8 tips for contractors seeking a contract job

1. Create a contractor CV- short, tailored focused and targeted.

Include a targeted profile which includes skills, achievements and career history. Customise the CV to highlight your skills and achievements relevant to the contract job that you are applying for.

2. Market yourself on jobs boards, using agencies and via networks.

You can use our free jobs board to upload your CV and look for specific jobs by clicking here. 80% of contracts are sourced via agencies, so have a look on agency CV databases.

3.Find specific contractor jobs and send a tailored application

Identify contractor jobs that match your skills and experience then tailor your CV to these specific needs. Apply for jobs via e-mail and make a note of what applications you have sent and be sure to follow them up.

4. Follow up your job applications and chase agencies.

To help get your CV to the top of the pile follow up jobs that you have applied for. This will help your application stand out from the rest.

5. Initial contract job negotiations with the agency/client- secure an interview

As you may know, once in front of a client at interview, the contract job is often in the bag. But initial negotiations should focus on securing an interview not bargaining over rates.

6.3 ‘P’s’- Preparation, Preparation and Preparation

If you’re turning up to job interviews poorly prepared you are unlikely to progress to the next stage of securing a job. Be sure to find out the basics like the interview location, transport links and parking. Research the client, what it does, its needs and its latest news e.g. any recent awards they have achieved.

7. During the interview: be proactive

Contract interviews are different from interviews for permanent work; they are more of a sales pitch. So contractors who apply sales techniques to control the interview have a greater chance of securing their desired contract. Also be sure to ask for the business and close the deal, leaving the interview with an offer for the contract work.

8. Interview follow-up.

Having reassured the client at interview that the contract work issues are understood and asked for the business to close the deal, you should follow up with the agency, or client if your contracting directly, to agree next steps and timings.

Remember no matter how many contracts you apply for be sure to:

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