Though many companies in Hong Kong have begun contractual basis hiring, there is still a lot more hype around contract jobs than there are real facts.
Many scoff at them, as sometime contract jobs are generally based on the requirement, necessity and urgency of the situation – but it’s time for a reality check. Contract jobs can be an attractive employment option for many individuals in many different circumstances.
Even if you’re employed but looking to switch jobs or land a new position, contract work offers you to try out a job and keep your resume alive at the same time.
Myth #1: A contract job is a low-level work
Reality: As a contractor, you may not be able to label yourself as a regular employee, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it categorises your role in the company as a low-level one. Over the years, more contractual jobs are being offered as businesses realised the importance of having greater flexibility at work.
Professionals are looking forward to the consulting as it offers them to secure challenging projects, diverse work culture, competitive pay scale, while still working on your own terms and conditions. At the same time, contract jobs let employers fill their positions that demand years of experience – for both immediate and long-term projects without increasing the head count.
Myth #2: Contract Jobs are short term, sporadic and low paying
Reality: In Hong Kong, contractual jobs are becoming more and more common. Most of the time, companies look for short-term employees because of an important project that requires the skills of experienced people to finish the job quickly. Such demand from an employer has an equivalent demand for a higher compensation from the employee.
As for the tenure of the contract jobs, they offer a flexi work arrangement allowing the consultant to work for fewer hours than a full time role. And lastly, contract jobs can last from a few months to more than a year or two years. Moreover, extended assignments are even more likely in the current business environment, as more employers wait for signs of a sustained recovery before adding full-time headcount.
Myth #3: One cannot show a contract job on a resume
Reality: With a high proliferation of contract jobs, interim assignments are now regarded as high-level consulting projects than so-called “contract work”. Recruiters understand that project work offers short term but valuable experience and that they have the ability to add to the individual’s skill set.
Myth #4: Contract jobs do not let you develop new skills
Reality: Contract work generally includes projects and assignments that need specialisation and a particular skill set. They can be highly challenging and demand you stay abreast of industry knowledge and developments. Many companies who regularly hire contract staff offer complimentary training and a strong onboarding to help project consultants continually upgrade their skills, earn recognition, and become part of the team – even if only for a finite period of time.
Myth #5: Contractors don’t receive benefits
Reality: This may vary depending on the company. There are some employers who offer full benefits even for contract workers, while others offer just the basics like paying the tax and other government contributions. At the end of the day, it may also has something to do with how you negotiate your contract – the better you sell yourself, the better salary and benefit package you can get.
Looking for that perfect interim job in Hong Kong? Check out what contract jobs are available right now!
