Submitted on Tue 04 Mar 2025
Freelancing, contracting, gig-working—whatever you call it, IT contracting is like professional speed dating. You join a project, do your thing, impress the client (hopefully), and then… what?
Do they call you back for another gig? Or do you end up swiping through job boards hoping for your next match?
Here’s the thing—being a great contractor isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about building trust, proving your value, and making yourself indispensable so that when a new project pops up, you’re the first name on the client’s list.
Let’s talk about how to stay on the radar, secure repeat contracts, and keep the job-hunting stress to a minimum.
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Nail the First Impression (Because It Counts, Big Time)
First impressions aren’t just for first dates and job interviews—they set the tone for your entire contract.
✅ Be prepared. Read up on the company, the project, and the team before you start.
✅ Ask smart questions. What are their biggest pain points? What does success look like for this project?
✅ Be easy to work with. No one likes the “brilliant but difficult” contractor—keep it professional, approachable, and drama-free.
Why it matters: People remember the contractor who showed up ready to hit the ground running—not the one who spent the first week figuring out how to log into the system.
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Deliver More Than Expected (Without Becoming a Doormat)
Yes, your job is to complete the project you were hired for, but the best contractors don’t just tick boxes—they add value.
✅Find efficiencies. If you spot a way to improve a process, suggest it!
✅Think beyond the contract. Help the team solve problems, even if they weren’t explicitly in your job description.
✅But set boundaries. Being helpful is great—becoming the “catch-all” for every stray task isn’t.
Why it matters: Clients remember people who make their lives easier. If you leave them in a better place than when you started, they’ll want you back.
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Communicate Like a Pro (And Not Just When Things Go Wrong)
Good communication isn’t just about updating the client when disaster strikes—it’s about keeping them informed, engaged, and feeling like they’re in safe hands.
✅Give regular updates. A quick “Here’s where we’re at” email goes a long way.
✅ Flag issues early. Clients hate surprises—if there’s a delay, tell them ASAP (with solutions).
✅Don’t ghost when the contract ends. Keep in touch, check in, and stay on their radar.
Why it matters: If you’re the contractor who’s always clear, responsive, and proactive, clients will trust you—and trust = repeat business.
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Be Someone They Actually Enjoy Working With
You could be the best Cloud Engineer, Data Analyst, or Cybersecurity Guru in the world, but if you’re a nightmare to work with, your contract will be one and done.
✅ Be approachable. No one likes a know-it-all.
✅ Respect company culture. Adapt to their work style and processes.
✅ Build genuine relationships. You don’t need to be best mates with your client, but having a friendly, professional rapport makes all the difference.
Why it matters: Clients rehire people they enjoy working with. Simple as that.
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Make Sure They Remember You (For the Right Reasons)
You’ve smashed the project, built great relationships, and now your contract is ending—don’t just disappear into the abyss.
✅Ask for a testimonial or referral. Happy client? Get it in writing!
✅Connect on LinkedIn. Engage with their posts, stay visible, and keep the relationship warm.
✅Check in every few months. A simple “Hope things are going well—let me know if you need any extra hands” keeps you top of mind.
Why it matters: The more visible and memorable you are, the more likely you’ll get that “Hey, we need you back!” call.
Final Thought…Make Yourself Indispensable!
At the end of the day, great contractors aren’t just technical experts—they’re trusted partners. If you can prove that hiring you is a no-brainer, clients will keep bringing you back instead of rolling the dice on someone new.
Need help finding your next contract? We’ve got the connections.
Call us today on (02) 8346 6700 or email us at [email protected] and speak to a recruitment agency that knows your market.
The Recruitment Company – Making people enjoy the recruitment experience again
Specialist Recruitment Agency in Sydney within Information Technology, Project Services, IT Infrastructure, Software Development, SAP, Data and Analytics, Devops and Cloud.
