You may feel like you are standing on your head these days, as you try to find a new job. But there are some tricks to help you get in the door and stay there.

A new survey of more than 1,400 CIOs, by Robert Half Technology, found they like the idea of bring prospective employees into their office on a contract basis before hiring them for full-time jobs. Nearly three-quarters, 73 percent, said it's a beneficial way to find a good employee and get needed work completed.

"In the current economic climate, companies are understandably cautious and want to avoid costly hiring mistakes," said Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology. "Bringing someone in on a project basis allows both the employer and the prospective hire to evaluate whether the position is a fit."

Here are a few tips on getting a contract position:

• Rewrite your resume for project work. Highlight your areas of expertise and current skills. Include a short work history.
• Use a specialized staffing firm with connections to your targeted market.
• Emphasize short-term results in the interview.

For more on parlaying contract work into a job:
- see this press release

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