There are numerous advantages to being an IT contractor – control over your career, greater flexibility in how and where you work, and not having to deal with typical workplace stressors. However, success on this path is highly dependent on your ability to forge relationships with potential clients and your peers.
To get a diverse range of insights into how contractors can impress clients and build those all-important networks, I spoke to Hays experts around the globe:
For advice on finding your first contract, read my previous blog.
Adam (ANZ): Take the time to do your discovery and understand the ‘what’ and’ why’ of the project. If you haven’t joined at the outset, then make sure you’re up to speed with the project’s progress prior to you starting. Engage with relevant stakeholders to find out more, but the most important thing is to take the initiative.
Amanda (UK&I): Whilst contract interviews may not have the same depth as for a permanent role, clients still want to see you understand them as an organisation. Do your research around the role and skills they are looking for so you can easily demonstrate the value you can add. Taking the time to understand the client’s challenges and offering them lessons learned during the interview can also give them the confidence that you can help them navigate challenges they may face.
Jade (ANZ): Hit the ground running but be conscious of not bulldozing in as an external person. It can be easy to come in and show off your expertise by being overly critical or suggesting big changes, but that’s not going to help you build the right relationships. Instead, get the lay of the land by asking the right questions. You can still demonstrate your knowledge by contributing in key stakeholder meetings and workshops, but always adjust this to align with the company culture.
Adam (ANZ): One word: communication. Keep all stakeholders up to speed and maintain awareness that the project is staying on the right path. On top of this, being adaptable is vital. Be open minded to needing to change tack and keep emotion out of it.
Amanda (UK&I): Stakeholder management and having honest conversations around what’s realistic and feasible is key. Projects often aren’t delivered within budget and on time and, although this isn’t down to the contractor or client individually, there should be a collective effort to ensure they’re realistic and aligned. Don’t be afraid to give clients your honest opinion throughout the project life cycle so that you can help them navigate challenges head on, limiting any resources expended down the line.
Travis (Canada): A contractor is brought in for specialist expertise - this is not just technical. Share your experiences with other projects and organisations that would be valuable to your new customer. Just make sure you’re not breaking any confidentiality or intellectual property clauses that you may have signed in a previous assignment.
Salvador (EMEA): Leave everything as you’d like to find it. Making an effort during the offboarding and handover process is going to give your clients a positive final impression of you, which is equally as important as your first impression.
Sarah (Germany): Gather feedback and document lessons learned so that you can improve for your next project. Show gratitude to the client and maintain good relationships so that you can collect references or even be considered for work at the company in the future. Keep the door open to these opportunities by offering post-project support if needed.
Travis (Canada): Write down everything you need immediately. Our memories are just not as good as they used to be and you never know what’ll come up in a future job interview that you’ll need to pull an example for. It could be a difficult conversation, a new technology, a problem you solved, a stakeholder you engaged - write it down.
Salvador (EMEA): You’ve acquired useful knowledge in your career, so everybody would love to hear about your experiences. Share them with people in your environment and set yourself up as a point of reference. However, be careful and keep confidential what should be confidential.
Sarah (Germany): Industry events and meetups are the most effective way to actively network and exchange with peers. Use these opportunities to build and maintain a professional network, connecting with your new contacts on social media afterwards. You should explore ways that you can support them, so that they can help you in the future.
Travis (Canada): At networking events, there’s a 95% chance the person you want to speak to is equally as shy as you. Speak first, be kind - it will be reciprocated.
Amanda (UK&I): Always get a reference to share with future employers. A LinkedIn referral always helps as many clients will look at your profile, so the more recommendations you have, the more confident they will feel about your expertise.
Jade (ANZ): Contribute. Offering others insightful information will not only help build your brand as an expert in your field, but also make those people recognise you as helpful and friendly. Don’t just sit on the sides and watch – get involved!
Sarah (Germany): LinkedIn is an excellent platform for building your personal brand. You can do this through regular posts, as well as sharing other content that is consistent with your area of expertise. Participate in relevant groups and discussions – this applies to forums outside of LinkedIn, too. After you complete every project, update your profile with your experience and new skills.
Are you looking for your next project? Search our opportunities here.
James Milligan Global Head of Hays Technology
James Milligan is the Global Head of Hays Technology, having joined in 2000. In his role, he is responsible for the strategic development of Hays' technology businesses globally.
