Make Work for Yourself

Project work may get you hired

Professionals trying to land a job may want to pursue project work. According to specialized staffing service, Robert Half International, companies that are unable to add full-time employees during periods of economic uncertainty often bring in professionals on a temporary basis, which can translate into opportunities for those who are looking to earn income, make new contacts and enhance their marketability during an extended job search.

“In an uncertain economic environment, it is essential for companies to maintain productivity levels, often with less staff and heavier workloads,” said Kathryn Bolt, president for Robert Half International’s Canadian operations. “While it may be difficult for businesses to predict their long-term staffing needs, project and temporary professionals can offer a cost-effective staffing solution in the interim.”

Bolt noted that although many people associate temporary work with the administrative field, there are opportunities available in a variety of professions. “Companies need highly skilled professionals to manage seasonal workflow fluctuations and for special projects such as systems upgrades, corporate financial reporting initiatives and general plans to enhance efficiencies,” she said. “A specialized staffing service can assist job seekers in finding roles suited to their background and expertise.”

Following are 10 of the most prevalent project roles in the current economy:

1. Credit and collections specialists Companies are working with these professionals to help manage credit risk and collect from delinquent accounts. In particular, firms seek individuals who can identify ways to reduce inefficiencies and maximize cash flow.
2. Staff and senior accountants – In any economy, businesses need professionals who can perform core accounting tasks, such as maintaining the general ledger system and analyzing and preparing financial statements.
3. Corporate financial reporting specialists – Publicly accountable enterprises are transitioning to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and need highly skilled professionals who are knowledgeable in the new regulations and can ensure the adoption is completed efficiently, on budget and within mandated timelines.
4. Help desk and desktop support professionals
   Businesses migrating from older operating systems, upgrading desktop systems and implementing a wider range of technologies are recruiting help desk and desktop support staff. These professionals are needed to answer questions and troubleshoot problems resulting from changes in IT products and services.
5. Developer/programmer analysts – Applications development professionals are being hired on a project basis to write code, test and debug software applications, and analyze business application requirements. The most sought after expertise includes .NET, SharePoint, Java and PHP.
6. Web developers – Web developers are needed as companies expand their online presence and focus on Web 2.0 initiatives and interactive web functionality. The rise of social media also is contributing to growth in this area.
7. Restructuring and insolvency lawyers – As the number of consumer and corporate bankruptcies continues to increase, many law firms are expanding these practices. Lawyers with more than five years of experience handling complex bankruptcy and foreclosure matters, including restructuring and litigation, are in demand.
8. Litigation law clerks – To manage an increasingly high volume of cases, law firms and corporations are forming specialized project teams to handle key aspects of trial preparation and discovery. Litigation law clerks are being sought on a project basis to assist with investigations and pleadings.
9. Customer service representatives – Businesses rely on these professionals to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are especially important in an uncertain economy. Firms also look to these individuals to sell additional products or services to existing customers.
10. Administrative health-care positions – The health-care industry continues to grow, and medical facilities seek administrative professionals with health-care experience. Positions in demand include: medical file clerk/scanner, medical secretary, patient registration/admissions clerk and credentialing specialist.

According to Bolt, what starts as a project opportunity could turn into a full-time position. “Since businesses have had a chance to evaluate the performance of temporary staff first-hand, they commonly tap these professionals
when making a new hire.”

Robert Half International has more than 360 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which can be accessed at www.rhi.com