What’s the Difference Between Contract, Contract to Perm, and Permanent Jobs?

When you’re in search of a new job, you might not realize you have access to a few different job types. It all depends on what the employer is looking for and how the job opportunity is set up. Job types you might encounter include contract, contract to perm, and permanent. But what are these? And what are the benefits of choosing one type over the others?

Different types of jobs

Each type of job offers its own benefits. All you’ll need to decide is which works best for you based on where you’re at in your career.

Contract jobs are offered by an employer for a set amount of time. You’ll essentially be a temporary worker brought on to help an employer complete a project they’re working on. They’ll hire you based on the skills needed for the project, depending on what it is.

Contract-to-perm jobs are offered by an employer for a set amount of time, at first. Basically, the employer is trying to determine if your skills match what they’re looking for. The contract period is a trial to show what you can do, and after the trial period passes, the employer will make a decision to extend an offer of full-time, permanent employment. The good news is that you can also get a feel for the company and the position, and decide if you’d want to work there long-term.

Permanent jobs are your classic interview-to-hire jobs, where an employer will review your resume, meet with you during an interview (or two, or three) and make a decision to bring you on as a full-time, permanent employee.

Advantages of each job type

You’ll find each of the three job types give you advantages, depending on where you are in your career and what you’re looking for.

Contract jobs give you the opportunity to build your resume and work experience. You’ll be able to network with different employers and professionals while you learn new on-the-job skills. This can be useful if you’re just getting started in your career, or if you’re looking to make a shift and tack on new skills and experience. Contract jobs also work if you don’t like to be tied down to a permanent job and enjoy meeting new people and trying out new things.

Contract-to-perm jobs, as mentioned above, allow you to assess a work experience to decide if it, and the company, are a good match for you. You won’t be saddled with a job you don’t like, and if you do like the job and the people you work with, your hard work and industry knowledge could pay off with the offer of a permanent job.

Permanent jobs allow you access to employee benefits, a major perk of being a full-time, permanent employee. Depending on what your employer offers, you’ll gain medical, dental and vision coverage for yourself and possibly your covered dependents (e.g., your spouse and children); 401(k) retirement savings; wellness resources; paid time off; and training opportunities.

The choice is up to you!

As you look for a new job, you may see these three options advertised by various companies. Is there a specific job type you’d like to try, but you’re having a hard time finding openings? Check out HireCall. We specialize in office/clerical and light industrial jobs, with placement in many other fields. To learn more, visit our job search page today!

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