A1 New to Contracting

These days everyone's at it! Becoming a contractor, freelancer or consultant is fast becoming a first choice career option. Boom or recession - contractors are always in demand.

Learn what professional relationships you'll have to keep going & nurture, find out how to pick the best umbrella company to help with your paperwork.

There's plenty of admin, but you'll find your umbrella company does most of that and all the red-tape!

Instead of having one permanent job, a contractor will have a number of temporary jobs. Each role will be for a designated period (eg 3 months) for a specified amount (eg £10k).

Stay Niche

You'll find it the best way to earn a living based on your own specific niche abilities. You get more choice when it comes to what work you actually do, and when you do it.

If your skill-set is particularly rare, or in demand, you'll earn a higher rate of pay than if your skills were more commonplace. If you're good at what you do then you'll soon earn a reputation and be much sought after.

Well Rounded

There's more to being a really successful contractor than just your particular industry skills. Do you like meeting new people? You'll be going from one company to another over the course of your career - it's part of what makes the contracting lifestyle.

You just need to concentrate on your on work whether that be in a rigid corporate environment like a bank, or the more flexible structure of an SME. The client will expect to be kept updated regularly. Can you report in a clear & unambiguous manner?

A vital part of your role is in spotting what further work is necessary, that is not currently covered by your contract agreement. You can turn this into a win/win, even if it's the client's original oversight. The key characteristic is to know when to stay quiet and when to contribute your experience.

HMS Dauntless

If you're not put off and think this is the career for you and want to investigate a bit further, look for reruitment agencies who specialise in contractors - - there's plenty around. You want to know from the recruitment agency how in-demand your skill-set is, what hourly/daily rate could you expect to earn?

A recruitment agent will always welcome a conversation with a new contractor.

Additional information:

• 4 Great Tips When Promoting Yourself as a Contractor
• Becoming a Freelance Contractor
• Contractor Agent Relationship part I
• Contractor Agent Relationship part II
• Contractor Agent Relationship part III
• Contractor Professional Relationships
• Freelance Contracting on a UK Work Visa
• Handling Your First Contract
• How to choose an Umbrella Company
• How to get your First Contract
• Professional Relationships of a Contractor
• Umbrella Companies have the Answers