A2 How to Start Contracting

Check-List
If you want to enter the world of contracting there's a few things you need to get your mind around, the biggest of which is you become your own boss. You chose what work you take on, and when.

There are three main steps:

1. Your CV
2. The Agency
3. The Interview

CV Cracker

Your CV has a few seconds to get the reader's interest, probably 10 at most. If it doesn't stand-out from the other 50 it'll be bin bound.

You'll need different versions of your CV each slightly different, and each tailored to the specifics of the vacancy. Work extra hard on this or get the help of a professional CV writer.

Your CV is your marketing department and it needs to be powerful at showing yourself in the best possible light. Even a single spelling mistake has been known to make the whole document worthless in some eyes - F7, Spell Check.

Special Agent
Recruitment agents are your new best friend. It'll be the recruitment agent who will be largely responsible for you staying in contract work. There are many specialist recruitment agencies that deal with contractors and contract roles.

It's the agent who will know what companies have vacancies for contractors. Recruitment agents spend a lot of time slogging away on the phone - but by all means do this yourself if you are able.

In due course, your recruitment agency will have a formal contract with umbrella company (in which you are the person named to fulfil the role).

Face Time
The average length of a contract is around six months, so you could be having two interviews a year. The interview is a chance for you and the client to see if you'll get along ok.

You'll only do well at the interview if you've done your homework. Find out exactly what the client wants from their contractor, do some background checking on the client.

Get some questions ready before you go into the interview, so you can minimise any weaknesses. It's fine to take out a list of prepared questions - it shows you prepare carefully.

Avoid questions that can have a ‘Yes' or ‘No' answer, ask questions that get the client to talk - everyone likes to talk about themselves and what they do!

Additional information:

• A CV That Opens The Door
• Contractor Interview Easy
• How Did Contracting Start
• How to understand Contractor Relationships
• How to write a killer CV
• Is an Umbrella Company the Best Option
• Landing Your First Contract Role
• Passing Your Contractor Interview
• So You Want to be a Freelance Contractor
• What Contractors need to Know about Umbrella Companies
• Writing A Killer CV
• You Got The Contract What Now