Securing new contracts and prospecting is part and parcel of being a contractor, especially when you’re looking to expand your reach and take on new challenges.
It can be difficult to know where to start, which is why our experts at Mango Pay have shared some of the small changes that contractors can make to their day-to-day operations to ensure they bag that all-important new contract.
Agency work
Partnering with a credible recruitment agency can help contractors land the right assignments. The contractor-agency relationship is mutually beneficial, with recruiters more likely to recommend and place reliable contractor partners into lucrative roles. Mango Pay works with leading UK recruitment agencies to provide a range of contracting solutions, so get in touch if you need advice on choosing the right agency.
Updating your CV
When was the last time you updated your CV? It may be time for a refresh. For contractors taking on a variety of projects, it’s imperative to revisit your CV frequently to demonstrate your evolving skills to help secure bigger and better contracts. It also enables you to stay in control of your career trajectory and keep track of how far you’ve come since you first started contracting. You can read more valuable CV advice here.
Networking and expanding your network
It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Connecting with the right people who understand your capabilities can be extremely valuable. That’s not to say that you have to attend every event, business breakfast or award ceremony; in fact, your network doesn’t have to be vast to be valuable when it comes to contracting. Your local Chamber of Commerce is a good starting point to connect with general business networks, while online professional networks like LinkedIn enable you to drill down into specific sectors.
Upskilling and retraining
A lot of today’s roles, especially in the technology industry, require professionals to stay up-to-date with skills and qualifications. Additionally, many award bodies demand that individuals take top-up courses or reaccreditation training to ensure their qualifications remain valid.
Improving your current skill-set is a great way to remain at the forefront when it comes to winning new contracts. It’s advised that contractors use any downtime to expand on current training in order to remain relevant and stand out from the competition.
Here are some of our top tips to help you bag that all-important next contract:
- Attend a local networking event
- Get in touch with two new agencies to help you secure a new contract
- Take a day course in a relevant field of expertise
- Take a free online course in your spare time
- Revise/create your LinkedIn profile
- Update your CV
Stay tuned to the Mango Pay blog for further news, insights and advice for UK contractors.