Research

1. It’s important to know if there is a demand for your skill set. Do you need to expand or improve that skill set to make it more marketable to the end client? Who is hiring the skills that you can offer and is there an industry that your skills apply? It’s important that it works for you. How much would you need to travel between these contracts? Will the end client be able to sustain the number of competing people will who share these skills? Online job boards will give you a good insight on the rates that organisations are likely to engage you on. Talk to a recruiter who can provide you with the inside information in regards to contract lengths and payment cycles. With this information you can come to a conclusion and judge whether this is right for you.
   
   

Comparing options

2. Assuming you know contract lengths, and the payment cycles of your prospective client, it’s now important to compare your options. Having done your research how does this compare to the regular wage that you’ve been earning? Organisations don’t have obligations to keep you on-board so it is important to make sure you have enough financial resources to ensure you’re kept safe and any bills, mortgage payments or rent can be paid. Is your contracting your sole source of income or is it secondary? Will you have to travel or need internet access? Is everything readily available for you? It is these factors that need to be considered and are not solely related to the contracting.
   
   

Gaining Interest

3. A professional and up to date CV is a great place to start, but it’s more important than ever to showcase a more dynamic skillset and wide range of work experience to generate interest. Creating an online portfolio that showcases the success achieved using your skillset. You should obtain recommendations and testimonials from those you’ve worked with.

   Most people see the merit in social media so sharing your work and skillset on social media websites can help with gathering further interest.