What 'not' to do as an IT contractor
Before you're on-site
- Don’t tell a recruiter you have not been presented to a role when you have already!
If your CV arrives into a client from more than one source, it suggests that either you have been unprofessional or the consultant(s) have not done their job properly. The end result is the client gets frustrated and it has been known that a contractor is completely disregarded if they have engaged a number of consultants to represent them. - Ensure you know where the recruiters are sending your CV and that you have given them permission to send it!
When on the rare occasion a rogue recruiter sends your CV without your knowledge, it is the recruiter that loses the reputation. Ensuring you do your best to know who has sent your CV where will help avoid your CV landing on the clients desk twice - Don’t believe all recruiters are the same!
All recruiters are different. Some are generalists, some are specialist, some are trainees fresh from University and others have been in the industry for more years than they can remember.
The service you receive can vary broadly between recruiters, remember the good ones as well as the poor ones, tell others about the good one and don't worry about the bad ones, they'll be gone soon. - Don’t bombard the same agency with your CV!
Don't send your CV to everybody within the same agency - it lessens its importance. If it is not addressed to anyone in particular then the agency contacts will think someone else will deal with it - Make sure you are aware of how the agent operates!
Familiarise yourself with your agency's timesheet, payment process and deadlines to avoid disappointment at the end of the month. - Be on the ball!
Always prepare for the interview, research the organisation and give as much detail of your experience for the role as possible. - Be flexible with your 'one size fits all' CV!
Contractors must be adaptable regarding tailoring their CV's to a specific job role to enhance the success rate of achieving interviews. Several versions of your CV should be to-hand. - Apply for jobs relevant to your experience!
Only apply for jobs you can do - not the ones you want to do. - Keep your word!
Let your 'yes' mean 'yes' and your 'no' mean 'no' - don't agree to an interview and then don't turn up as reputations are quickly built or destroyed.
You're now on-site - What NOT to do:
- Ignore end client rules & regulations!
Adhere to internal company policies relating to e-mail / phone / diversity as any infringement will result in immediate termination. - Forget you are a business!
Keep a copy of your updated CV on a memory stick with you during work hours so you can respond to opportunities immediately. It is also advisable to check personal e-mail accounts during lunch if access is restricted through work hours. You may consider carrying a tie with you to avoid being under dressed for spontaneous interviews. - Tell the end client CIO the whole strategy is wrong for their business!
- Act unprofessionally!
Don’t talk about the amount you get paid to anyone at the end user site, use the end client’s site and resources to secure your next contract, clock watch on site or fake your hours! - Save up your timesheets for more than 4 weeks!
This can cause a number of issues with both agencies and the end client. The end client receives a very large invoice; the agency has problems collecting the money. Whilst a reputable agency will honour a signed timesheet, some do have clauses that restrict the amount of time you have to present your invoice. - Dilute your core skills!
You're ready to quit - What NOT to do:
- Don't honour the contract!
Leaving a contract before the natural end is bad for your reputation, it also makes the client nervous about the future use of contractors. Remember, the reference you receive from your past assignments have a direct bearing on your future assignments and rates. - Convince end client's permanent staff to 'go' contracting!
- Bad mouth the client!
Contractors should avoid bad mouthing an organisation before leaving. Not only could this jeopardise chances of future employment at that organisation but the world of IT is smaller than you think and people talk. - Forget the taxman!
A reputable recruitment agency would always recommend that candidates who are leaving always keep a copy of their contract as HM Revenue & Customs may ask for a copy at a later stage.
Careers advice kindly provided by www.technojobs.co.uk. The UK's largest specialist site with more than 20,000 IT and technical jobs.
You may also find the following useful:
Contractor's Guide to Finding a Contract
Thinking of contracting for the first time
Limited or Umbrella Company can't decide
SJD's Accountancy Service for Contractors and Freelancers.
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting through your own Limited Company.
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
SJD have also won every relevant industry award possible, including:
- Best Contractor Accountants - Contractor UK 2011 - 2007
- Accountant of the Year - The British Accountancy Awards 2011
- Best Professional Team of the Year - UK Customer Experience Award 2011
- Customer Commitment Award - Institute of Customer Service 2011
- National Chamber of Commerce Award 2010
- Medium firm of the Year - Finalist Accountancy Age 2010
- Excellence in Customer Service - Finalists National Customer Service Awards 2009
- Sunday Times Best Small Companies - Award 2009 - 2007
- Small firm of the Year - Accountancy Age 2007 & 2004 and finalists in 2010 and all years since 2003
- Deemed PCG accredited accountants and fully MSC compliant
We offer all clients:
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns.
All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market. And most importantly, in a recent survey 98% of our clients rated SJD as 'better than other accountants' - we are working hard to convince the other 2%!
If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail michelle.turbutt@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Choosing an accountant - For a full review
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Guide to Contracting - All the best guides to contracting in one place
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35.
