Today we’re going back to the basics. Like things you learned in preschool. And yes, I’m talking about when you were 4 years old.
You’re probably asking, “How do simple childhood truths relate back to technical consulting?” It’s easy. Over the past ten years, our recruiters have come to realize that people often forget the basics. This is problematic, seeing as how this results in IT consultants with less than ideal contracts. If you want a better consulting contract (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), follow these three simple rules.
Times may have been simpler, but the same rules apply.
1. Be Yourself
Your parents did say this to you as they helped you tie your shoes on the first day of preschool. Funny thing? This concept hasn’t changed at all now that you’re more technically capable.
When we say be yourself, we really mean it. It’s not enough to be comfortable in the technical recruiting process, though that is important. By being yourself, you allow the recruiter to get a better sense of who you are and what might be the best job or working environment for you. When you’re yourself, you are more likely to walk away with the perfect IT consulting contract.
2. Be Honest
No telling lies. No crossing your fingers behind your back. Honesty. It really is the best policy.
Let your recruiter know what your skill set is, what you want to do and how often you want to do it. If you do, they will be better able to help you get a role that you’ll enjoy and be successful in. While you may not get all of your wishes filled – you certainly need to be willing to compromise – letting the recruiter know what you really want makes it easier for them to find you the right job.
3. Be Patient
At 4, you couldn’t wait for Santa to come down the chimney on Christmas Eve. Nowadays, you’re impatiently waiting for your recruiter, your interview and a company to get back to you. Be patient.
Finding a contract, just like any other job search process, takes a good amount of time. If you’re dealing with large companies, you’ll have to have even more patience. The HR department and tech teams in these places are swamped and are oftentimes buried in red tape. Furthermore, if you’re impatient, you might just jump at the first position, even if it’s not the right fit for you. Be patient. Something will come.
See what I mean? It’s not exactly rocket science yet these simple truths are often overlooked. Be yourself. Be honest. Be patient. If you do these three things, your recruiter will be able to help you find the right position for you at the right time.
Are there other simple truths that are often overlooked? Let us know what you think in the comments section below, or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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Thanks to bsabarnowl for the use of their respective photographs.
