As we enter 2025, what better time for contractors to plan for the year ahead? Many contractors will be looking forward and reviewing how they boost their contracting careers by going after higher-value contracts this year. After all, that means a new and exciting challenge, experience with a recognisable name, and more money in your pocket at the end of the month.
Although that sounds great, you will need to know how to make it work in reality. That's where Umbrella Search comes in to help. This guide outlines our top tips to help every contractor sharpen their competitive edge and win those all-important high-value contracts.
Hone your skills
In order to win high-value contracts, you need to show the client you have the skills they need.
Contractors are typically brought on board to solve a problem or fill a skills gap, so it's important that you can show the client how you can bring your unrivalled skill set to the project and get the job done.
First, you'll need to start by identifying your industry's most in-demand skills. Whatever sector you're working in, whether it's IT or engineering, do your research to find out what clients are looking for.
You can do this by looking at current adverts for contractors and what skills they are asking for. You should also keep up to date with trends and developments in your industry, which will highlight what is at the forefront of change.
Once you've identified the skills that will give you the competitive edge, the next step is to gain those skills.
You may need to enrol on an online course or invest in further education such as a postgraduate degree or diploma. Whatever means you need to develop your skills, plan how you will do this and how much time you will realistically need to gain these new skills.
Stay up to date with trends
Not only should you keep your skills up to date, as we've already touched on, you should also pay attention to market trends in your sector. If you work in IT, stay up to date with the latest developments in fields like AI, or if you're an engineer, stay current on trends in green energy and technology.
This will also help you stand out from the competition, showing that you're knowledgeable, interested and eager to learn.
Improve your CV
Having gained the skills and expertise you need to progress, the next step is to market yourself on your CV.
It's critical to have an up-to-date, professional CV that helps you stand out from the crowd.
It can be a good idea to gear your CV towards the contracts you are applying for. So, although you may have worked in retail many years ago, this is likely not relevant to the contract at hand, and it is best not to include it.
List all relevant qualifications, skills and experience, showing how this makes you an ideal candidate for the role at hand. Show how you can offer solutions and solve problems.
Keep it concise and to the point, so the client can cut through the clutter to see why you're one of the best candidates for the job.
It may also be worth creating a portfolio of other contracts or jobs you've worked on which showcases your expertise in more detail. This could include case studies showing past clients you've worked with, and how you were able to deliver for them.
Utilise LinkedIn
A LinkedIn profile is a great way to market yourself online. Many clients will look at a candidate's LinkedIn profile to check their experience, qualifications, and any extracurricular activities that will make them a great candidate for the contract.
Check that your education and job experience are up to date and that they line up with your CV.
If you're open to work, make sure that you advertise this on LinkedIn, as this will tell potential clients that you are open to being approached about new opportunities.
Being active on LinkedIn is always a good idea, from liking and commenting on other users' content to posting industry-relevant content yourself, this is a great place to show off what you know and how you are involved in the industry.
Networking is key
As well as networking online, attending in-person networking events and workshops is also a great way to meet potential clients, find out about new opportunities and stay up to date with changes and advances in your industry.
Attending events and workshops can lead to meeting the right client at the right time or hearing about the perfect opportunity, and it is a great way to put yourself at the forefront of your industry. Many of the top clients will be involved in networking events, meaning there's a good chance you will learn of high-value contracts and meet the right connections to get a foot in the door.
Free up more of your time
Going after high-value contracts isn't easy, but with our top tips, you can implement a plan to make it happen.
Having set your goals and put your plan in place, you may be struggling to see where you'll find the time to achieve everything you need to to win higher value contracts. That's where using an umbrella company can come in handy. After all, an umbrella company takes on many time-consuming tasks for the contractor, including sorting finances and taxes, insurance, pension, payroll and expenses, therefore freeing up more of your precious time to gain new skills, network and ultimately go after higher-value contracts.
If you are considering using an umbrella company in 2025, Umbrella Search is here to help.
We help contractors find the perfect umbrella company for them. Understanding what you are looking for from an umbrella company and your top list of priorities, we will work closely with you to find a provider that fits the bill. We take hours of hard work out of finding the best umbrella company, so you can get on with winning new, high-value contracts in 2025.
To see how we can help, simply get in touch with the Umbrella Search team today.
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