If you are interested in working as an IT contractor, you might be wondering how to get started. IT contractors are professionals who provide IT services to clients on a project basis, without being employed by them. They enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of choosing their own projects, rates, and schedules, but they also face some challenges and risks, such as finding clients, managing taxes, and staying updated on the latest technologies.
Generally you will earn over 20% more than your salaried counterparts for fulfilling the same role but you won’t avail of benefits such as pension, health insurance and paid Annual Leave. In this blog, we will give you some tips on how to start your career as an IT contractor, from setting your goals and skills, to finding and managing your projects, to building your reputation and network. We will also share some resources and tools that can help you along the way.
Setting Your Goals and Skills
Before you start looking for IT contracting opportunities, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you can offer. Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- What are your professional goals and motivations? Do you want to work as an IT contractor full-time or part-time? Do you want to specialize in a specific area or be a generalist? Do you want to work on short-term or long-term projects? Do you want to work remotely or on-site?
- What are your core skills and competencies? What are the IT services that you can provide to clients? What are the tools and technologies that you are proficient in? What are the certifications and qualifications that you have or need to acquire?
- What are your rates and terms? How much do you want to charge for your services? How do you want to invoice your clients? How do you want to handle contracts, payments, and disputes?
Having clear answers to these questions will help you define your value proposition and target market. You will also be able to create a professional profile and portfolio that showcase your skills and experience.
Finding and Managing Your Projects
Once you have established your goals and skills, you can start looking for IT contracting opportunities.
- You can also monitor the Careers pages of companies including the leading MSPs (Managed Services Providers) such as Ergo for new opportunities.
- Networking and referrals, such as attending events, joining communities, and asking for recommendations from your existing contacts, such as former employers, colleagues, friends, and family.
- Direct marketing and outreach, such as creating a website, blog, or social media presence, and contacting potential clients directly via email, phone, or social media.
Whichever method you choose, you need to be proactive, professional, and persuasive. You need to communicate your value proposition, showcase your portfolio, and negotiate your rates and terms. You also need to manage your projects effectively, such as setting and meeting deadlines, delivering quality work, and communicating with your clients regularly.
Building Your Reputation and Network
As an IT contractor, your reputation and network are your most valuable assets. They can help you attract more clients, get more referrals, and charge higher rates. Here are some ways to build your reputation and network:
- Ask for feedback and testimonials from your clients, and use them to improve your skills and services, and to showcase your credibility and reliability.
- Ask for referrals and recommendations from your clients, and offer incentives or discounts for them to refer you to their contacts.
- Share your knowledge and expertise, such as writing blogs, creating videos, or hosting webinars, and use them to demonstrate your authority and thought leadership.
- Engage with your peers and potential clients, such as commenting on blogs, participating in forums, or joining groups, and use them to build relationships and trust.
By building your reputation and network, you will not only increase your chances of getting more IT contracting opportunities, but also enjoy the benefits of being part of a supportive and collaborative community.
Working as an IT contractor can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice, but it also requires planning, preparation, and perseverance. By following the tips and resources we have shared in this blog, you can start your career as an IT contractor with confidence and success.
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