On the Swiss pharma market, offers for fixed-term contracts and “contractor” positions have seen a sharp increase. This also applies for well- and highly-educated specialists and executives. And one should be aware that these offers are NOT per se a 2nd choice!
Companies regularly have to face emergencies that compel them to offer missions with limited duration. Typically, only a fraction of the talent pool will be available for such assignments. Employers therefore have to make compromises, which can be the opportunity to obtain a position which you otherwise would not, due to a stricter search profile.
You should therefore properly assess such offers and ask yourself the following seven questions:
- How long?
Assignments ranging up to twelve months offer enough job security. They give you the opportunity to gather interesting experience and to broaden your skills sets. - When?
You often do not need to be immediately available. For this type of position, a lead time of 1-2 months is mostly accepted. - Why?
What stage of your professional career development are you in? Are you experiencing changes in your personal life, a re-entry on the job market, do you feel underload, overload, etc.? Numerous reasons can prompt you to take on a temporary position. You may not need the security of a permanent contract in the years ahead or have the feeling it is just illusory security. - Who?
These days, large and globally active companies in particular often chose to hire contractors for upcoming projects. Even at middle-management levels, they wish to first test the performance of a new employee before making a long-term commitment. You should therefore check who your new potential employer is and any possible opportunity for a mid-/long-term career development. - With whom? Connections!
Meeting the right people or at least getting some visibility in these circles has provided many careers a boost. You never know in advance how things may develop. But it definitely is an opportunity to make the most of new connections. - What?
A temporary contract may be for you the chance to join your dream branch or company. Present this move in your resume as the logical next step. Explain your motivations. It has to make sense! And such a step makes sense if it enables you to acquire skills, which you will need to achieve your career objectives. - And then?
What next? Use a best case/worst case analysis - if you are objective enough to correctly assess the alleged securities and not to be blinded by the best case scenario. Would it really be the best for you to get an offer for a contract extension or a permanent position? You may only consider the offered temporary assignment as a good springboard for plans you already have for the future.
The job market is currently very stable. Go ahead and evaluate your chances!