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Having recruited within the Sydney HR industry since 2002 and specialized in HR contracting, I’ve been part of a significant growth of the HR contracting market. Over the years, I’ve seen candidates capitalizing on the benefits and flexibility of contracting, building their careers through the HR contracting market with immense success. With this in mind, here are some key reminders for HR contracting:

Stay up to Date and Emphasize Your Availability

Updating CVs and social media profiles should be a constant priority for all candidates actively looking for roles, especially those in contracting. This ensures you’re ready to move quickly when applying for new contracts (and contracting moves fast!), reducing the risk of missing out on opportunities.

If you’re able to start a new contract right away, make this obvious to recruiters and hiring managers on your resume, social media profiles and cover letter. Since many hiring managers opt for contract resources because it allows them to quickly secure the support they need, being available immediately will give you an edge over other candidates. Remember to include the end date of your current job on your CV and LinkedIn as well, so that hiring managers and recruiters can move quickly when hiring you.

Keep Networking and Maintain Communication

Whether you have your next assignment lined up or are on the hunt for a new contract role, it’s important to keep in touch with those in your network. Ex-colleagues, stakeholders and recruiters are all contacts with whom you should continuously build relationships in all seasons of your contracting career, not just when setting up as a contractor. In addition to maintaining existing connections, attending meetup groups, workshops and networking forums are effective ways to grow your personal brand within the contracting market. Whilst on a job, be proactive and network inside the organisation as well, as this enables you to form new relationships that could open the door to opportunities in the future.

When you secure a contract position (whether it’s long or short term), immediately advise the other companies you have been interviewing with that you’re off the market. This is not only courteous, but it ensures you leave a good impression for future opportunities. Similarly, keep recruiters in the loop regarding the length of your contract and when you’ll be available next, as this allows them to look out for your next opportunity towards the tail end of your assignment.

Add Value and Deliver Results to Build Your Personal Brand

Add as much value as you can within your contract, even if it’s only a short-term interim assignment. Many contracts are extended or made permanent for those contractors who are dedicated, hit the ground running and really make a positive impact.

It’s important to seriously consider the commitment necessary in a contract, but there’s also a requirement to be open-minded, flexible and adaptable when entering the market and accepting a contract. Although results will be expected, contracting can expose you to a variety of new industries experiences and environments. The deep career learnings and new skills can be acquired quickly, and are highly valuable to potential hiring managers and recruiters.

Closing Thoughts

Whilst becoming a contractor can look daunting when viewed from the security of a permanent role, there are also major rewards to be reaped. By following these tips and channelling your energy in the right direction, contracting can lead your HR career on exciting new paths.

For more advice on contracting in the HR industry or support with navigating the Sydney HR recruitment process, please get in touch with me.