While direct-hire recruiting took a hit in 2009, contracting continued its steady climb. Money paid to recruiters for contract placements made through FoxHire rose for the fourth straight year. Not only that, but contract staffing continued to expand into more industries and specialties last year. This growth substantiates the popularity of contract staffing with client companies across the country.
The four disciplines that experienced growth based on the number of contractors placed in 2009 included the following:
1. Information Technology (18%)
2. Engineering & Manufacturing (13%)
3. Business Professionals & Support Staff (16%)
4. Finance & Accounting (10%)
Healthcare still continues to be strong in the contract staffing arena, with 32% of FoxHire’s placements for 2009 falling into the “white-collar” healthcare arena. Some of the professions associated with this arena include therapists, pharmacists, nurses, etc.
The bottom line is that companies are taking advantage of the wide range of contract talent that is available in today’s marketplace. In many cases, they’re “trying out” candidates as contractors before they extend a direct-hire offer. In other scenarios, company officials prefer to use contractors to complete projects or meet deadlines while taking advantage of the flexibility that contracting offers.
