5 Qualities of Successful Contractors

What are the keys to contracting success? In this article, we look at some of the top soft skills and qualities that will help you to find success as a contractor. 

1. A Curious Mindset

 

In each job, you will encounter new projects, tools, technologies and management styles. If you have a curious mindset, you will enjoy the novelty that each new role offers and relish the chance to throw yourself into the challenge of learning something new. Your curiosity and openness will be major assets as you advance through your contracting career.  

2. The Ability to Self-Promote

 

“All of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.”

– Tom Peters, Fast Company (Click to Tweet!)

 

As a contractor, you always need to be thinking about your next job. Having a positive reputation and a strong personal brand can make the job-seeking process much easier. In the crowded marketplace of 2020, you can no longer simply let the quality of your work speak for itself. Today’s contractors need to be able to promote themselves – whether it’s through attending networking events, building up a profile on social media or, ideally, a mix of both. Self-promotion activities will enable you to develop a personal brand that promises potential clients a high level of quality, competency, and reliability. 

 

3. The Ability to Work on a Deadline

 

Organisations often hire contractors on a project basis for a fixed period for which they stipulate a deadline. Not only can a missed deadline be damaging at an organisational level, but they can also hurt your career prospects – especially if it happens more than once. Contractors need to develop excellent time-management skills, organisation skills and self-discipline. 

 

 

4. Continuous Self-Development

 

Organisations often hire contractors because of their specialist expertise. Building an advanced knowledge of your field will help you stand out from the competition and even enable you to charge a higher rate of pay. To learn more about average contracting rates in your field, download Berkley’s 2022 Contracting Rate Report today. In order to remain attractive to employers throughout your career, you will need to continuously upskill as new tools, trends and technologies emerge. 

 

Fortunately, a lot of this upskilling will occur on the job as you gain more and more exposure to different organisations. However, it is also a good idea to bolster your credentials with accredited certifications. 

 

5. Strong Interpersonal Skills

 

Throughout your career, you will work in many different organisations. It will be important to build positive relationships with your co-workers. As such, good communication skills are key and a friendly personality can be a major help. 

 

Befriending your colleagues will make your work life easier and more enjoyable. What’s more, these connections may also prove to be valuable to you down the line as your current co-workers may become managers one day. 

Interested in Contracting?

If you are curious about making the leap from permanent employment to contract work, speak to Berkley’s dedicated contracts team today. They can advise you on current opportunities on the market and help you find the perfect contract role. They will also put you in touch with top contracts accountants to ensure a smooth and successful transition.