7 rules to secure a contract project role

4. Show them what you’re made of
How we communicate with others is about much more than simply what we say. We all know the old adage ‘first impressions count’ and the first step in projecting the right image for yourself is your appearance.

As a project contractor, it is important that your appearance is reflective of the type of role you will be performing. Your attire should always reflect the professional standard that your potential client organisation can expect of you.

Your visual image is the first thing an interviewer has to go on when ‘sizing’ you up and this step can make or break you. In a tough job market, people are going the extra mile to ensure success; make sure you’re competing on the same level.

5. Operate under the right structure
There are a number of structures that you can choose from when working independently. When selecting a structure in which you will operate by, choose the one that best suits your needs and remember that there are advantages and disadvantages for each. Choosing your structure is an important decision that can determine the licenses you will need to operate, so you need to investigate each option carefully.

The inherent risks associated with engagement structures are found in areas where payroll tax, employment and other legislation overlap. The risk behind the mismanagement of your contracts often boils down to engagement structures that carry a compliance risk that may jeopardise the validity of the arrangement, as well as exposing you to lawsuits.

Our advice is to seek advice and find the most compliant, cost and time effective structure for you.

6. Have a proper contract in place
Having an airtight contract in place is essential. Not only will this act to clarify all of the terms and ensure that everyone is on the same page, it will simplify dispute resolution if issues do arise. A solid contract includes clear start and end dates, transparency in expectations, and good communication and documentation.

7. Focus on what you do best; outsource the rest
The best thing about being a project contractor is the flexibility to do what you want, when you want and how you want. This independence, however, brings about some complications. You are suddenly responsible for your own time sheets, expense claims, and administration and statutory obligations: it can be hard to know where to begin, and it eats into time that should be spent performing your job or enjoying your life outside of work. Ultimately time is money, and time spent on non-core activities quickly eats away at your earning potential or ability to strike a work-life balance.

The solution is simple; instead of spending time and money performing tasks outside of your career description, focus on what you’re good at and outsource the rest. According to the 2012 Freelancer Report, a study of 1,491 freelancers from over 50 different fields and professions, 40% of freelancers delegate or outsource work to others.

For tasks related to your engagement as a project contractor, contractor management (professional engagement) services organisations offer everything from contract facilitation, payroll, timesheet, back office and migration to other financial, business and lifestyle services.

This philosophy also extends to your job; if there are activities within a project that you could outsource, doing so allows you to use your expertise where it is needed. It’s all about working smarter rather than harder. Ensuring that you are running your life as a project contractor as efficiently as possible means that you will be left with more time to do what matters to you.