Consulting:
the perfect Companion to the Job Search

by Jill Abel

Searching for the perfect job can be frustrating, time consuming and financially taxing. Indeed many of us take less-than-perfect jobs because we are tired of the search, need money, or just want to stop friends and family from bugging us. But instead of settling for a full-time position that may not be right for you, why not try another approach? Why not take on consulting assignments or contract work? 

At least a half dozen good reasons for consulting come to mind—both from the perspective of meeting current needs and looking out for your career in the long run.

Consulting helps you find out what an organization is like from the inside.

Finding the Inside Track:
 Many people have turned temp or consulting assignments into full time jobs. Consulting assignments allow you to find out what an organization is like from the inside. You get to know the people, experience the corporate culture and see if you fit in. You have the chance to make valuable contacts and build relationships within the organization. This puts you ahead of other candidates when full-time positions open up.

Maintaining Cash Flow:
 Consulting "between jobs" means you're not desperate for the next paycheck. In fact, you can come out ahead by consulting, since it can pay more than full-time employment. Consulting fees are calculated by adding the average cost of benefits (25 to 30% of base salary)—hence if a full-time systems analyst makes $1,500 per week ($78,000 per year), a consultant should be paid about $2,000 per week. (For a more thorough discussion of this topic, please see the chapter "Negotiating a Consulting or Freelance Assignment," in the Five O'Clock Club book, Interviewing and Salary Negotiation.)

 If your spouse can provide benefits for the family, your household income could actually get a boost. If you don't have medical benefits through a spouse, you may be able to get them through membership in a professional association.

Not Being Tied Down—As Much:

Consulting jobs can offer more flexibility than full-time positions. If you have significant family, religious or other obligations, this can be a real blessing. One working mom put it this way: "If an employer doesn't like how I'm balancing family and work, I can always find another short-term contact. This is far less traumatic than moving from one full-time position to another." Working on specific projects also allows you to take time off between projects to intensify a job-search, travel or pursue other interests. And employers may bend a little more to accommodate consultants. An international bank in New York had no problem allowing a consultant on a two-month project to fly to the Midwest to take care of an ailing parent. Rather than have the project derailed, the bank made arrangements for the consultant to work out of his parents' home in Chicago.

Maintaining Confidence and Self-Esteem:
 Perhaps the most important reason to consult is to keep yourself sharp and confident during a prolonged job-search. Most of us know how hard it is to "get 6 to 10 things in the works." Since five will "fall away through no fault of your own," you're hearing a lot of "no's." Signing up for projects during this process is a great way to keep your self-image intact and keep control of your life. Of course your job-search should be proactive—but by consulting, you are being proactive as well in keeping up your skills and reputation in your field. Being a sought-after consultant will enhance your value in the market.

Consulting can keep you sharp and
confident during a prolonged job search.

Positioning for Career Change: Consulting is a way to "test" a new career idea. Sometimes employers are not as strict about hiring project help as they are about hiring full-time employees. While a new boss is getting to know you, you have the opportunity to try out the new field, expand your skills and see if the new direction really meets your expectations. If you end up feeling good about it, then you already will have some experience in the new field. Having done a great job, you also will have several people to recommend you to their friends and colleagues. 

Easier to Land: Finally, you might not have to jump as many hurdles to secure a consulting position—because employers know that there is less of a commitment on their part. Wouldn't they love to have a two-month trial period for all employees! Basically, easier to fire probably translates into easier to hire. If they are having trouble filling a full-time position, they just might be willing to try someone on a four-day-per-week schedule. If it doesn't work out, neither you or the organization are taking a big risk.

But What's the Bad News?
 Despite all these advantages, there are some drawbacks to consulting. As mentioned earlier, in some cases pay can be higher to make up for a lack of medical insurance. Such benefits are usually missing. Also, you will usually be compensated only for hours worked and projects completed. The holidays that everyone takes for granted are not paid, and you are not eligible for paid vacation or sick days.

 Consultants may or may not find themselves warmly received. You may be viewed as an outsider. Colleagues may not go out of their way to get to know you, since they assume that you'll be leaving soon. You may be excluded from some company social activities—you simply don't enjoy the status of a full-time employee.

 And, surprising, a consulting job may not be well defined. Sometimes organizations may bring in temporary talent without a clear idea of what they actually want. One strategy consultant was brought in by an e-learning company only to find out that they didn't actually have the infrastructure in place to implement strategic partnerships with other companies. One day her supervisor admitted, "I really don't know why they hired you so soon. I guess they liked you so much in the interview that they just wanted you on board for a while." But the task proved to be impossible because of the company's lack of planning and constant change of direction.

Is Consulting Right for You?
 If you are intrigued at the prospect of consulting, as a component of job-search and career planning strategy, you should try to be an honest with yourself as possible. Do you have the right personality for it? Successful consultants can make friends easily, and can live with being considered "outsiders." Although many consulting assignments turn into full-time positions, can you live with things being "up in the air" indefinitely—if your search for a full-time job proves to be a long one? People who have settled into consulting as a way of life usually place more value on freedom and flexibility than on security. They embrace change and may get bored easily with "the same old routine." 

Consultants usually place more value of freedom and flexibility than on security. They embrace change and may get bored with "the same old routine."

Components of the Marketing Plan
 Your marketing plan is simply an outline of what actions you plan to take—and the timetable. It's your blueprint for letting the world know who you are and what you do. In your marketing plan workbook (on paper, in the computer, wherever) mark the target dates on the calendar for getting mailings out. Use the Five O'Clock Club approach to follow-up phone calls. Make a note of when the follow-up phone calls should be under way.

 Just as the Five O'Clock Club recommends heavy reliance on the Internet for job-search, it has role in your consulting marketing plan as well. There are many websites dedicated to contract work. These include, www.sologig.com, www.guru.com and www.free-lance.net. Searching major employment websites is also easy and useful. www.dice.com is great for technical positions and lists part-time and contract jobs. www.monsterboard.com and www.computer.net are also good sources. Simply list "consulting" or "project" among your key words. All of these activities should have a place in your written marketing plan.

 Use professional associations to advance your cause—note the dates of their monthly or quarterly meetings in your marketing plan. Go to the meetings and network. One of my clients joined Women in New Media. She volunteered for a task and was soon rubbing shoulders with some of the top women in the new media world—and eventually landed a full time job. Such contacts can lead to consulting jobs as well. 

 Let the experts in your field know about you. Your marketing plan should include combing trade journals for articles and columns by industry leaders. Why not drop these people a note to let them know you've available for consulting? They may be writing a book or doing a research project, and could use someone in a temporary support capacity.

Use professional associations to advance your cause. Go to meetings and network.

 Don't be afraid to ask for what you want! You may often find people more flexible than you imagine. Spread the word! Tell your friends, colleagues and even your old bosses about your willingness to do project or consulting work. Many organizations downsize, only to find that they are understaffed.

Thinking Outside the Box
 If you have never thought of consulting or contract work as a component of job-search, think again. It is a way to maintain your freedom and flexibility while adding to your résumé, expanding your skill set and making new contacts. Organizations are always looking for bright, talented people—no matter if things are "up" or "down" in the job market. Maybe they're looking for you!

Jill Abel has been a career counselor with the Five O'Clock Club since 1996, and maintains a private practice in Livingston, NJ.