Contractor Jobs: how to find your next project

In Liquid Friday’s 2023 contractor survey, a staggering 27% of respondents identified finding work as their biggest challenge in contracting. 

It’s a common struggle year on year for contractors, but especially in the current lagging market, where economic uncertainty continues to constrain hiring, for both temporary and permanent placements. (KPMG and REC UK Report on Jobs March 2024)

Your work situation may change quickly at the end of a contract period, and this may depend on whether you can locate to another role quickly, or have the opportunity to convert to a permanent position. 

However, even in a period of downturn, there are resources and strategies available to give you the best possible chance of finding your next opportunity, with little or no down-time between assignments. 

Some of these may seem obvious, especially if you are an experienced contractor, and we really don’t want to patronise anyone! But if you have been finding work in the same way for years, and perhaps things have slowed down, it may be worth considering looking elsewhere for your next project – turn over all the stones, so to speak! 

Tap into your recruitment agency

Your recruitment agency specialising in contract placements is your most invaluable resource for finding work. Agencies often have exclusive access to a wide range of job opportunities across various industries. Register with reputable agencies in your field and maintain regular communication to stay on their radar. 

You might find this article useful:  How to work better with your recruitment agency

Leverage online platforms 

Online platforms and professional networks are a great initial port of call for contract opportunities. Websites like LinkedIn and Indeed are teeming with jobs posts and networking opportunities. Regularly scour these platforms for relevant listings. Additionally, niche job boards and industry-specific websites can be a goldmine for specialised contract roles. Be proactive by ensuring your profiles are up-to-date and optimised for maximum visibility.

You might find this article useful: How contractors can harness the power of LinkedIn

Fine-tune your CV

Your CV is your personal marketing tool, offering potential clients and recruiters a snapshot of your capabilities and achievements. 

By regularly updating and fine-tuning your CV, you ensure that it accurately reflects your current skill set and professional accomplishments.
Tailoring it to highlight your most relevant project experience not only increases your chances of standing out but also demonstrates your suitability for specific contract roles. 

You might find this article useful: How to write a killer contractor CV & win that contract  

Network, network, network!

In the temporary employment market, the old saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” has never been more true. Networking remains one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden job opportunities. Attend industry events, seminars and conferences (in person or virtual) to connect with potential clients, fellow contractors and industry insiders. Cultivate genuine relationships and stay engaged with your network by offering assistance, sharing insights and participating in relevant discussions. You never know when a casual chat or a referral might lead to your next project. 

Can we help? App-solutely!

Finding regular work can be one of the challenges and downsides of contracting, but by being professionally visible in all the right places, you can give yourself the best possible chance of back-to-back work. Smart use of online platforms and websites, recruitment agencies and networking could all help you find exciting opportunities.

The Liquid Friday contractor app is a seamless and efficient way to notify your agency about your availability. With just a click of a button, you can signal your readiness for your next assignment in real time. 

Besides helping streamline your job search process, the app has loads of other great features. Find out more here, or download it from your app store! 

With the right tools and mindset, your next assignment could be just around the corner!