Questions and Answers

I’ve recently been made redundant from the Big 4. If I take a contract role while I’m looking for a new job, will that affect my chances of getting a permanent position?

No. Within the current market, many of our clients are using interim hires to circumvent the headcount freezes to which many are being forced to adhere. This means that the quality of work within the interim field has increased; no longer are interims taken on primarily for routine year-end assistance or maternity cover. For instance, with more compliance processes being brought in-house, lucrative opportunities are regularly created for people who can provide a safe pair of hands for short- or medium-term assignments managing the transition. Also, certain types of work – such as designing and implementing transfer pricing frameworks; ensuring employee tax deadlines are met on an ongoing basis; and conducting VAT systems reviews – cannot necessarily be abandoned because of the economic climate; talented interims are often drafted in to participate in or oversee such projects.

Employers take a positive view of candidates who are proactive and keen to gain in-house experience and expand their skill set (thereby enhancing their CV), while exploring longer-term opportunities. Furthermore, a contract role is an excellent way for you to assess whether you’d like to further your career in commerce and industry. And in our experience, because such roles allow contractors to demonstrate their capability to decision-makers who might not otherwise have considered them, around half of all interim positions ultimately result in a permanent job offer. So taking on a contract role is highly beneficial for both jobseekers and employers.

I’ve been a professional contractor for over five years. Recently, I’ve had interviews – but I’m struggling to secure my next contract. Could you suggest what I should be doing?

The market has changed significantly over the past 12 months; it’s far less candidate-driven than in pre-credit crunch days. Big 4 and banking redundancies have intensified competition, creating a much wider pool of interim talent from which employers can select. But don’t despair – you simply have to shift your job search up a gear.

The key to securing a contract is detailed preparation. Even if the role is just for, say, three months, it’s imperative that you research the company to understand its activity and financials. Clients (employers) are keen to see a genuine interest for both their business and the job opportunity demonstrated at interview. Spending time on their website, as well as reading press articles and even analysts’ reports will help you devise questions that are informed, intelligent and, importantly, tax-specific – showing your enthusiasm and hands-on approach.

Don’t forget to highlight your key strengths: look back at your substantial in-house experience (itself a strong advantage – employers value people who are used to contracting). Consider factors such as significant achievements – such as your role in significantly reducing a corporate tax liability or resolving a complex compliance case – and your transferable skills. Also identify any similarities between previous and potential employers (such as industry sector, scale of business or trading or operational countries) where you can showcase relevant tax expertise that will help you hit the ground running with minimum guidance from permanent colleagues.