Is there a fee involved in finding a position?
No, there is no fee to the applicant. Your rate is negotiated with Sapphire at the start of each contract.
Does Sapphire Technologies place only contractors?
No, we do not. Sapphire Technologies also specializes in Contract to Hire and Permanent Placement positions.
What happens to my resume once I submit it to Sapphire Technologies?
You should receive a call within 24 hours (Monday through Friday) from a Technical Recruiter ("talent agent") specializing in the types of positions you are looking for. An interview will be scheduled to go over your background, your job search criteria and a marketing plan will be customized to meet your specific needs. This Technical Recruiter will be your main point of contact throughout your relationship with Sapphire Technologies.
Will my resume be sent out to potential companies without my knowledge?
Never. Your resume will not be distributed anywhere without your prior consent. Your Technical Recruiter will discuss the job description, location, work environment and any applicable information with you before sending your resume to any of our Client Companies.
How long is the average contract assignment?
Most contracts last approximately nine months, but are generally no less than three months and can go as long as three years or more. Lengths of assignment will vary based on the Client Company’s needs or internal requirements.
How often are paychecks issued?
W2 contractors will be paid weekly.
As a contractor, would I be responsible for filing quarterly taxes and taking care of all my deductions?
As a W2 contractor, Sapphire Technologies would take care of all your payroll deductions for you. If you are an Independent Contractor, you will be responsible for your own payroll deductions. Sapphire has a rigid Independent Contractor qualification process that each Independent Contractor must complete in order to qualify for this status.
When on assignment, who is my employer?
Sapphire Technologies is your employer. Sapphire provides weekly paychecks and benefits to our W2 Contractors. If you have concerns about your assignment you should contact your Technical Recruiter or consultantservices@sapphire.com for assistance.
How long does it take to find an assignment?
The length of time varies greatly depending on your skills and current market conditions. After meeting with a Technical Recruiter ("talent agent") and evaluating your skills and needs, the process can be very fast. Specialized skills, location preference, requirements, rates and the market can extend this period of time.
Does Sapphire Technologies offer benefits to contractors?
Yes. Sapphire Technologies offers benefits as well as many contractor programs to W2 contractors who meet eligibility requirements.
I am interested in contracting but nervous about leaving my permanent position, what does Sapphire Technologies recommend?
Depending on your background, Sapphire Technologies may be able to hire you as a Staff Consultant. This will allow you to test the waters of contracting while enabling you the security of a permanent job. You will not need to leave your current job until an ideal contract position is secured for you.
What is a Staff Consultant?
A Sapphire Staff Consultant is a person who is hired by Sapphire Technologies on a permanent basis to perform various contract positions. This allows you to have immediate access to available benefits and offer you the variety of contracting. Certain eligibility requirements must be met and a Manager must pre-approve all applicants.
I am interested in finding a new position but I do not want my current employer to find out. How is this handled?
This is a very common concern. At Sapphire Technologies, we are accustomed to handling your situation in a very discrete manner. At our initial meeting, we will discuss what method of communication would work best for you. A unique marketing plan will then be set specific to your needs and requirements.
I am an independent consultant, why should I use Sapphire Technologies?
Sapphire Technologies can not only save you time searching for your next contract, we can also save you money. We have a large market share and will be able to provide more opportunities for you than if you were to look on your own independently. Secondly, in today’s market, most clients will not work directly with Independent Contractors anymore because of tax and co-employment liability. Sapphire Technologies will assume this risk and manage the marketing of you to the Client Companies.
What is the advantage of going through Sapphire Technologies for a permanent position instead of responding to job postings or ads?
Companies are generally inundated with resumes from individuals and it is likely that your resume won’t get the attention it needs. Our senior staff of Account Managers has long standing relationships with most IT Hiring Mangers. We hand deliver the top 2-3 resumes for each position and provide the Hiring Manager all the information they would need in order to select the right resume for the job.
My contract is ending and I need to start looking for another. Who do I contact?
You can contract your Technical Recruiter as early as 6-8 weeks before your contract is due to end. We'll then start searching for your next great opportunity!