Tips for Evaluating Consulting Offers

The biggest mistakes I see in the consulting world, is how many of my candidates evaluate assignments. During the recruiting process it always shocks me how many consultants don’t ever get past pay. Pay is just one of many factors that should be considered when valuing an assignment. Yes, it is important but just focusing on rate will hurt you in the long run. Here is what you need to consider when evaluating assignments:

1. Career Goals
The most important question you need to ask yourself is will this position help me achieve my goals. A better paying assignment doesn’t lead to future ones. It can sometimes erode your marketable skills and make you less attractive to future employers. I have seen many IT professionals take a higher paying contract for a year or more babysitting old technology. When the assignment is over all the skills on their resume have become dated and they have to start in the middle or bottom again.

2. Location
New York City is a very attractive location for consultants to work. It is very glamorous and the pay is higher. I have found that the higher pay doesn’t always equate to a better cost of living for my consultants. Many times they find the cost of the city to outweigh the extra dollars they are getting on an assignment. Before committing to an assignment, make sure you know where you are going to live and what it will really cost you.

3. Friends and Family
Do you have children? If you do chances are you will want to be home the majority of the time and if not you will be traveling back home more frequently for visits. Traveling expenses can eat away any advantage of taking a position outside of your local area. Really think about how much time you can handle being away from friends and family.

4. Company
How does your  company or client treat contractors? This is very important. If you commit to an assignment you should see it thru. Research the company you are working for and find out their reputation from other consultants. Don’t put yourself in a position where you are leaving a client in the middle of your contract. That is the surest way to ruin your reputation.

5. Benefits
Always find out what benefits can be offered, but don’t get caught in the trap of just asking about healthcare, holiday and vacations. There are many different ways an agency can take care of you while you are on assignment. Ask about getting a completion bonus, will they pay you for referring other consultants, airfare, housing, etc.

Please contact kzingler@pdstech.com for any questions regarding this article. Job inquiries are accepted.