relationships, hobbies, interests, etc.) and has a career path that parallels the business goals, ambitions and company culture of the organization you choose to be part of.

Because organizations’ business strategies are often based on projects or product releases, strategic partners like consulting firms and contract resources become much more than a “hired hand.” Baby-boomers retiring and boomerang back into the workforce as a consultant. A significant amount of adults are returning to college and completing certifications and academic achievements in order to help their career to the next level. Just as businesses strategize and build a business plan in order to achieve goals and generate revenue, so does the career professional. Most individuals will do more investigating and consideration for a car load then they will for their career move. In this ever changing global economy, businesses have learned that they need to be able to change quickly – as market demands and the economy changes. So does the career professional. During the 1980’s recession years and Year 2k, I remember a time when no one was hiring any employees, yet opportunities for contract resources was never better.

These contracting stakeholders can be an excellent resource for contract-to-hire employee prospects as well as a way to build strategic business partnerships with professionals that can help you achieve your business goals. Contract resources are no longer perceived as “the temp” or as someone the organization hired instead of replacing an employee – instead the contractor is now viewed as someone who’s business and career is tied closely to the success of the project and/or product.