6 reasons why new migrants should not say ‘I only want a permanent job’

As a Career Coach for new migrants I hear this statement being repeated to me again and again. “I only want a permanent job”. There are reasons why they keep saying this. They have never known or worked in a contract role, don't know what it involves so are not sure. If you are new in a country,  I would say any role that provides you with local experience is a good opportunity. At times, in reality for new migrants, sometimes, a contract role is better than a permanent job. Here are some reasons why.

First, the Australian & New Zealand job market is different from the Asian and African job market from where lot of new migrants originate. If you check the statistics for your own industry profile and specifically your own profession right here in ANZ area, you might be surprised to find out that 30% or sometimes even larger % of all roles or type of hiring, is in fact of contract employment type.

Second, yes there are certain challenges with a contract job that you are expected to hit the deck running, meaning perform from day one, or expected to fill an immediate vacuum. You have to get cracking and deliver what is required. You learn fast in a contract role.

Third, from a monetary perspective for most contract jobs, as a rule of thumb you would earn slightly more than what normally a permanent employee in a similar role earns since you are taking the risk of not getting any sick leave or holiday pay.

Fourth, it may be a project based assignment for which this company is recruiting. So they don’t really have any permanent roles but only temp roles for that project say shutdowns or construction projects. If you perform well there is always an opportunity that they would engage you in other projects or transfer you to an internal role.

Fifth reason being the client is not sure of your skills, qualifications and experience, but would like to give you a chance like a trial contract where you are being evaluated for other possibilities. It’s for you to take it.

And sixth is simple a contract job helps you pay the bills. The recruitment for a contract role is faster with often start date coming up immediately. You can always look for a permanent role later on after starting a short term contract.

Yes granted, you may have migrated here from a permanent role in a blue chip multinational fortune 500 company, but you changed that situation by walking out of that comfort zone in search of a new challenge by migrating here. So you have to adapt and prove yourself in this new economy. Any comments?