How To Address Your Talent Shortage

Contract work used to be seen, by professionals and employers alike, as a temporary arrangement. But with the rise of the so-called ‘gig’ economy and other economic factors, contract work is now being seen differently; as a more permanent solution for companies to address talent needs and for professionals to achieve career goals.

A recent survey from LinkedIn found today’s contract workers tend to be highly educated, skilled and ambitious, with 91 percent of self-identified contractors in their middle or later stage of their career. Furthermore, 73 percent of contractors hold advanced degrees and certifications, compared to only 45 percent of non-contract workers.

It should be obvious to employers that contract workers aren’t the entry-level greenhorns from yesteryear. In fact, the use of contract workers is a great way to address a need for highly-skilled, even specialized talent.

Contractors are well-rounded

Career flexibility is turning out to be an effective method for professionals to speed up their acquisition of new skills and experiences. Because they work a variety of jobs in a relatively short time span, contractors get more diverse on-the-job training than non-contract employees. Hiring experienced contractors can help tackle specific needs within your organization while adding workers with a wealth of work experience.

If your company is considering expanding its use of contract professionals, evaluate your talent management strategy and determine the proper equilibrium of full-time and contract professionals to meet short and long-term organizational goals.

Know what they are looking for

The recent study also revealed 54 percent of professionals take contract work to as a way to meet current or future career goals. Some respondents said they were taking contract positions as stepping stone in their chosen field. Other study respondents said contract work is the main driver of their career.

For employers looking to use contract workers, it’s important to take time to find out what contract professionals are on the lookout for when considering them for employment. As the recent survey indicated, people looking for contract work can have various reasons and ambitions, which may change over time. Steer clear of costly hiring errors by ensuring that expectations are clear for both the employee and the employer. Invest time in understanding where contract workers are in their careers, and regularly check in with them to see if their goals have shifted since you last spoke.

Grow your contractor network

Due to the nature of their work, contract professionals tend to have a large network of connections. The recent LinkedIn study showed the typical contract worker has an average of 500 connections, double the average for non-contract workers.

If your company is looking to maintain or expand its use of contract workers to address talent needs, you should regularly reach out to contract workers online to develop an expanse talent network.

Are you searching for top talent?

At SMCI, we have a massive network of experienced, talented professionals that are interested in contract work. If your company is currently looking to contract workers to address a talent shortage, please contact us today.