Finding contract work

Finding contract work

Didn't find your answer?

I'm looking for contract work in London/Northern Home Counties, at qualified level. Having always had permanent positions, I'm new to this game. What are the best ways of getting this kind of work? Are agencies the only option? If so, which are the best ones? Any tips and advice gratefully received.

thanks

Paul
Paul Drohan

Replies (2)

Please login or register to join the discussion.

avatar
By AnonymousUser
06th Jul 2005 22:34

Getting contract work through contacts
If not already doing so, get involved with your District Society, offer to give presentations about your speciality, maybe get on to a committee. Get known by your peers.

Additionally, there are breakfast business groups around the country, where membership consists of one person only from each disipline in that particular group e.g. one accountant, one hotelier, one garage owner, one solicitor, etc etc. The idea is to pass work on to each other, or to give referrals to other contacts.
If you are interested, I'll find out details of your local "chapter".

[email protected]

Thanks (0)
avatar
By gavinp
06th Jul 2005 10:40

Agency contact seem to be a good starting point
I have also gone down the contract employment route and have to say that in general I am better suited to this than say 'permanent' employment.
I have used agencies and have to say that they have always delivered results. I find that you need to manage them to some extent, as some will send you for 'anything'. Your starting rate may be a little lower than it will be after you have a track record with the agency, but I always negotiate rates. I have also found work with organisations resulting from past contact via an agency and of course this can be better from a rate perspective plus you already have specific knowledge of the job. I also find that initial estimates of the length of the contract is usually low, so expect to consider extending the terms.
As far as which agencies to use, this depends on your preferences but I have a good relationship with a couple of the National ones as well as some that are more local. A lot depends on you building a working relationship with the individual at the agency
Final thought, some agencies will only deal via a limited company, so if that is your preferred route, consider the potential extra employers NI you will have to pay and take that into account in your rate.

Thanks (0)