Being flexible, creative and adaptable in today’s economy is the cornerstone to survival.  The job search is no different and, with unemployment rising, requires just as much vigilance.  One way you can keep your options open and make yourself even more marketable is by considering Consulting in addition to your quest for full-time employment.  Often perceived as an “either-or” scenario, Consulting offers you just as many benefits as it does your “would be” employer:

·         Track record of Fixing Problems?  Career-wise, people typically fall into one of two categories: those who thrive on problem solving and the prospect of a new challenge –or- someone who is exceptionally good at steering the ship once it is on course.  If the thought of fixing something that is broken appeals to you (versus has you thinking about reaching for the Tylenol), then Consulting might be an avenue to explore.

·         A More Flexible Interview – Quite often, what a company needs is someone to tackle a specific problem, not a new full-time employee.  Identifying this in the interview and being able to present yourself as the solution to their problem (at a lower cost), can ultimately create a job tailor made for you and your skill set.  No one can compete against that.

·         Dating Before Marriage – A consulting engagement can give you the opportunity to see if this company is a nice place to visit or a great place to live.  The only thing worse than a prolonged job search, is ending up in a position that results in you being unemployed again in 6-12 months.  Consulting lets you do more due diligence than you could ever accomplish in an interview.

·         “Consulting” on Your Resume – To many recruiters, seeing “consulting” as your current role without any clients/engagements is just a way to dress up being out of work.  But, with a list of key accomplishments at those engagements, you show that you are in demand, have more control over your search and are broadening your experience.  The latter is extremely important if you are looking to transition industries.

·         Change Agent – For companies looking to make some sort of change internally (and you should like this if you have a track record of fixing problems), consulting is a more preferred approach versus hiring a permanent employee.  It is much easier to come in as a consultant, effect the course correction and then hand it off to the internal leadership.

·         Money – Besides the obvious benefit of having income during your search, it also gives you breathing room to be more objective in selecting your next job. 

·         It’s Easier to Find a Job When You Already Have One – So much of what makes this true is that fact that when you are employed, you tend to be a bit more objective because you have a “bird in hand.”  Consulting (in addition to easing that financial strain, which helps here) can provide the self-assurance that comes along with being employed, which can get whittled away while unemployed.