Being a Free Agent: How to stay in the employment loop

A new business model makes you available for interesting jobs
 

The Pacific Northwest is filled with strong and growing companies that are earnestly looking for new executives. With the average tenure of CFOs at mid-sized companies at only 3 – 4 years, and the time spent looking for replacements usually spanning 6 – 12 months, literally dozens of regional businesses are in transition at any one moment.

If you are looking for more flexibility and a better work/life balance, being a free agent can suit you well. By working with a company instead of working for them, your employment destiny is in your own hands. 

There are a few things to watch and a few pitfalls but working as an independent contractor can be well worth its inherent risks. There are a few ways to approach this type of career:

Look toward quality companies with a continuous history as a stable employer. Well-run companies with top-tier management look to hire the same type of free-lancer. They are able to withstand market forces while keeping their workforce against the downturn of business cycles. They are also more likely to reward their free agents than other firms.

Approach your job search as a winner. Check out your own self-starting image and compare it to your résumé. Do they match? Most importantly, do they resonate with the companies with whom you would like to work? If not, it's time to conduct a personal audit and bring the two into compliance. Tailoring your résumé to the job you are seeking is a good tactic. Keep everything you say and do relevant to the position.

As a free agent, you can control the job-search dynamic by controlling your "story" and availability. More important than your résumé, your story is your entire package. It's how you present yourself and explain your career history. As important, it is how you articulate ability, drive to do the next job well. This is exactly what human resource people are looking for and expect to get in the proper candidate, whether as a free agent or as an employee.

It takes a giant leap of faith to just go "do it" as an independent contractor with confidence. Be prepared for some rejection although self-starters usually win.   But as a free agent, you are much more attractive to many employers than adding a full-time employee. With corporations under pressure from Wall Street to cut costs and maintain low overhead, a free agent looks very good to many organizations at the bottom line.

Manage your attitude within your story. Nothing is more important than being able to perform what you claim. If the project or position is beyond your scope or your ability to manage, let your employer know early. You will gain respect from any employer if you are realistic, pragmatic and reliable. 

Finally, connect with firms that hire free agents. They already understand your position and can help you land your next free agent gig. 

Breaking out of the corporate cocoon can let the informed free agent really fly.