The contract market has been severely affected by the economic downturn, especially in 2008-9. Although the prospect of a double-dip is with us in 2011, the contract market is far stronger than it was a few years ago. We look at a few ways thatcontractors can find new sources of work.
Contracting is, by its nature, a sometimes risky profession to be in. During bad times, contractors are often the first ones out the door when budgets are slashed. However, they are often one of the first groups to benefit when markets pick up, as they offer a quick solution to filling short-term skills gaps.
If you are just starting out in the contracting world, what are the best ways to find IT contracts?
1. Contacts
One of the best ways to source new work is via other contractors, or business contacts you have. Contractors are often he first to know of vacancies within projects, and if you spend time building up a network of people you have worked with in the past, you will increasingly benefit from any efforts you put in during the early stage of your career as a contractor.
2. Job Boards
Many current contractors will have noticed how the number of IT contracts advertised has collapsed by over 60% in the past two years. Things have started to improve during the third quarter of 2009, and traditionally one of the first places to look for new contract roles are some of the leading contract search engines – notably Jobserve, Jobsite, CWJobs and Monster. You can submit your CV via these sites, set up new contract role alerts, and many other things if you sign up.
3. Recruitment Agencies
You may also like to submit your CV directly to a number of recruitment agencies. Many contract roles may not even make it to the job boards if an agency already has a number of contractors on its books. It is worth building up good relationships with agents, as they are more likely to bear you in mind for a contract role if you’ve established a rapport.
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