When starting out in the world of Contracting, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. We will run through the initial steps you can make to help you land your first or next contracting role.
When starting out in the world of contracting, it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. We will run through the initial steps you can make to help you land your first contracting job.
What you’re selling is yourself
Remember, when working as a contractor, you are no longer just a representative for another company or brand: you are solely selling your own services. The best way to tackle this is to start from the ground up.
Your CV Start by updating your CV with all relevant information, paying extra attention to your skills since this is the main element sought out by contract recruiters. What skills you offer could be learned from previous jobs or from upskilling you have carried out in your own time. Try to keep your CV concise and tailored. Adjust it as much as possible to each role. Although it might take more time, it will definitely help your CV stand out.
Your Digital Footprint Make sure you clean up your digital footprint; many recruiters will turn to the internet when looking at potential candidates. Don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile. Ensure both your CV and LinkedIn profile match, and include any relevant keywords in your profile. In recent years, agencies have started taking a closer look at LinkedIn. They spend hours identifying potential candidates by matching keywords in your profile to the contracting role they need to fill. Meaning that you may get approached without ever applying or even being aware the job was available. Remember to keep your profile up-to-date and make it easy for recruiters to find you.
Understand the best techniques to sell yourself It’s time to take advice from people who know exactly what they are talking about. Learn from used books, YouTube videos, TED Talks, and, most of all, practice. It might even be time to retreat to the old faithful method of practicing in the mirror. The more confident and comfortable you are explaining your worth the more likely you are to bag that first role. Network, network, network Get out there and tell everyone you know you are ready and available to contract. Get your network working for you. Why not try going to networking events relevant to your expertise and skills?
Don’t skip out on upskilling
Investing time and money into continually upskilling will provide a great return during your career. Not only will this increase your earning potential due to your range of skills but it will increase the variety of contracting opportunities available to you. iPerks provides all Icon Accounting clientele with over 4000 courses to choose from!
Help Maximise The Financial Benefits By Working With a Contractor Tax Specialist
Professional contractors can earn significantly more than their permanent equivalents. Although, at first, the process can be confusing, partnering with tax and financial advisors specializing in professional contracting will help you make your additional earning potential work for you in the most tax-efficient way. Taxes can be complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. Working with a specialist company such as Icon Accounting can help simplify it. Why not arrange a consultation with one of our expert advisors to review your potential income and tax? Contact us here or, alternatively, email info@iconaccounting.ie to get in touch.
As an Independent Professional Contractor, you’re in control of your own future. Don’t forget that your skill set is y
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