How is CONNECT different from a consulting firm, placement firm, or headhunter?
The most significant differences are that CONNECT:
- Does not maintain a staff "bench" of consultants, because we believe it's neither in your best interest, nor the client's.
- Represents both clients and consultants equally and objectively, without bias toward either party.
- Provides marketing, negotiation, and fee collection services so your billable time can be increased.
- Guarantees payment 30 days from the date of your time submitted.
- Invests time to understand your professional goals, job preferences, and skills in advance to ensure you and a company are the best possible match for each other.
- Remains involved after each match to ensure it is successful throughout the course of the engagement.
- Gives you control of decisions such as where your resume is sent, with whom to interview, and final acceptance of an engagement.
- Discloses all rates up front (yours, the client's and CONNECT's).
- Offers three different job types: independent, term consulting, and right-to-hire.
- Focuses on long-term solutions, not just immediate placement
What is CONNECT's recruiting process?
After we have met with you to find out about your skills, salary or rate requirements, desired geographic area, and what you are really looking for in your next position, we'll share with you any current opportunities we have that might interest you. We will never send your resume to any client without first discussing the opportunity with you and getting your approval. Since our requirements change constantly, we will contact you as new positions arise that may fit your interests. We will also contact you with interview feedback and regular status reports on rate and contract negotiations. Once you accept a consulting engagement, we will remain in contact with you and the client throughout the course of the engagement. You are also welcome to check in with us from time to time. Please notify us if you: accept a position, update your skills or education, or change your mind about the type of opportunities you want most so we know how best to help you.
What if I have already submitted my resume to a company where CONNECT also wants to submit my resume?
Not a problem, just let us know you've already been submitted there. In most cases, CONNECT will not submit you if you are already there. This will protect you from being "double submitted," which could jeopardize your chance to interview with a firm and most likely would result in your resume being eliminated.
Am I under any restrictions or obligations if I work with CONNECT?
Absolutely not. In fact, our business model is specifically designed so that you retain control over your career decisions. However, to help maintain professional integrity, we do ask that you keep information regarding opportunities, clients, and their business environments confidential.
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Will I receive feedback from CONNECT or the client after I have an interview?
After your interview, you will receive the client's feedback from CONNECT. We will also ask for your feedback on the interview and whether or not you'd like to proceed. Although we try to provide feedback as soon after your interview as possible, we ask for your patience as we do not immediately receive information from the client
Who negotiates my salary/rate and who pays the fee?
All fees are client paid for both permanent and consulting opportunities. After we have established your salary/rate requirements, CONNECT will negotiate for you. CONNECT's unique business model allows us to act as an objective third party negotiator, which assures a win-win outcome for both you and the client. In addition, you will always have the freedom to accept or decline an offer.
What is the split on a consulting engagement?
Unlike most other firms, CONNECT will always disclose what the client is paying and what you will be paid. The specific split of the hourly rate depends on whether you are a CONNECT independent consultant or a term employee.
- CONNECT independent consultants: You receive 70% of the hourly rate paid by the client. For the remaining 30%, CONNECT provides marketing, contract negotiation, billing, and account management services, plus professional liability insurance. Of course, that fee also helps to cover our on-going operating expenses. As with any viable business, we strive to make a reasonable profit (and remain in business next year to help you again!). The consultant's company is responsible for paying all taxes, including federal and state income; employee and employer social security and Medicare; and federal and state unemployment taxes.
- CONNECT term employees: You receive 60% of the hourly rate paid by the client. Thirty percent is used to cover the same services provided to independent consultants. The additional 10% is used to pay for payroll processing, employer social security and Medicare taxes, workers' compensation, and commercial general liability and professional liability insurance.
How and when do I get paid?
- CONNECT independent consultants must submit a client-approved time sheet and invoice to CONNECT before 10:00 AM on the 1st and the 16th of each month. Upon receipt, CONNECT will invoice the client. No later than 30 days after CONNECT's receipt of each invoice, CONNECT will pay you for services performed and reimbursable expenses that are approved by CONNECT and the client.
- CONNECT term employees will be paid twice monthly. Checks will be mailed (or direct deposited) on the 5th and the 20th of each month. CONNECT processes payroll and invoices from our clients based on time reports we receive from you. You will need to fax time sheets signed by the client manager to us before 10:00 AM on the 1st and the 16th of each month in order to be paid on time.
What is CONNECT's contract-to-hire policy?
Contract-to-hire is an employment agreement established in advance where a client agrees to contract a consultant for a six-month period with the option of extending a permanent offer for employment at the end of the engagement. In this situation, both parties can "test drive" the other to see if the fit is right before full-time commitment is made.
What if I want to become a permanent employee where I am currently a consultant?
If you are on a consulting engagement and the company approaches you about a full-time position with them, please let us know. Because there are consulting contracts already in place, CONNECT will need to facilitate this process. If you are interested in a full-time position with a different company, we expect you to fulfill your obligations through the end of your contract before accepting any other offer.
What is CONNECT's review process after I get the job/contract?
Two to three weeks after you begin your job/contract, we will ask how you like the position; what your expectations, functions, and deliverables are; what potential obstacles you see; and if you have any issues or concerns. We will also meet with your manager separately to get his/her expectations and perspective on how you are doing. We will facilitate the exchange of this information to ensure both you and the client are satisfied with the choices you've made.
What should I do if I acquire new skills?
Please call us or send us an e-mail with your updated resume and a brief summary of the new skills or education you've acquired, your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced), and if you would like to pursue opportunities in this area. This information will help ensure we don't pass you by for an opportunity you may qualify for.
What should I do if I hear of an opening at the location where CONNECT has placed me, especially if I have a friend who is a fit?
By all means, please let us know. We may already know about the opening, but we appreciate the information. Our business is based on referrals and we want to partner with you to ensure you, your friend and our client succeed. And, by the way, that's how CONNECT stays in business!
What should I do if I am a consultant in a position to hire additional people?
Please call the client advisor at CONNECT who is responsible for the account. They will meet with you and the client to understand the role CONNECT should play in staffing the positions.
If I'm a consultant, what happens when my contract is up?
Approximately six weeks before your contract is up, we will talk with you about what you would like to do next. We will examine the possibility of a contract extension and/or start looking for new opportunities.
Can I end my contract early?
Please let us know as soon as possible that you are considering ending your contract and the reasons for doing so. We may be able to solve any problems that are causing you dissatisfaction. It also allows us to resolve any conflict of interest with those affected by your departure, including negotiating your departure terms with the client so that you and the client can end the contract as professionally as you began. If you must end your contract early, we will need a 14-day written notice. We strongly discourage this, to protect both your interests and the client's. You have contractual obligations to fulfill your commitments to CONNECT and to the client. By ending your contract early, you risk affecting your reputation as being a reliable, trustworthy, and professional consultant.
What happens if the client is not happy with my work, or if I am not happy with my assignment?
If either you or the client is not happy with the current situation, we will meet with both you and the client to identify the issues. CONNECT does not consider communication difficulties, personality differences, or minor conflicts as valid reasons for terminating a contract, but rather as reality of most work environments. We believe professional, open, and honest communication is a necessity to resolve any such difficulties and that such events are tremendous opportunities for professional growth. We will seek a mutually agreeable solution and a plan for implementation. We expect all parties to fulfill their contractual obligation until all agree to do otherwise.
What training opportunities are available?
CONNECT offers several training sessions throughout the year on a variety of topics and we negotiate scholarships with a variety of vendors. If you are interested in a particular topic, please let us know.
Does CONNECT have a referral program?
Yes. We value your opinions and feedback on our performance. If you are happy with our services, we hope you will pass our name along to others. These referrals are a way for us to help others and to ensure the viability of CONNECT. We want to be here as a valued partner when you need help in the future. We are constantly evaluating and updating our referral program. Call us for details.
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What training opportunities are available?
CONNECT offers several training sessions throughout the year on a variety of topics and we negotiate scholarships with a variety of vendors. If you are interested in a particular topic, please let us know.
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What determines your margin?
Our margin is designed to cover our daily operational expenses, as well as the time invested in the ongoing development of opportunities. CONNECT has invested a great deal into our professional staff and office infrastructure to ensure the marketing, billing, payroll, invoicing, insurance, tax, and legal services offered are the best possible. We are continually networking to develop more opportunities on your behalf that can take years to cultivate.
"It was a pleasure working with CONNECT during my job hunt. They were very thorough and exhibited the highest degree of professionalism. I especially appreciated their attentiveness to my concerns and questions. I would highly recommend them."
-Stephen Heck
Cyber-Reality
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