There is no denying a life as a Contractor can be challenging at times, though let’s be honest normally the benefits such as flexible working and higher rates of pay will out weigh this. However, there are few things contractors should do to help increase their chances of securing their next contract.
Which, brings up the first point.
Educate Yourself
As a contractor it is likely your day to day contract will be helping you keep your skills up to date with your industry, especially as you are likely to have been brought on at a consultancy level.
In some industries training is also a must, for example if you are a lawyer you most probably will need to take annual exams to continue to be a member of the law society. Even if your industry doesn’t require annual training it is a good idea to keep your qualifications up to date.
Not only does it help with competition against other contractors when trying to bag that contract, it also shows you that not only do you have a deep working knowledge of your particular industry but your also showing knowledge on current and even potential future issues that could arise.
Webinars and Seminars
If you don’t have much time, then webinars are a great way to continue learning in your field and keep up to date. Most are free and can be found with a simple Google search, usually all that is required is an email, but most of all a keen ear and lots of notes.
Although, if you have more time on your hands in between contracts perhaps, a day or two long seminars could add a lot of value to your working knowledge, and you never know who you might meet.
Keep Networking
Another tip about seminars is that they are a great place to meet other professionals like yourself who might have been sent on the two-day course on behalf of their company. If this is the case it could also be a great place to meet and create new professional connections, and you may even perhaps get a contract because of a connection you made at the seminars.
If you feel you are ready to become a contractor and now is the time to do so, you can speak to one of our New Business Team on 01253 362062 or email craig.whelan@nixonwilliams.com.