When you work on a contract basis you will enjoy many lifestyle advantages. One of these is the ability to pro-actively select assignments that appeal to you.
The very nature of freelancing does however mean that you are likely to be looking for new/alternative assignments on a regular basis. Champion are also aware that you may need some help to maintain continuity of work when existing assignments come to an end.
Here are some top tips to help you secure your next role:
Update Your CV After Every Assignment
Client organisations want to recruit freelance contractors who can undertake a specific project and hit the ground running from day one. Accordingly, your CV must convey your ability to do this.
It is essential that you update your CV after every assignment. This, after all, is the means to showcase your qualifications, skills and experience.
List your contract roles in reverse order (the most recent first) and keep all details punchy and to the point. A good CV will be no more than 3 pages in length.
Note – there are many online websites that can help you to prepare and update your CV.
Contact Recruitment Agencies
There are thousands of recruitment agencies in the UK. Some agencies are sector specific (i.e. Construction) while many larger businesses develop and market their services across numerous industry sectors.
Some prior research is essential as it will enable you to quickly identify recruitment agencies who specialise in your particular sector(s) and those who will be most likely to assist you.
Once you start to connect with agency representatives, you should begin to build up some valued relationships that will hopefully result in contract offers being made to you.
To help you choose the right agency for you, please click HERE. This link takes you to a page on the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) website.
Note - to find a recruitment business that understands their obligations to you as a contract jobseeker, you should always look for an REC member.
Use Online Job Boards
Many recruitment agencies and client organisations use job boards to target contractors in particular industries or those who have specific skills. Often, companies advertise anonymously and will only accept responses via the job board's electronic system.
Job boards allow you to search for roles by location, rate, type and title. Many are updated daily, giving you continuing access to vacancies as and when they are posted.
Some job boards will require you to submit a CV. Others will need you to complete and then submit online applications.
Recruiters will often look for key terms and words when searching through submitted CV’s and responses. You must make sure that your response relates to the role that you are interested in.
Note – popular UK job boards include Monster, Indeed and Totaljobs.
LinkedIn
A professional website such as LinkedIn, will allow you to post a professional profile listing your qualifications, skills and experience in much the same way as your CV does.
LinkedIn will also help you to meet other people who may be able to help you in your search for new or alternative contract roles. It is an ideal networking tool.
Note - more and more recruiters are now using LinkedIn (and other professional networks) to conduct candidate searches.
Think Laterally
Before your current assignment ends it is definitely worthwhile asking your client if someone else in their organisation has a need for contractor with your skill set. Clients will often seek to source/offer a level of continuity to personable contractors who provide an excellent professional service.
You should also consider looking outside of your preferred industry as/when required. It is likely that your own skills can be completely transferable - don’t tie yourself down!
Please also contact a Champion advisor if/when you are looking for new roles. Champion have great relationships with many recruitment agencies and can provide some networking help and assistance to you.