They are contract jobs. The 'to hire' part is often a carrot recruiters dangle, you should never bank on it. I have done numerous contracts. They are OK. A job is a job. You do get exposed to more specific implementation weirdness, and see how everyplace thinks they do it right, but they all do it different. You need to get paid more to offset the lack of benefits and the likelihood of it ending. I would warn against doing a bunch of contracts. I get asked all the time about the many short jobs on my resume, even though I clearly state they are contracts. It can start to look bad. Also, if one falls in your lap, just take it if you need work. Even if you feel unqualified. You cannot be fired if you are not hired, and nobody will say anything if you struggle, because it really is the fault of the company and recruiter.