With all conversation seemingly around "the great resignation" and how companies will struggle to find and keep great staff in 2021 and 2022, it got me thinking about the benefits for candidates to be considering more contract and temporary roles in 2022.

When we are in a candidate short market, candidates can have more control of the recruitment process then employers so it's a great time to call the shots and ask for what is most important to you. 

I'd question why you'd lock yourself into anything permanently when you can use this time to work with different companies , improve your skills and salary, and create more work flexibility.

Some key factors that motivate my professional contractors:

• Choose when you work and your time off to travel/ relax/ be with family and friends. So important now the lockdown restrictions are being relaxed
• Diversify and grow experience in working within growing and busy industries . This diversity in experience will make you more employable to a wider market allowing you more choice in the longer term 
• Potential increase pay through experience gained with different projects in a shorter timeframe than waiting for annual pay review 
• Why settle for a set pay when salaries are jumping significantly, instead work in different sectors and see where you can secure most pay with more interesting projects
• Try interstate contracts roles where 100% remote to grow experience for few months then back again with local based role to balance the team/people contact 
• Test out a business prior to committing to them longer term 

The flexibility can be endless, and you have more opportunity to discuss and tweak what's important to you as you gain more experience in contracting. 

It does require a bit of networking and focus on your part though, so best you connect with a Talent specialist that has a good diversity of clients who has experience to show clients the value that a strong contractor can really add to their team. 

I work a lot within the HR space and contracts for Talent Acquistion Specialist and HR Business Partners are commonplace. This is mostly due to the Project nature of HR and Talent roles but I feel 2022 may see this raise in Contracts and Temps across all areas of business as the clients need to take direction on what the best talent in the market are really wanting.

But, believe me, I know job hunting can its toll so I've attached this link to an article that may give you that boost you may be needing. Happy reading and 2022 will be with us before you know it so get networking now so you're ready for the job options that will be coming your way ! 

More Resources: How to Job Hunt (When You’re Already Exhausted) (hbr.org)