As the UK begins its return to the workplace, knowing your market and where your specific skills can add value has never been more important. As businesses feel their way forward, contractors will be essential for plugging essential skills gaps without committing to long term costs. In order to secure the best rates and contracts post-Covid, contractors need market awareness and the ability to transfer their skills between sectors to meet the areas of highest demand. Here we take a look at the best way to optimise your contracting capability post-Covid.
- Enhance Your Digital Presence
Having a relevant and accessible online presence has never been more important. Make sure you regularly update your online profiles to ensure you’re always visible and accessible. Platforms like LinkedIn can help with work-searches, while also allowing recruitment agencies to talent spot you for projects, as well as giving you access to a number of other useful learning and networking assets.
- Improve Your Remote Working
The increased emphasis on home working means that you should make sure your set-up is optimised for productivity. Many contractors will be used to working from home, but increased strain on networks and personal equipment could mean investing in these areas to make sure you can work at optimal capacity.
- Know Workplace Regulations
The government have released industry-specific guidelines for Covid safety in workplaces, but you should also be aware of the specific requirement put in place by tour hiring organisation. Your agency may also be able to guide you here, or gain access to company guidance literature if you need to visit a physical workplace.
- Up-Skill for the Post-Covid Market
The Covid pandemic is fast-tracking digital transformations in companies, and one of one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a post-coronavirus-world is to acquire technology skills. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things will make businesses more resilient and contractors who are able to understand how these tech tools can be utilised will be at an advantage. PwC’s free Digital Fitness app lets you assess your skills before signing up for one of the many free online courses. Alternatively, you can search for terms such as AI, machine learning and data literacy on platforms such as edX and Udacity.
- Hone Your Creative Skills
Businesses that have been able to adapt their products and services have been able to better weather the storm. This is the time when businesses will shelve old modes of thinking in favour of ingenuity, new products and new ways of working. Auxiliary skills such as collaboration, flexibility, creative problem-solving and openness to new ideas are set to be an important asset.
- Develop Market Awareness
One of Covid-19’s most immediate economic effects is to accelerate the transition to a platform model of integrated technologies, services and products, so knowledge of platforms is useful. Although there’s a lot of uncertainty post-coronavirus, the type of work that is robust across a multiple sectors and future scenarios offers the most stability - this includes work in the healthcare sector, education and social work. Awareness of legislation, such as changes to the off-payroll rules scheduled for roll out in the private sector in April 2021, is also essential.
Many areas of the market are already experiencing uplift with opportunities for both permanent and contingent staff. If you’re starting a new role, Umbrella Exchange has a range of options to help you keep your contracting career on track. To talk to a member of our team, call: 0203 393 3881
