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Crackerjacks is the ultimate contracting resource. We’re here to provide you with the tools you need to live the freedom and flexibility of the contracting lifestyle. In order to make the most of this resource and set yourself up for success as a contractor, it helps to know what businesses are looking for and how Crackerjacks can help.

A Bit About Contracting

First up, what makes a good contractor? Regardless of what field you’re in or what level you are, businesses are essentially looking for someone who can come in, get up to speed and get the job done. You need to be reliable, yet flexible, and be able to manage your own time. This doesn’t mean you have to work in isolation though! In order to achieve the objectives of your contract you need to know what these objectives are – so don’t be afraid to ask. You must have a good understanding of the scope of the contract, what the deliverables are, and what resources and contacts you’ll need to get the job done. Asking questions that help you to do a better job is not a sign of weakness!

But that’s after you’ve already landed the contract – let’s backtrack and talk about some tips for getting it. Even in the contracting world, things like CVs and interviews are still crucial; perhaps even more so than in permanent recruitment. As an independent contractor it’s yourself, your skills and your experience that you’re selling, and a CV is the first part of this.

Getting The Role

This is where Crackerjacks can help. As people who’ve been out there as contractors ourselves, or have been on the other side hiring contractors, we know what businesses are looking for. All of the fields that make up your profile are things that businesses want to know – that’s why we ask. You can’t appear in a business’ search results unless your profile is complete. Your profile information is also used in determining which contractor is most suitable for a role; the more info you give us about your work history, experience and availability the more likely you are to turn up in a business’ search and get that ideal contract!

Interviews and networking are other important aspects in setting yourself up for contracting success. Three interview tips to live by:

• Be clear about your achievements and the impact they’ve had
• Make sure you’re upfront and honest
• First impressions count – be on time and well dressed

This area may not be your forte, but it’s important to remember that any contractor – regardless of the function they’re performing – needs to be adaptable and personable. Your interview is the time to show that you’re the one for the role.

Crackerjacks’ Performance Ratings

One of the things that’s unique to Crackerjacks is the performance review system. Again, this is a marketing tool. With a proven background, you establish your reputation as a quality contractor; which is, after all, what every business is after. Basically the review revolves around your effectiveness during the contract, or how well you performed against expectations. Our review form takes into account your delivery against the contract objectives, integration with the business and your capabilities to work out an overall performance rating.

You can also enrich your profile by including qualitative comments that businesses have made about you. The key is to know the scope of the contract and what your deliverables are. Keep in mind that factors like the level of the contract you’re completing and the rate that you’re charging affect what a business will expect of you, and as a result your performance review. It’s a good idea to keep up to date with Crackerjacks’ reports on what other contractors are up to so you know where you stand. One not-so-great review isn’t going to destroy you, though, so don’t despair – you do have the option to suppress some of it. There’s a lot of info surrounding around our performance ratings, so you may want to read more.

This is just the start of your career as a contractor. For more info on life as a contractor, what to charge and how to sell yourself, check out the rest of our resources. Or if you still can’t find the answer to the question that’s bugging you, check out our FAQ page or drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help.

Welcome to the world of Crackerjacks!