6 skills every contractor needs | PayStream

If you’re thinking about becoming a contractor, or are just looking for ways to further enhance your professional career, there are some key skills that we think are great to have under your belt. Below are our 6 top tips...

1. Communication Skills

Communication is obviously very important skill to have in all aspects of life, but for a contractor, it's vital that you are able to maintain relationships with several different clients and possibly even subcontractors when completing a project from start to finish.

Communication allows you to better fulfil your client's vision. Understanding their needs means that you’re more likely to produce work they’re happy with and increase your potential for future business.

Good communication also means you’re better at coming to agreements with people helping you to smooth out any problems that may occur during a project.

2. Organisational Skills

Having good organisational skills means you can prioritise your work accordingly, which helps you to meet deadlines, allocate your time efficiently, be punctual for client meetings and keep a good work life balance. Being good at all of these things means you reduce the risk of burnout, over working yourself and letting down clients.

3. Good Attention To Detail

Good attention to detail means you get it right first time, every time. This high level of quality assurance helps you meet the required standards of your client which leads to satisfying work and a stronger reputation in the industry.

4. IT Proficiency

Nowadays, there are many different approaches that companies can take to protect their online security. For example, some will only allow limited file sizes or types, not allow certain programs access to their data systems, so being able to work around precautions sets you out from the crowd and makes you even more appealing to a client.

5. Social Media and Brand Development

Being good at social media such as LinkedIn offers contractors the ability to reach a wider audience and showcase their work to potential clients. This wider reach is even more complimented when mixed with good branding helping you stand out in your industry and increase your reputation, therefore leading to more inquiries for business.

6. Motivation

When working as a contractor, the need to push yourself is stronger than being a permanent worker. The responsibility to find new work, complete projects to a high standard and meet deadlines lies with you. The ability to do this means it’s easier to keep a good workflow.