PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the last eight years, Stephanie has had four jobs, two of which she landed since the recession began. She is not a job-hopper, though – she’s a professional contract staffer. In three of her four assignments, Stephanie was placed by Westport One, an affiliate of MRINetwork®, one of the world’s largest search, recruitment, and professional staffing organizations. Her experience, says Debbie Maul, manager of contract staffing at Westport One, is typical for many of the two million temporary workers across the country.
“Stephanie began as a contractor at Frito-Lay® in 2003 and was converted to a permanent position, where she worked for three years,” says Maul. “In 2006, we placed her on a long-term contract at Panera Bread®, which lasted ten months. She then found a permanent position on her own, but was downsized and returned to Westport One. We then placed her at TALX/Equifax®, where after six months, she was hired as a permanent employee, a position she still holds.”
“Taking the contractor route was the best thing that could have happened to my career,” Stephanie believes. “I accepted a contract assignment because I was out of work and didn’t have other options, but the benefits to me personally and professionally have been enormous. I increased my earning power, and was able to go back to school and get my BA in communications.”
“Most contract employees have very positive views of their contract work experiences,” says Tim Ozier, director of contract staffing at MRINetwork. “Their temporary assignments can give them exposure to an array of responsibilities and companies, often while earning more competitive starting salaries than they would in permanent positions.”
Some people now choose contract work on a permanent basis for lifestyle reasons, observes Maul. “Although bridging to a permanent job is often the goal of many contractors, others are attracted by flexible work time, choice of assignments and having more time for family,” she says.
About MRINetwork®:
Management Recruiters International, Inc., branded as MRINetwork®, is one of the largest executive search and recruitment organizations in the world. A subsidiary of CDI Corp. (NYSE:CDI), a global provider of engineering & information technology outsourcing solutions and professional staffing, the MRINetwork has more than 800 offices in 40 countries. Visit MRINetwork at www.mrinetwork.com.