Landing Your First Contract Role

Getting A Contract

First off, you need to know which companies are looking for contractors. Instead of getting the phone book out and start calling around, the best way to get a contract is to find a specialist recruitment agency that deals with contractors.

Professional Relationships

There are thousands of recruitment agencies that deal with contract positions. Placing contractors is a good money-earner, and recruitment agents are always on the look-out for contractors. Trouble is, there are so many people who want to be a contractor that you need to be able to show that you have suitable skills that are in demand. A recruitment agent gets through hundreds of CVs every month.

1. A recruitment agent will look for even the smallest reason to dismiss your CV and move onto the next candidate, they are only looking for the best.
2. The first step in getting your first contract is to have a decent CV.
3. Remember; your CV is designed to get you an interview with the recruitment agent - NOT a job.

Your Shop Window

Reversion your CV for each & every role. Send off a ‘master' CV to a dozen or so recruitment agencies, you should expect to receive at least a couple of calls. If you don't hear back from the recruitment agent within a couple of days contact them directly.

1. See if they have any constructive comments on how you can improve your CV and increase your interview chances.
2. If your CV has been carefully crafted and if you've targeted the right recruitment agencies in your particular field of expertise it won't be long before the interview process starts. Interviews are another area which you may need coaching with, especially if it's your first time or you haven't been interviewed for a number of years.
3. You are showcasing yourself and you want to make sure you don't let yourself down.

Interview Techniques

The interview process will usually follow the same pattern:

1. Send in your CV
2. Secure an interview with a recruitment agent(s)
3. Get put forward for an interview(s) with a client
4. Negotiate the terms

Securing your first contract is always the most stressful. Once you have been through the process once, and understand first-hand what is required, subsequent interviews will be less fraught and you will feel more relaxed.

• "Always stay focused on your objective, tell the truth about your abilities, expect to have some set-backs but don't let your determination waver. Welcome to the world of contracting!" So advises Stephanie Buck, JMK umbrella company.