Be a HERO – take the plunge into the world of contract work

As the fastest growing economy in the European Union, Ireland continues to be an ideal location for the professional contractor as an attractive and thriving place to live and work.

Independent professional contractors have contributed greatly to the pool of industry expertise that gives Ireland its brand for excellence. Ireland has become a strategic European base across multiple sectors including international financial services, life sciences, digital and social media, gaming and information and communications technology, which in turn is driving growth in the contracting sector, making it an attractive and lucrative career path.

Today there are certainly more opportunities than ever for skilled personnel to leverage their experience and skills to become professional contractors. While the many perks of contracting include flexible working hours, achieving a greater work-life balance and pursuing projects that ignite your passion, setting up and going out on your own as a professional contractor requires determination, planning and preparation in order to find success.

However, going it alone does not have to mean you are alone, and a dynamic support system is crucial to maintaining and achieving longevity in your entrepreneurial career path. Finding and securing contract role is simplified with help and support from experienced agencies such as award winning contract placement specialists, HERO.

Here are HERO’s top tips for those of you thinking about taking the plunge into the world of contract work.

Research: Before you decide to make the move to contracted employment, do some research regarding the amount of demand that is out there for your particular skillset. See what kind of money employers are offering for your particular expertise to give you a clear idea of the benefits that await you; then you can feel fully confident in your decision to make the move.

Market yourself: Being your own boss means you must promote yourself at every opportunity and by every means. This not only includes updating your CV on a regular basis, it also means marketing yourself on relevant social media platforms and registering with recruiters. The more you put yourself out there, the more work will come your way.

Tailor your CV: Tailoring your CV to the exact requirements of each role you apply for is vitally important. Contract employers are looking for very specific skillsets and so you must adjust your applications accordingly, giving priority to the traits you possess that the employer requires.

Personal and professional development: Time stands still for nobody, and neither should you. It is essential as a self-employed contractor that you are committed and motivated towards continual personal and professional development, so that you can keep up-to-date with the requirements of the industries in which you aim to work.

Keep ahead of the game: Never rest on your laurels. Always keep your eyes and ears open for the next opportunity, even when you are nice and cosy in the midst of a 12-month contract. The more you can plan ahead the less downtime you will have between jobs, meaning more money in your pocket.

Managing your finances: Moving from PAYE to contracting brings a whole new world of financial obligations with it. As a contractor you are self-employed and so you will have to take control of your financial affairs. One of the first decisions upon successfully securing a contract engagement is to decide what form of business entity to establish as this determines your personal liability, tax structure and Revenue obligations/payments.

HERO have been working in partnership with expert contractor accountants, Contracting PLUS, for a number of years, to ensure that their candidates are compliant. Established in 2002, Contracting PLUS has grown to become the Irish market leader in contractor accounting and taxation services, and therefore understands the requirements and needs of the professional contractor. Providing a complete suite of solutions for professional contractor, from Umbrella, Managed and own Limited Company structures, Contracting PLUS ensures your company structure is tax efficient and compliant.

For more information on the benefits of contracting, call HERO Contracting Dublin on (01) 6190279; Galway on (091) 730022; Cork on (021) 2066287. Alternatively, visit www.HERO.ie or find them on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

For more information on the financial obligations associated with contract work, call Contracting Plus, Dublin, on (01) 6110707 or Freephone (1800) 545422.