18 month contract
Had a recruiter contact me from a staffing firm concerning a contract position with Cisco. The recruiter mentioned Cisco likes to “try out” a candidate before bringing the new hire on as a regular salary employee. My initial thoughts are I’d love the job and it would be great experience, but I already have a job and don’t need a new one. Taking a contract position sounds risky. Is it normal for Cisco to hire like this? Perhaps I should ask for direct placement or I’ll need to decline further interviews.
Sounds like typical recruiter bs
I actually disagree. Recruiting for some companies is a nightmare because they actually have this as a company policy. Saw it with Southwest Airlines. Every stinking position in the company will not hire you permanently until you’ve done at least a year on contract.
Only for shit roles.
How much better is the pay and how's your interviewing skill set?
He pay isn’t much different...about 10% more...so going in as a contractor is not an option. I’m interested because it’s more interesting work and closer to my house.
Probably not worth it. Only if it was 30%+ increase, even with reduced commute. If it feels attractive at the 10%, go LC for two months and interview more. You'll probably find that you can do much better
It's because Cisco has layoffs x4 a year and it's easier to layoff contractors
Don’t do it! Cisco does convert some contractors to full time but it seems pretty rare from what my friends and I have seen
Nonsense, don’t even engage.
BS. They’re trying to lure you to take the contract which generally have low benefits and low job security and to bait you with the carrot that you could turn into FTE but most contractors in most tech companies need to fight hard to interview to be FTE ... you should just apply for Cisco as FTE directly
I came In as a red badge (contractor) and got converted after about 6 months to FTE.
Did you ask them to convert you full time? Or they themselves came up full time offer?
I am a contractor . I am here for more than a year. I have good feedback about my performance and when asked about full time conversation they said it’s unlikely and even they might end my contract soon due to budget constraints
The recruiter is selling you on the role they have to fill. Most Cisco FTE’s did not start out as contractors.
I tend to agree. The recruiters have to make a profit like everybody. I’ve noticed the job is also listed publicly on indeed, so I’m sure they could consider me for a direct hire.
I guess with the labor shortage I should just ask.