Working for a contract service
Working for a contract service
(OP)
A contract engineering company has a position I'm interested in. I've interviewed with the placement service, and am interviewing with the actual company next week. They provide vacation based on hours worked, and paid holidays, but insurance is optional, and the employee pays all of it, although thru a groupl plan, which isn't as bad as going out on my own and getting it. The wage they are offering is barely enough to break even to what i make now (less than I'd like also) once I have to pay my families own health insurance. It's also a bit further to drive into the city, versus away from the city. I'm pretty sure once I interview, I'll get the offer. My question is, in your experience, how much room do these service leave for negotiation? A couple more dollars an hour would be enough for me. Are they willing to take a little less off the top in order to get the person placed that the company wants? Another thought is the company could "buy me out" and hire me as a permenant employee. They have "want" ads on their website, so evidently are hiring on their own also.
I really want this job, as I think there's more of a future there than where I am now.
Any advice folks?
I really want this job, as I think there's more of a future there than where I am now.
Any advice folks?
David





RE: Working for a contract service
I went through my personal agent and got a major medical policy for my family for less than $350/month. High deductible ($5k/person, $10K max family per year), but with some good options. Included a HSA (Health Savings Account), which means tax-deductible deposits which are available forever until spent. Also, policy covered 100% of everything after deductible (it's the 80-20 that can break you if you lose a leg or get a tumor).
RE: Working for a contract service
As Tick says, double check on the private insurance thing, it's not always as bad as you think. We looked into it a few years ago and were surprised.
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Working for a contract service
People generally choose "job shopping" because of significantly higher income. Earning 20% - 40% more as a job shopper is very common and the only reason to do it. So if you crunched the numbers and aren't impressed, don't take the job! (Keep in mind that frequently places that are hiring job shoppers have a ton of short term work. You're highly likely to get overtime.)
If you want more money, ask for it. The contract house will then ask the company for more money. The decision will lie with the company you'll be working for rather than the contract house.
RE: Working for a contract service
The risk you always have to keep in mind is any hiccup in the company cash flow or financial numbers and you are on your way out the door.
Also remember that being shown the door as a contractor rarely is a personal thing but is almost always an impersonal business decision. So if you take the risk and they let you go much more quickly than you were led to believe, it is still not likely that you were deficient but the company financial picture changed. (Unless of course you are an incompetent jerk and they only discovered this after you reported in :) Joking...)
The bottom line for me (I did contract engineering for ten years at various locations) was if I was going to take the risk such as move to unfamiliar area, pay my own insurance, accept that at any time I could instantly be shown the door, then I expected to do a lot better than just break even before I signed on.
I hope this helps...
RE: Working for a contract service
Quickest way to move up is to move
Always remember, free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it!
RE: Working for a contract service
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net
RE: Working for a contract service
If you really do wow the guy and get an offer you will be in a position to negotiate from a position of relative strength.
If you don't like the numbers, don't take the job.
Alternately, if they really are hiring direct, apply direct - BEFORE you interview through the contract company. The hiring company probably has some limitations on direct hiring candidates that the contract company presents.
RE: Working for a contract service
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net
RE: Working for a contract service
This site is great.
David
RE: Working for a contract service
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?
RE: Working for a contract service
"Good to know you got shoes to wear when you find the floor." - Robert Hunter
RE: Working for a contract service
Peter Stockhausen
Senior Design Analyst (Checker)
Infotech Aerospace Services
www.infotechpr.net
RE: Working for a contract service
David
RE: Working for a contract service
He also indicated he is looking for a full time employee, but used the service to weed thru the hundreds of resumes for him. It'll be 3 months contract, then permenent if it goes well.
David
RE: Working for a contract service
David
RE: Working for a contract service
David
RE: Working for a contract service
David
RE: Working for a contract service
naw . . . do not dwell on the matter further . . . i would not recommend calling. it is a risk that is taken when requesting for more $.
are you sure they selected another individual?
believe me, there are other opportunities out there and you need not dwell on your decisions . . . only learn from them.
lastly, listen & trust your instincts! they will benefit you greatly with future decisions.
good luck!
-pmover
RE: Working for a contract service
If they wanted you enough, they would have paid what you wanted.
If you wanted the job enough, you would have taken their offer.
That is how negotiations work.
RE: Working for a contract service
I shouldv'e handled it differently. I'm not, however, a professional job hunter. I listened to the experts, and it backfired. I at least was expecting a counter-offer, or a "No... This is all we can pay" though, with maybe something in writing as to what I'll get if hired full time in the future.
I think the ol' "never take the first offer" motto doesn't apply in todays job market. It's an employers market.
Anyone reading this, heed my warning. Be ready for the rejection if asking for more money!
David
RE: Working for a contract service
Not sure what "experts" you listened too but they do not seem that smart to me.
RE: Working for a contract service
David
RE: Working for a contract service
My experience with this type of company has not been too pleasant, basically they are about one small step above used car salesmen, Wall Street Bankers, and lawyers.
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