The IT Specialist

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IT contractor

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If you're a contractor in the IT jobs market, or thinking of trying contract work, the CWJobs contractor information section will arm you with all the right facts and figures. We've got articles on setting up your business, finance and legal matters, and how to work effectively as an IT contractor.

Which trading model should contractors use

Deciding which trading model to use is essential for new contractors

Become an IT consultant

UK IT consultants enjoy kudos all over the world and are currently being hired in droves. It’s a high-octane career, but exactly what do consultants do for their £60k+ salaries?

Interim contractor as lucrative second career

Interim contracting is an attractive second career for seasoned IT pros who wish to leave the permanent workforce and have a better work-life balance. As the average age of workers creeps upwards - after October 1 2011 there will be no mandatory retirement age - more mature workers are considering the interim option.

New opportunities for mobile workers

One third of employees will move jobs if they can’t work flexibly on mobile devices. The IT professional must learn a new set of priorities and skills to thrive in a newly mobile world.

First things first for contractors

Starting out as a contractor calls for confidence, a clear idea of your offering, and, ideally a pot of money on stand-by.

Upskilling and CPD advice for contractors and interims

Insightful tips on the best way for contractors to refresh their skills and remain competitive.

Tips for contracting abroad

If you are thinking of working abroad, but not sure what to expect or how to survive those first few days, read the tips from the experts, well-travelled contractors who have done it all before.

Mixed messages for contractors in the Budget

The 2011 Budget brought contractors a mixed bag with no end to IR35, but tax breaks and the regionalisation of IT lift the spirits.

IT contractors prosper in small and medium businesses

Freelance programmers, SEO specialists and web developers are in high demand in both small and medium businesses (SMB).

10 ways to negotiate a pay rise

Broaching the subject of money is always tricky, and for the contractor there’s an added risk: get it wrong and you may lose your contract. If you are confident you have a sound case for a rise, psychologist Dr Colin Gill suggests the following steps.

Agile skills still in demand

Agile made it into the top ten software skills for contractors in November - and has stayed there ever since.

SmartWork exclusive offer to contractors

CWJobs’ partner SmartWork.com is a top rated contractor umbrella company for flexible workers. SmartWork exclusively offer CWJobs users one months FREE service!

11 Tips for open-source contractors

There's more to being a successful open-source contractor than just being a superb coder. Here are 11 ways to be a superb open-source citizen.

How IT contractors can make the most of 2011

Keen contractors with a zest for their role and the ability to show how they add value can look forward to a healthy 2011.

How flexible IT contractors can weather the storm

The swingeing cuts of Chancellor Osborne’s spending review will be felt by everyone connected with the public sector, including IT contractors. However, the added value and flexibility of freelance IT workers puts them in a strong position.

Is contracting the life for me?

Becoming an IT contractor can be a risky business, but it can also be highly rewarding too. Here's our guide to getting started.

Building bridges between IT and business

The IT department often gets the blame when things don't go as planned. So it's important to build strong relationships with the rest of the company.

How to work with difficult clients

Difficult clients are a fact of life for IT contractors. What makes them so hard to work with and how should you deal with them?

Handling stress in the IT industry

IT can be a stressful industry. But can you be sure what you're experiencing is a normal response to a pressured situation or the start of something more serious?

IT contractors hailed on National Freelancers Day

IT contractors and their freelance comrades were hailed at National Freelancers Day for their courage and modelling the way the future economy will run.

Setting up your company

Should you set up a limited company? Or should you use an umbrella company? Let us guide you through the maze of options.

Section 660A

The use of Section 660A legislation has tightened up in recent years. But what is it, and what will the penalties be if you get caught out?

Contractor finance

As a contractor, the management of your money is now up to you. This section details the key components of contractor finance, the pitfalls and the benefits.

Contractor insurance

If you're setting out as a contractor, you'll need some form of insurance. But where to start?

IR35 legislation

As an IT contractor, you need to consider IR35. The following article explains the legislation and how it will affect you.

Professional Contractors Group

PCG membership can protect you from issues that could damage your contracting business. Get a 15% discount when you join through CWJobs.

Income calculators

Do you know what you're worth as a contractor? What about as a member of permanent staff? Find out with our range of income calculators.

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Tools

What are your skills and experience worth? Use our interactive tools to find out.

ITJOBLOG

For all the latest IT opinion, reviews and analysis, visit the ITJOBLOG, written and read by experts.

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