Over the past 12 months many of us have known someone who has been made redundant, have seen colleagues drop off like flies around us or been made redundant ourselves.  If you have experienced a redundancy, I can telll you from experience, it is very confronting.  Even if it has happened to you before, you never stop being shocked when you hear the news.  So where to from here?  Many of us want the stability of another permanent job, but lets just face it, there aren't many out there and the competition is pretty stiff right now around the world.  So why not consider contract or temporary work?

Why would I do that? I hear you say.  It's unstable and unpredictable! I hear you moan.  Well, would you rather unpredictable and unstable income or no income???  Besides, contracting or temping is an excellent way to upskill yourself without long term commitment. Here are just a few of the benefits of contract work:

• It's an opportunity to learn new skills on top of the ones you already have, hence increasing your transferable skills and making you more employable further down the track when economic conditions get better and jobs become abundant again.
• You have the chance to work in various business conditions and industries hence broadening your commercial knowledge.  This will also help you work out what you really want to do and where you want to work.\
• It teaches you to become flexible and adaptable to new environments.  Believe it or not, flexibility is one of the most sought after traits for any position in any industry and environment.  A flexible candidate with a broad skills set, is every employer's dream.  It makes you very employable.
• You will most likely have the opportunity to learn a new system, database or procedure which will most likely come in handy further in your career or working life.
• It's an excellent opportunity to network with a potential future employer.  You never know what can happen when the economy booms again.
• It keeps you on your toes.
• It can be very flexible - you have the option to say no to an assignment.

So how do you go about signing up for contract or temp work?  Speak to a recruitment agency/head hunting firm whatever you may call it.  For temp and contract work though, don't rely on just one agency to get you work.  Bear in mind that they probably have thousands of people just like you coming to them every week.  My suggestion (and this has worked for me in the past and I always recommend my candidates do this) is to sign up with 3-4 agencies, maintain relationships with the consultant who you deal with.  Keep the communication up even if they don't.  An email once a week for an update and a phone call once a fortnight will suffice.  Don't call them every day.  It's weird.  They know your anxious for work, don't remind them all the time. It makes them anxious too.  Let them know when you secure an assignment and when you will be available again.  I know that us recruiters are notorious for not getting back to candidates and I apologise on behalf of everyone in the industry.  There is no excuse for it.  However, don't never call them back just because they never call you back.  It's not personal really.  If you stay in touch they will remember you from the thousands of candidates they deal with.  Also, make sure the agency you register with actually has work within your field, industry or a broad client base.  This way, they're more likely to have assignments for you.

Before you send your resume to an agency do a skills audit.  What are your skills?  I often ask people these questions and get a glazed over stare.  You have skills people.  Trust me!  So, start with the tangible or hard skills.  For example, advanced MS Word and Excel skills, accounts payable and receivable skills, typing (45-60wpm is average), programming.  Most people would have experience in using some sort of database so list the ones you've used.  Then go to soft skills such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, problem solving skills, abiltiy to work as a team, flexibility, ability to learn quickly.  With the soft skills make sure you can remember a time when you have applied or demonstrated them.  Then ask yourself "can i apply these skills in various industries and job roles?".  You will be pleasantly surprised at how many transferable skills you actually have.  Now communicate that on your resume. I will write another blog about resume writing tomorrow.  Once you send in your resume, follow it up with a call or email.  Advise the consultant that you are open to contract work while you look for a permanent position. Let them know about these fabulous skills that you have and ask for an interview or meeting.  Try and close them and book a meeting.  Always try and meet with them, because their perception of you will likely be more positive once they meet you.  I will write something about job search and interview ettiquette soon.

At first the news of a redundany is shattering, it knocks you off your feet, makes you doubt your abilities.  Well it did all of this for me. However, as one door closes another door open.  If no one is opening their doors, perhaps knock.  Sometimes we have to create our own opportunities.  During tough times a lot of organisations will utilise contractors as they won't have the budget for full time head counts.  I have experienced an influx in requests for temporary or contract workers over the last 6 months - mainly in administration, accounting support, accounting, call centres, HR services and support, contracts administration, OH&S related positions.  So stay positive, keep an open mind, remember that every "no" you encounter takes you closer to that "yes".  Keep positive relationship with recruiters, know your skills and strengths.  I believe in you.  If you need advice write to me :)

Good Luck!!!