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As a specialist Contract recruiter, I’ve been lucky enough to partner with great candidates over the years across different assignments. Contracting can be a deliberate career choice, as many candidates that I work with enjoy the variety and flexibility of contracting, whilst other candidates I speak to are concerned about taking on several consecutive contracts roles and how it may be perceived by potential employers in the longer term.

Times have changed from when contracting was seen as something you did because you couldn’t get a ‘real’ job. If you've engaged in contract work at times in your career, demonstrating your ability and skills to work in diverse industries, there are ways to present contract work effectively on your resume to highlight the benefits it brings to your job search.

Why Include Contract Work on Your Resume?

• Contract work offers unique opportunities to gain a variety of skills, such as adaptability and quick learning, that are highly sought after by employers. By listing your contract experiences, you can highlight your expertise and demonstrate your ability to excel in different environments.

• The importance of telling a cohesive career story that highlights how past experiences have prepared you for new opportunities. This is where context is important, did you take the contract to gain experience in a different industry or in a larger/smaller firm? What did you achieve in the contract?

• Addressing Employment Gaps. One of the significant advantages of including contract work on your resume is its ability to bridge employment gaps. Showcasing these experiences can provide context for periods between full-time jobs, presenting you as a resourceful and dedicated professional.

Key Tips for Listing Contract Work:

• Choose a Listing Method: There are various ways to present your contract work, but clarity is paramount. Consider listing individual jobs chronologically to create a cohesive picture of your career journey.

• Group by Industry: Grouping jobs by industry is an alternate way of showcasing your experience and helps demonstrate their relevance to the position you're applying for. Consider organizing under a single heading, such as a consulting business or simply ‘Contracting Roles’, to enhance continuity and ease of comprehension.

• Be Clear: Clearly specify the types of contract positions you held and the companies you worked for. If you worked through an agency, mention the agency as your employer and the various projects you undertook on their behalf.

• Highlight Achievements: Employers are eager to see how you added value to your former workplaces. Use action-oriented language and quantify your successes with measurable achievements. Numbers and metrics provide tangible evidence of your contributions.

• Emphasize Relevant Skills: Tailor your resume for the role you are applying for - review the job description's requirements and identify keywords. Then, align your contract work experiences with these keywords to showcase your skills in line with the desired position.

Be confident in the fact that your contract work adds depth and breadth to your resume, making you a well-rounded candidate. Embrace your diverse experiences and demonstrate your adaptability to secure your next role.

If you need advice on how to structure your resume to highlight your contracting work please don’t hesitate to reach out.