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How to be successful as an IT contractor

Published on Jul 1, 2008 |

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A successful contractor will work in the profession for several decades.

If you are seeking longevity in the contracting world, there are several attributes and skills that you will need to have, or acquire, to ensure future success.

Communication Skills

Many people see IT people (and contractors in particular) as socially inept - devoid of the ability to communicate with colleagues.

The stereotypical contractor will usually be happier to concentrate on coding and odd hobbies than sit in a project meeting and get to know other colleagues.

There may be some truth in this stereotype, but career contractors need to be able to communicate effectively with colleagues - not only for the sake of project work, but also to build up a network of contacts which could be useful in the future.

Commercial Skills

Career contractors are often very business-aware. Commercial awareness is an important attribute to possess or learn. Being able to view your contract work in the wider context of the project as a whole will not only help in the short term, but could well lead to further contract opportunities later down the line.

Keep Up-to-Date

Make sure you have the latest technical knowledge. Either take time off to attend relevant training courses, or if you're exceptionally lucky, your client may pay for a course if it's seen as essential to your role on the project. The short-term cost of a course today could well pay for itself several times over when you secure your next contract.

Adaptability

Possibly the most important attribute a career contractor will have is the ability to adapt to different working cultures and projects quickly.

Unlike a permie, you are expected to join a project team and get on with the job straight away. This can be hard for new contractors to get used to, but after several years, the successful contractor will have few problems adjusting to new challenges.

Forward Thinking

Successful contractors will always have their eye on the next contract. You should be aware of general market conditions, as well as condition for your particular skill area. Try to pick up as many new skills (both technical and commercial) to bolster your CV as you go along.

Business Minded

Always way up the importance of being 'in contract' versus acquiring the very best contract rate.

You'd be better off working 40 weeks a year at an average market rate, than working sporadically at a higher rate.

Continuity is good for the CV, and having too much time off isn't always healthy.

Save, Save, Save

IT contracting can be a great profession to be in when the economy is booming, but it can be more uncertain when times are bad.

You should always save for a rainy day when you're earning money, and always ensure that you set aside a proportion of your earnings to meet your tax and NI liabilities.

A large number of contractors spend everything they earn when they start out, and learn this lesson the hard way.