It Contractors Top Mistakes of 2010
Contractor UK, the leading internet portal for IT contractors working in the UK, haspublishedthe findings of a survey of top recruiters to gather ideas for the big mistakes made in 2010.
The findings make interesting reading. In difficult market conditions, IT contractors seem to be making a mixture of new and old mistakes, proving that complacency and/or laziness are always a recipe for disaster. The study is particularly useful for current contractors, who may find some of the points raised useful to consider when planning career moves in 2011.
Rushed applications
The nature of contract work is such that things need to move very fast, but that doesn't mean that IT contractors can get away with shoddy applications. Resumes need to be sharp, accurate and impressive (highlighting the need to continually refine them during the year, even if the contractor isn't looking for work.) It's worth bearing in mind that contractors may be applying for technically complex assignments. Not being able to fill out the application form correctly is not a good start. Spelling mistakes and grammar errors are a complete no-no.
Greed around day rates
The market is showing some signs of recovery in 2011, but is still no means buoyant. Contractors need to be realistic about day rates, maintaining profitability and competitiveness. The advantages of continuity of assignment should outweigh short-term gains. Contractors need to be guided by recruitment consultants about current market rates. 6 months at a reduced rate is still more lucrative than 2 months of unemployment.
Arrogance
As well as messing up applications with inaccuracies and spelling mistakes, contractors have also continued to be arrogant about their status on the market. Many contractors are continuing to apply for multiple roles without really keeping track of what they are doing. All recruitment consultants will advise that the scattergun approach seldom works.
Lack of clarity over career history
Sensitivity over company data, plus new legislation, requires that recruitment consultants are now much more thorough about recruitment. Contractors need to be able to provide named references and details of their previous assignments. That means that where things didn't go quite so well contractors need to be honest and constructive. There are ways to manage this, but dishonesty isn't one of them. Contractors have been caught out for failing to mention critical information and agencies now take a zero tolerance approach to this.
For freelance contractors, it has never been truer that one is only as good as the last contract. This is part of the risk and challenge of working on a freelance basis, but by avoiding the pitfalls, the rewards are still there for the right people.
