job versus being a contractor for my firm..

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 42
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:47 pm
GMAT Score:720

job versus being a contractor for my firm..

by thirst » Fri Dec 05, 2008 1:43 pm
I have been with my firm since 9/2005. I worked for about a year before I elected to become a contractor for my firm. As background knowledge, I work at a firm that provides consulting on executive compensation. Does it matter that I am not an "employee"?

I wanted this freedom to pursue other endeavors while maintaining a relationship with the company. I probably make just as much as other people of my title at my firm on an annual basis. I do operate more as an entrepreneur rather than some corporate drone that are merely handed work. I hold myself fully accountable for my performance, as poor performance will be penalized by less access to available work. With the flexibility in schedule, I have tried unsuccessfully to be parts of other start ups. One of the reasons for me to attend business school is to learn a broader set of knowledge to be able to give me a great chance of success in future attempts at working at a start up..

Thanks
Target scores: 50Q 45V
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 69
Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:04 pm
Location: Colorado
Thanked: 8 times
GMAT Score:760

Positioning against a possible red flag

by Jay Allen » Fri Dec 05, 2008 2:34 pm
So the reality is that you have an unusual situation that could be marked as a red flag. You don't want an admission officer to wonder about your reliability, teamwork skills, or commitment.

The best way to do this is through a two-fold strategy:

First, focus on explaining the arrangement with a positive spin. If you originally wanted the contractor arrangement to free up additional time, than you should use that time effectively. If you can't join a start-up, what volunteer opportunities are you currently involved in or could become more involved in? If you created additional value by being a contractor, the story would sound more credible.

Secondly, attack the areas of our application that might be held in question because of an usual job structure. Focus some essays on how you are good at working laterally and at taking direction from above. Erase any doubt that you have the ability to work in a system by giving clear examples from your past. If you do all this without sounding defensive at any point, than you can slide this situation right through without a red flag.

Please contact me if you'd like a free strategic positioning phone call to better prepare your application strategy.


Best,


Jason

Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 42
Joined: Fri Nov 28, 2008 9:47 pm
GMAT Score:720

by thirst » Fri Dec 05, 2008 2:50 pm
So you're basically saying that I'll need to disclose if I am a full time employee or a contract? I am listed on my firm's website as a "consultant", just like everyone else. And I will be getting my letter of recs from people that I report to. Being a contractor really only affects the way they calculate my pay, and it's much more variable. I was planning on simply saying that I work for the firm while devoting my essays on other more important and insightful aspects of my candidacy. To me, it didn't seem to matter too much whether I'm a contractor or an employee, at least not one that warrants me using up an essay to explain.
Target scores: 50Q 45V

User avatar
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 69
Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:04 pm
Location: Colorado
Thanked: 8 times
GMAT Score:760

by Jay Allen » Fri Dec 05, 2008 3:03 pm
If the difference is truly minimal and you're confident that your recommendations won't reflect it any differently, than I think you're safe.