When it comes to IT contractors, having strong technical skills is undoubtedly important. However, it’s equally vital to recognise the value of soft skills in determining the success of IT contractors.
From our experience working with IT contractors and the businesses that hire them, we’ve identified five essential soft skills for thriving, not just surviving, in the competitive and popular field of IT contracting.
Let’s explore these essential skills in more detail…
Project Management
Being able to manage projects effectively is crucial when trying to executive complicated tasks. Requiring a lot of planning, organisation, and coordination, Project Management also leads us into our next point regarding being independent and working autonomously.
Autonomy
If you’ve been in the IT contracting world for some time now, you’re likely well versed with working independently and often autonomously, without the need for constant supervision.
Working autonomously isn’t for everyone and is an important skill to have if you take on IT contracts.
Emotional Independence
While maintaining autonomy is crucial, it is important to note that independence is not the sole consideration for IT contractors. Unlike full-time employees, contractors may not have the same level of support and guidance from business leaders and management.
As a result, it becomes crucial for IT contractors to maintain emotional independence or ‘thick skin’ in order to safeguard their mental health and overall well-being, as well as setting personal boundaries to develop a healthy work-life balance.
Problem Solving
The primary reason why IT contractors are hired is to swiftly address and resolve specific problems.
As a result, business leaders have high expectations for their IT contractors. They rely on them to possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively troubleshoot issues and make valuable contributions to the success and improvement of the company.
Where new, full time employees may take longer to get to grips with the role, IT contractors have the advantage of being able to hit the ground running.
Creativity
IT contractors are valued for their diverse experience and are often brought into projects to provide fresh perspectives and creative ideas, contributing significant value through their creative thinking.
Are you looking for an exciting IT contract?
If you are on the hunt for your next IT contract and are confident that you possess all of the soft skills we have mentioned, we want to help!
We have a range of IT contract roles available, simply get in touch.
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