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Ask HN: Should I differentiate between contract and full-time?

by dustfinger on 10/9/24, 3:38 PM with 3 comments

My work history is full of lots of 6 to 8 month contract gigs. I am currently looking for full-time employment. Should I differentiate between contract vs full-time on my resume just to emphasize that I was not job hopping, or fired etc? Or am I better off not even drawing attention to it?

  • by gregjor on 10/10/24, 2:28 AM

    I call out contract/freelance work, and I believe custom dictates doing that, at least in the USA.

    A potential employer should understand that short-term contracting requires different skills. Contractors generally have to start producing right away and also manage communications and “onboarding” themselves, while possibly juggling multiple commitments.

    Interviewers may interpret a history of contract work as lack of commitment to an employer. You need to prepare to overcome that objection. Long-term contracting relationships look good.

    Whether contract or full-time I emphasize the nature and success of the project and my part in it rather than my payroll status.

  • by JohnFen on 10/9/24, 4:09 PM

    I do mention it on my CV (as part of the job title), but I'm not sure that it actually matters much. I figure that offering the clarification won't do any harm and might do at least a little good.

  • by DamonHD on 10/9/24, 3:48 PM

    I haven't, though in reality almost none has been permanent for someone else.