Contracting on Resume

Should You List Contracting on Resume

In many professional fields, particularly those related to project management, consulting, engineering, and IT, listing contracting experience on a resume can be highly valuable. This is because employers value candidates with versatile skills, especially the ability to adapt to different work environments, projects, and teams. However, the decision to include contracting experience depends on the job you're applying for, your industry, and regional practices. For instance, in some European countries, temporary or contract work is more common than in the United States, so including this experience might be more standard there.

Why to List Contracting on Resume

• Demonstrate versatility: Contracting roles often expose individuals to a variety of projects and industries, showcasing adaptability and versatility. This can be a significant advantage for employers seeking candidates who can quickly understand complex projects and hit the ground running.
• Highlight problem-solving skills: Contractors are typically brought in to address specific challenges or needs within an organization. By detailing these experiences, you can illustrate your ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement them effectively.
• Showcase independence and initiative: Working as a contractor requires strong self-motivation, time management skills, and the ability to work independently. Highlighting your contracting experience can demonstrate these qualities to potential employers.
• Differentiate yourself: In a competitive job market, listing contracting experience can help you stand out from other candidates by showcasing unique experiences or skill sets that might not be as common in traditional full-time roles.

Where to List Contracting on Resume

• Experience/Work History: If you've held multiple contract positions, list them under the "Experience" section like any other job, detailing the company name, project scope, and your contributions.
• Skills/Professional Summary: In a summary or key skills section at the top of your resume, mention relevant contracting-specific skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, independence, and initiative.
• Education/Certifications: If you've taken courses or earned certifications related to contracting or project management, list them under your education or professional development sections.
• Project Portfolio: If applicable, create a separate section for showcasing completed projects, highlighting the challenges faced and how you addressed them, regardless of whether they were completed as part of a full-time role or contract position.

Examples of How to List Contracting on Resume

Example 1 - Experience Section

This example demonstrates how to format this information effectively on your resume.

Contract Software Developer - XYZ Corporation (January 2020 - March 2020)

Paragraph:

• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver mission-critical software updates, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced downtime for the client.
• Demonstrated adaptability by quickly learning new technologies and integrating them into existing systems.
• Successfully managed competing priorities and tight deadlines to ensure project completion within agreed timelines.

Example 2 - Skills Section

This example demonstrates how to format this information effectively on your resume.

Key Skills

Paragraph:

• Project Management: Developed project plans, monitored progress, and reported status to stakeholders.
• Agile Methodologies: Implemented Agile principles in software development projects to increase efficiency and adaptability.
• Independent Contractor: Worked as an independent contractor on multiple short-term engagements, showcasing versatility and adaptability.

What to Avoid While Listing Contracting on Resume

• Vague descriptions: Instead of saying "contract work," be specific about the projects or roles you undertook during your contract assignments.
• Incomplete information: Make sure to include relevant details such as project scope, timelines, and your contributions to each project.
• Neglecting key skills: Ensure that any contracting-specific skills are highlighted in a separate section or integrated into your professional summary.
• Focusing on quantity over quality: Rather than listing multiple short-term contracts, focus on the impact and outcomes of each engagement to demonstrate your value as a candidate.

How to List Data Analysis and Research Contracting on Resume

Listing your experience in Data Analysis and Research Contracting effectively on a resume can significantly increase your chances of securing interviews. Here are four best practices to help you present this subcategory in the most impactful way:

1. Highlight Relevant Projects and Achievements

• Describe specific projects where you have utilized data analysis and research contracting skills, such as gathering and analyzing large datasets or conducting original research on a particular topic for clients.
• Emphasize the results of your work, including any insights, recommendations, or improvements that were derived from your analysis. This helps potential employers understand the impact of your contributions.

2. Use Action Verbs to Quantify Your Impact

• Utilize active verbs like "analyzed," "researched," "collaborated," and "managed" to convey your role in each project.
• Quantify your accomplishments by providing numbers, percentages, or other tangible measures whenever possible. For example, you might state that you analyzed a dataset of 10 million records or increased research efficiency by 25%.

3. Tailor Your Resume for the Specific Job and Industry

• Customize your resume to align with each job posting's requirements and the industry in which the position resides.
• Research the company and its goals, and highlight any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your fit within their organization.

4. Organize Your Resume for Easy Scannability

• Use clear section headings to group your experience, skills, and education logically.
• Employ consistent formatting throughout your resume to make it easy for potential employers to scan and understand quickly.

Example 1: Data Analysis and Research Contracting on Contracting Resume

• Analyzed large datasets for various clients in the healthcare industry to identify trends and insights, resulting in actionable recommendations that improved operational efficiency by 20%.
• Conducted original research on emerging treatments and therapies in collaboration with doctors and researchers, contributing to the development of new treatment protocols.
• Managed a team of data analysts, ensuring high-quality results were delivered on time and within budget.

Example 2: Data Analysis and Research Contracting in Contracting Context

• Collaborated with a client in the automotive industry to analyze sales data and identify opportunities for increased revenue through targeted marketing campaigns. The resulting campaign generated a 15% increase in quarterly sales.
• Conducted original research on consumer preferences and buying behaviors, helping the client make informed decisions about product development and marketing strategies.
• Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results to clients.

How to List Consultancy and Advisory Services Contracting on Resume

Best Practices for Highlighting Your Skills

• Highlight Relevant Experience: Mention any experience you have in consultancy and advisory services contracting, emphasizing the specific projects or tasks you undertook that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

Example: "Provided expert consultancy services on data analysis and strategic planning to various clients in the technology sector. Successfully delivered key insights and actionable recommendations, leading to significant improvements in operational efficiency."

• Detail Contract-Specific Skills: Showcase your ability to work within contracting frameworks by listing skills such as project management, budgeting, and contract negotiation.

Example: "Managed multiple concurrent projects while adhering to tight deadlines, demonstrating strong project management skills during my contracts with various clients."

• Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers and specific examples to quantify your accomplishments. This helps potential employers understand the impact you've made in your previous roles.

Example: "Reduced client costs by 20% through efficient resource allocation and strategic procurement during a six-month consulting contract."

• Showcase Your Expertise: If you have specialized knowledge or certifications, make sure to highlight them. This could include industry-specific qualifications, project management certifications, or expertise in a particular software.

Example: "Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with experience in Agile methodologies and Scrum frameworks."

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the position you're applying for.

Example 1: Consultancy and Advisory Services Contracting on Contracting Resume

Consultant (Contract Basis), XYZ Consulting Firm, [City], [State] [Year-Year]

• Provided expert consultancy services to various clients in the technology sector
• Delivered key insights and actionable recommendations, leading to significant improvements in operational efficiency
• Managed multiple concurrent projects while adhering to tight deadlines
• Quantified achievements by demonstrating a 20% reduction in client costs through efficient resource allocation and strategic procurement during a six-month consulting contract
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with experience in Agile methodologies and Scrum frameworks

Example 2: Consultancy and Advisory Services Contracting in Contracting Context

Consultant, ABC Advisory Services, [City], [State] [Year-Year]

• Offered consultancy services to clients within the construction industry
• Assisted clients with project planning, budgeting, and risk management
• Negotiated contracts on behalf of clients, ensuring fair terms and conditions
• Reduced project costs by 15% through effective resource allocation and strategic procurement
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM) with expertise in lean construction principles and BIM software

How to List It Infrastructure Management Contracting on Resume

Best Practices for Listing This Subcategory

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Mention your expertise in managing IT infrastructure, including network administration, server management, and data center operations. Emphasize your ability to troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Example: Demonstrate proficiency in managing complex IT infrastructure by overseeing network operations, server maintenance, and data center support for a variety of clients on contractual basis. Adept at resolving technical problems swiftly and maintaining system uptime.

• Specify Contractual Experience: Clearly state that you have worked on a contractual basis under various IT infrastructure management projects. This helps employers understand your flexibility and ability to adapt to different work environments.

Example: Successfully provided IT infrastructure management services on contractual basis for multiple clients, delivering solutions tailored to their specific needs.

• Detail Project Scope: Describe the scale and complexity of the projects you've worked on. This gives potential employers a sense of your problem-solving abilities and experience in handling diverse IT infrastructure management tasks.

Example: Managed large-scale IT infrastructure upgrades for a Fortune 500 company, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation and minimal disruption to business operations.

• Showcase Achievements: Quantify your successes where possible. This could include reducing downtime, improving system performance, or increasing efficiency in IT infrastructure management.

Example: Reduced network downtime by 30% through proactive maintenance and incident response improvements during a contract assignment with a leading tech firm.

• Use Keywords: Incorporate the keyword 'contracting' throughout your resume to make it clear that you are open to contractual work opportunities in IT infrastructure management.

Example: Extensive experience in IT infrastructure management on a contractual basis, specializing in network administration, server management, and data center operations.

Example 1: It Infrastructure Management Contracting on Contracting Resume

• Skills: Expertise in managing IT infrastructure, including network administration, server management, and data center operations.
• Contractual Experience: Successfully provided IT infrastructure management services on contractual basis for multiple clients, delivering solutions tailored to their specific needs.
• Project Scope: Managed large-scale IT infrastructure upgrades for a Fortune 500 company, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation and minimal disruption to business operations.
• Achievements: Reduced network downtime by 30% through proactive maintenance and incident response improvements during a contract assignment with a leading tech firm.
• Keyword Usage: Open to IT infrastructure management contracting opportunities, with a focus on network administration, server management, and data center operations.

Example 2: It Infrastructure Management Contracting in Contracting Context

• Skills: Proficient in managing various aspects of IT infrastructure, including cloud computing, virtualization, and security.
• Contractual Experience: Provided contractual IT infrastructure management services for several clients across diverse industries, delivering innovative solutions to meet their unique requirements.
• Project Scope: Led a team to implement an enterprise-wide virtualization project for a global financial institution, ensuring smooth transition and maximizing cost savings.
• Achievements: Improved server utilization by 40% through virtualization efforts during a contract assignment with a prominent healthcare organization.
• Keyword Usage: Seeking IT infrastructure management contracting roles that offer opportunities to work on diverse projects, leverage skills in cloud computing, virtualization, and security.

How to List Design and Ux Contracting on Resume

Listing the Design and UX Contracting subcategory on your resume should highlight your skills, experiences, and projects that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality design solutions as a contractor. Here are some best practices to help you structure this section effectively:

1. Highlight Relevant Skills and Expertise

• Briefly list the key skills, tools, and methodologies you have mastered in UX/UI design, such as user research, prototyping, usability testing, and visual design software like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD.
• Emphasize your ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and design systems used by the client.

2. Detail Contract Projects and Deliverables

• Provide a concise summary of each project, focusing on the scope, objectives, and outcomes.
• Clearly state what role you played in the project (e.g., UX Designer, UI Designer, Design Lead) and the design deliverables produced (e.g., wireframes, prototypes, style guides).
• Include any relevant metrics or data to demonstrate the impact of your work, such as user engagement rates, conversion rates, or customer satisfaction scores.

3. Showcase Your Contracting Experience

• List the companies and organizations for which you have provided contract UX/UI design services.
• Include the duration of each contract assignment, whether full-time or part-time, and any relevant project context to give potential employers an idea of your versatility and adaptability as a contractor.

4. Emphasize Your Problem-Solving Abilities

• Describe instances where you overcame challenges or obstacles during design projects, demonstrating your ability to think creatively and find effective solutions.
• Use quantifiable examples to showcase how you optimized user experience, increased efficiency, or improved overall design quality within the project constraints.

5. Incorporate Relevant Keywords

• Include relevant keywords such as "contracting," "UX/UI design," and any specific tools or methodologies to help your resume stand out during ATS (Applicant Tracking System) scans.

Example 1: Design and Ux Contracting on Contracting Resume

• UX/UI Design Contractor | [Company Name] | [Contract Duration]
• Led the design of a responsive eCommerce website for a luxury fashion brand, focusing on enhancing user experience and increasing conversion rates.
• Utilized Figma to create wireframes, interactive prototypes, and style guides that aligned with the client's brand guidelines and design system.
• Conducted usability testing and iterated design solutions based on user feedback, resulting in a 25% increase in mobile conversion rates within three months of launch.

Example 2: Design and Ux Contracting in Contracting Context

• UI Design Contractor | [Company Name] | [Contract Duration]
• Collaborated with an in-house development team to design a new dashboard for a SaaS platform, focusing on improving user interaction and data visualization.
• Leveraged Adobe XD to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that adhered to the client's branding guidelines.
• Facilitated usability testing sessions with users to gather feedback and refine design solutions, resulting in a 30% increase in user engagement rates within one quarter of launch.

How to List Software Development Contracting on Resume

Best Practices:

• Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your software development skills that are applicable to contract work. This could include programming languages, frameworks, databases, and tools you're proficient in.

  Example: Java, Python, Node.js, React, SQL, MongoDB, Git, JIRA, Agile methodologies

• Project-Based Approach: Structure your contracting experiences around specific projects or engagements. This allows potential employers to understand the scope of your work and the outcomes you delivered.

  Example: "Implemented a scalable Node.js backend for an e-commerce platform, reducing response times by 40%"

• Contract Duration: Mention the duration of each contract or engagement in a clear and concise manner. This helps recruiters understand your availability and commitment level.

  Example: "Completed 6-month contracts for XYZ Corporation and ABC Consulting"

• Results and Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible, focusing on the value you brought to each project or client.

  Example: "Reduced development time by 30% through the implementation of a new build automation tool"

• Adaptability: Showcase your adaptability to different projects, technologies, and work environments. This is crucial for contractors who may need to quickly adjust to new situations.

  Example: "Worked on various software development projects across multiple industries, demonstrating versatility and problem-solving abilities"

Example 1: Software Development Contracting on Contracting Resume

Project Title: Backend Modernization for XYZ Corporation Duration: 6 months (March - August) Skills Used: Node.js, SQL, MongoDB, Git Achievements:

• Implemented a scalable Node.js backend for an e-commerce platform, reducing response times by 40%.
• Collaborated with the frontend team to ensure seamless integration and a consistent user experience.
• Wrote comprehensive documentation for future developers and maintenance teams.

Example 2: Software Development Contracting in Contracting Context

Project Title: Mobile App Development for ABC Consulting Duration: 3 months (November - January) Skills Used: Swift, iOS SDK, Firebase Achievements:

• Developed a feature-rich mobile app for a fitness company, increasing user engagement by 25%.
• Integrated Firebase Realtime Database to ensure real-time data synchronization and improved offline functionality.
• Collaborated with designers and UX researchers to create an intuitive and visually appealing interface.