As we approach middle of the year, you might be reflecting on your contractor accomplishments and looking to set new goals for the rest of 2023.
Whether you're aiming to secure high-value contracts or seeking to expand you skillset, there are several key strategies that can help you move forward with your contracting career in 2023.
In this comprehensive guide, Umbrella Search presents essential steps to do that from assessing the current career situation to updating your skillset to grow as a contractor.
Making your next career move
Making a move as a contractor is an important decision that can significantly impact your career and financial stability. Here are a few steps that you can take to assess the current situation and possible ways forward.
Understand your current position: Take stock of your ongoing projects, clients, and income. Evaluate how satisfied you are with your current workload, the industries you're working in, and your financial stability. Consider any other factors that might influence your decision, such as your personal circumstances or the market conditions.
Define your goals: Determine what you want to achieve with your next move. This could involve finding new clients or projects, exploring a different industry or niche, increasing your income, or improving your work-life balance. Having clear goals will help guide your decision-making process.
Research your options: Explore different opportunities that align with your goals. This might involve searching job boards, attending industry events or conferences, reaching out to recruiters or staffing agencies, or networking with professionals in your field. Gather information about potential clients, companies, or industries you're interested in working with.
Build your network: Establish and nurture relationships with other contractors, clients, and industry professionals by attending networking events, joining professional organizations, and participating in online communities to expand your connections. Building a strong network can keep you informed about new opportunities, provide referrals, and help you connect with potential clients or collaborators.
Plan your transition: If you decide to make a move, plan your transition carefully. Consider any existing commitments, financial obligations, or legal aspects that might be impacted by your decision. Communicate your plans with your current clients and colleagues to avoid any misunderstandings and ensure a smooth transition.
Continuous Skill Development for Contracting Success
At any stage of your contracting career it's important to assess your current skill set and identify areas where you can improve or acquire new skills. Consider taking relevant courses, attending workshops or conferences, or staying updated on emerging technologies or industry trends.
Upskilling and acquiring competitive expertise increase your chances of winning new clients and securing lucrative contracts. The good news is that numerous resources are readily available to help you acquire new skills. Consider exploring the following platforms:
EdX: This convenient platform offers a wide range of classes, courses, programs, and degrees from prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT.
Upskill: Tailored specifically for the tech industry, Upskill provides a variety of courses to update your skill set and sharpen your expertise.
The Open University: Offering long-distance learning courses and degrees, the Open University is an excellent resource for contractors looking to hone their skills and gain new qualifications in their respective niches.
Mastering Soft Skills for Professional Success
While developing hard skills is essential, contractors must not overlook the significance of soft skills. Excelling in your contracting career requires a combination of technical expertise and a strong set of soft skills. This is particularly important for contractors working in office environments or participating in frequent virtual or face-to-face meetings. Building and leveraging essential soft skills will help you fit seamlessly into new workplaces and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Some critical soft skills to focus on include
Communication
Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for successful contracting. Effective communication not only enhances your chances of winning desirable contracts but also helps build solid relationships with clients and colleagues, streamlining project processes and fostering industry connections.
Collaboration
The ability to work well with others is indispensable for contractors. Seamless integration into new teams and effective collaboration are essential for project success and the delivery of high-quality work.
Adaptability
Contractors must adapt quickly to new contracts and work environments. Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in problem-solving and handling unexpected challenges is essential.
Time Management
As a contractor, you are responsible for managing your time efficiently to meet deadlines and deliver work according to schedule. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, but effective time management is crucial.
Leveraging the Benefits of an Umbrella Company
Consider utilizing the services of an umbrella company to simplify and optimize your contracting career. By becoming an employee of an umbrella provider, you can offload tasks such as invoicing, administrative work, and paperwork, while ensuring proper tax and National Insurance deductions.
Umbrella Search is here to assist you in finding the right umbrella company that aligns with your contracting needs. Our team of knowledgeable experts will work closely with you to identify the perfect match. Simplify your contracting journey and discover the advantages of working with an umbrella company in 2023.
At Umbrella Search we work closely with you to find an umbrella company that's the perfect fit for you, whatever your contractor requirements may be. To take the first steps to finding an umbrella company today, get in touch with our friendly team.
Comments