Hello- I am reading a lot of posts about handling head hunters and contract work. I have done contract work(by choice)n for many years. It can be challenging but I wouldnt trade the experience that I have gained from it for pretty much anything. I made the consciosu deciison to contract and therefore getting exposed to many different industires and finance modules. This has turned out to be a good deciions and has taken my skills along with my income to another level that would have not had happened sitting in one job for many years. I now have 14 years of solid experience in my fiedl and can call the shots when negotiating jobs/contracts. Couple of things that I have learned on my journey and that I woudl like to pass along to anypne considering this path.

1. You are making money for many people and therefore YOU and YOU alone are a commodity.
2. Never take the first salary or hourly rate. I always push back and ask for more. It usually works and shows the recruiter that I know I am worth every penny.
3. Never burn your bridges. Even is this is your very first job. NEVER EVER burn your bridges.
4. Research companies and not only thier staus in the community but dig into the culture. go onto Linked In and look for someone who has previously worked for the company. Past employees are often the most honest people and have no reason to hold back.
5. Remember you are the commodity, not the employer or the head hunter. You are making money for everyone and therefore your value is the key component in the placement equation.

While it takes years of hard work to be established in a career, your attitidue and drive are what gets you to the next level. Good Luck everyone! Jennifer