Having looked at self-promotion, our focus this time turns to the characteristics that you need to succeed as a contractor. So, just what are those key qualities and attributes that are common to all top contractors?
You need to embrace uncertainty. No longer having the protection and comfort blanket of a permanent job and a regular monthly income can make contracting a daunting proposition. You will have to make provision for lean months, not to mention the other things you take for granted, such as holidays, pensions, sick pay and tax deductions. There will also likely be disruption – your contract could get terminated at any time.
There is no room for egos or confrontation in contracting. Tread carefully and be tactful, especially at the beginning when you’re still new to everything. As we mentioned in our exit strategy article, avoid the temptation to come in all guns blazing and upset the applecart. During the entire contract, behave and act with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
Key skills for contractors
As a contractor you need to be a team player, so you’ll need to fit in straight away and get to know your colleagues, where you fit in and where you can add value. Do you know who is signing off your timesheets? These are the people you need to please. The client will expect you to pull out all the stops to achieve outcomes, so you must be prepared to stay late or even work at weekends. ‘Whatever it takes’ is your new maxim.
Contracting requires flexibility in terms of the location as you’ll need to be prepared to relocate at short term notice. This could even mean moving to a different country (read about contracting in the UAE) and having to plan ahead to ensure that you adhere to the new contracting regulations of the country in question. You’ll have to adjust to a new company culture and adapt to different leadership styles.
Communication skills

That brings us on to the art of communication. You must be able to get objectives and deliverables clearly defined. Spend some time, particularly at the start of a contract, talking to key stakeholders, understanding their needs and what’s required of you. The same applies with your immediate team, getting a feel for their challenges and what you can do to help them. If there are any issues or unforeseen obstacles, deal with them as they arise – don’t let things fester.
It’s imperative that you take detailed notes about processes and procedures. Being meticulous is a must, so create a spreadsheet or Word document with dates and timelines as a point of reference as you go along. Remember, these won’t just serve you well during the current contract but the techniques learnt may well come in handy on your next assignment. Documenting everything will also help you to keep everyone updated with progress. Leave nothing to chance.
Contracting goal: getting the job done
As our IT contractor interview revealed, if you like to be spoon fed, then you’re going to be in for a rude awakening if you embark on a contracting career. You’ll be expected to transition seamlessly into your new rule, pick things up quickly, demonstrate initiative and work with minimal supervision. You might have to adapt to a new ‘modus operandi’ and even potentially learning new skills on the job.
If you can improve on the previous way of doing things and for example save the client money or increase revenues with the changes you’ve made and implemented, then so much the better. It does come down to confidence and gaining the trust of the client who can depend on you to deliver to time and budget with minimal fuss.
Once you’ve established who the key stakeholders are, got to know your line manager and team, and understood your objectives, it’s time to get on with the job. You’re not looking for a promotion or embellished job title as some of your permanent colleagues might be. There is definitely no office politics as far as you’re concerned.
You’re there for one thing and one thing only – getting the job done.
Do these attributes ring true for you? Are there any others that you’d like to add? As always, we’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave your comments and share your experiences.
This is a very good article I would also add the need for coaching and leadership Skills as getting things done will require the appropriate level of Coaching of colleagues in the team and leading in a non threatening way.
Another thing to consider is that YOU as the contractor are now in charge of career development and training. Your client may give you training but it is likely to be to fit in with thier needs.