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I have had some good luck finding contract work via recruiters--but you do
have to use some caution. I've worked with two of the large technical
contracting groups (TEKsystems and Kforce), two smaller ones (Intervise and
The Integrity Group), and a completely local one. One contract led to a
direct hire.
Generally, they have contacted me after seeing my resume online, but then I
developed a relationship with a local recruiter. I would check in regularly
to keep my name in their minds. Repeated assignments gave them a good sense
of what I could do, and they would watch for assignments that they thought
would fit me specifically.
The disadvantage of recruiters: you won't get as much money as you might
with a direct hire or direct contract. The advantages are:
- They are often beating the bushes for technical jobs in places you may
not know about.
- They may fill tech writing positions as part of a larger contract for
technical services that wouldn't otherwise be advertised individually.
- They never submit your resume without asking you.
As noted by others, beware of the fly-by-night resume matchers. If someone
calls you, you ask for a little time to think about it. Then use the time
to make sure you can't just contact the employer directly. I saw an ad from
a recruiter for my current job, but then I went to the company website and
found the job advertised there. I applied directly to the company and got
the job--YAY!
In this economy and my area, technical recruiters have sometimes been my
ONLY lifeline to getting me hooked up with a job when the alternative was
serious financial trouble. Looking for work is always a battle for
maintaining a positive outlook and confidence in yourself and your skills.
Good luck to you.
Ken
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