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Working as a Professional Contractor | Technology
Working as a Professional Contractor | Technology

Working as a Professional Contractor | Technology

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Working as a professional contractor in technology

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Professional contracting can be an extremely rewarding career allowing extra flexibility, enhanced work-life balance, and variation of work. The demand for flexible staffing continues to outstrip supply, and there is no sign of any change in the growth of contracting as both a solution and an opportunity. Employers are experiencing a post-pandemic boom, and given they were already finding it difficult to recruit and retain qualified talent for a wide range of roles, many have shifted to sourcing contractors as a solution to their hiring and project needs.

Employers who historically would not have taken contract staff have now realised the many benefits of flexible staffing, including cost-effectiveness, experience on demand and quick turnaround times.

344 survey respondents who work in technology
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Libby Kelly Director, Flexible Technology Talent

With over 20 years of recruitment experience, Libby leads the Cpl Technology Flexible Talent Division. The division specialises in the recruitment of all IT and technology roles from first-line support to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) level, including high-volume contingency recruitment and project ramp-ups to a range of clients, from indigenous clients, Multi-National Corporations (MNCs) and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to public sector bodies. ​

Libby Kelly Director, Flexible Technology Talent

What are the best pathways to a career as a professional technology contractor?

Having the confidence to seek out a contract role initially is key. It can be a daunting experience when you contract for the first time or move from a permanent to a contract role. Given there has never been a better time to move to contracting, skilled professionals are in the perfect position to take advantage of today’s candidate-empowered talent market.

Once you secure a contract role with Cpl, you will need to become a professional contractor. You must register with an Umbrella company or as your own Limited Company. You will also need to administer your own business and tax affairs. The Cpl team will guide you every step of the way to ensure a seamless process.

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What are the top soft skills needed for a career as a professional technology contractor?

Technology is a field that is constantly evolving as new technologies are emerging. The ability to adapt and learn quickly is essential for any contractor to stay competitive in the market.

Time management, attention to detail, being creative and the ability to innovate are important skills to possess. It is essential to be proactive, have excellent communication skills, embrace change, and take an agile approach. Being ambitious, resilient, and having strong stakeholder engagement skills are also vital.

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What benefits can professional technology contractor candidates expect to be offered?

Benefits are typically not an option for contract staff due to the type of contract in place. Contractors are paid a daily rate and must manage their own tax affairs via an accountant. However, they can secure tax relief on business expenses, including travel, office rent, training, and technology purchases.

255 survey respondents who work in technology

What flexible working arrangements can professional technology contractor candidates expect?  

Typically, contractors were required to be based full-time on client sites. However, in recent years with the move to remote and hybrid working, clients are now actively engaging with contractors based throughout Ireland and indeed internationally. Some clients have moved to an in-person environment, but we are still seeing most clients happy to work with contractors either on a two-day in-office contract or, as for many of our clients, fully remote working, including internationally.

This has meant clients can now have access to cross-industry experience that would have never been available to them due to location issues. And contractors are now working with large clients internationally without having to make a move from their own homes.  

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​How does company size affect professional technology contractor rates?

Smaller companies can struggle to match the rates that are on offer from some of the larger companies, however, what they can offer are perhaps more interesting and diverse development projects as well as opportunities to gain skills across multiple areas/technologies.

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How do years of experience affect professional technology contractor rates?

Years of experience as well as experience across multiple environments and projects, can all affect the rate resulting in the ability for candidates to demand a higher amount.

How does higher education or other learning and development affect professional technology contractor rates?

Having extra qualifications such as a master’s or PhD looks good on CVs, however, companies are more interested in seeing what the candidates have worked on. And what skills they can bring to the company from their work experience over the last few years.

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Ready to begin your professional technology contracting career?  

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