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Are you looking for a new job, making a career change, or just starting out? To boost your chances of success, it’s essential to think about your transferable skills for job applications.

But what are transferable skills, and why do they matter? Let’s explore these valuable assets with examples to help you understand how these skills can elevate your career. 

What are transferable skills? 

Transferable skills for job applications are abilities and talents that apply across a number of jobs or industries . Unlike technical skills, which are often specific to a particular job or industry, transferable skills are versatile. You can use these portable skills in a wide range of contexts. We can also refer to transferable skills as soft skills.  

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, transferable skills can connect your past experiences to new opportunities. 

Common transferable skills examples  

Understanding what transferable skills are is just the beginning. It’s essential to identify your own transferable skills and to think of relevant examples for each. This list of transferable skills features some of the most common and sought-after attributes in a new employee:

Communication skills

Whether verbal or written, effective communication is critical in nearly every job. Sometimes people forget that communication involves listening skills as well as conveying information clearly. By listening well, you can respond appropriately to others.  

Good communicators can adapt their style to suit different audiences, making this skill highly transferable across any role. You can demonstrate this skill interview by responding confidently and concisely to interview questions. 

Leadership skills 

Employers also value leadership skills. Good leaders should inspire those you work with toward a common goal. Leadership skills help to drive success, whether you’re leading a project, mentoring colleagues or managing a team.  

Even if you haven’t led a team before, think of a time when you motivated others or encouraged them with a new idea. 

Problem-solving skills 

Every job will involve its own set of challenges. That is why problem-solving should definitely be a skill on your CV. This involves analysing a situation, identifying possible solutions and implementing the best resolution. 

From customer-facing roles to leading at the executive level, it’s important to solve problems and challenges in a positive way. Think about times you’ve solved a problem proactively; anecdotes will help to demonstrate your transferable skills in an interview. 

Teamwork skills 

Collaboration is key in most workplaces. It’s important to show prospective employers that you can be a team player to achieve a shared goal.

Answer interview questions by describing your ability to: 

  •  work well with others
  • understand different perspectives 
  • contribute to group successes.  

Time management skills 

No matter your career path, you’ll need to prioritise tasks, manage your workload and meet deadlines. Time management skills help to increase productivity and effectiveness, so employers are keen to hire someone with good organisational skills. To demonstrate this skill, try to describe specific approaches or tools that you use to manage your time. 

Adaptability skills 

The ability to adapt to new situations, technologies or job roles is crucial in rapidly changing work environments. Adaptability involves: 

  • being open to change 
  • learning new skills quickly 
  • adjusting confidently to new challenges.  

This transferable skill is particularly important in industries that experience frequent change or innovation. 

Analytical skills 

Analysing data, spotting trends and making informed decisions are essential in many fields. Analytical skills allow you to: 

  • understand complex information  
  • use data and experience to make decisions 
  • inform problem solving 
  • identify opportunities to innovate. 

If you’re asked to complete an interview task, take the opportunity to demonstrate your attention to detail. Analyse the task at hand and don’t be afraid to present questions back to the interviewer.

Project management skills 

The ability to plan, execute, and oversee a project from start to finish is an asset in many roles. Project management is a highly transferable skill across industries. Even without formal qualifications in project management, try to demonstrate your: 

  • Organised approach 
  • Leadership skills 
  • Time & budget management 
  • Communication skills. 

How transferable skills for job applications can help you in your career  

Enhance your CV  

Transferable skills are important to add to your CV. Employers seek technical ability for the role you are applying for. However, they also search for soft skills that will further benefit the company and the team. 

Make sure to include transferable skills in your CV, in both the work experience and skills sections. Include specific examples to help show the employer these skills in action. 

Ace your interview 

During interviews, employers often ask questions designed to assess your transferable skills. Be prepared with specific examples that showcase these skills in action.  

For example, you might describe a situation where your communication skills helped to resolve a conflict. You could also describe a situation where your leadership skills guided a team to success. Remember, you can draw upon examples from extracurricular activities as well as past jobs. 

Transition into a new career more easily  

If you’re considering a career change, transferable skills can link your previous experience to your new career path.

Starting a new job can be daunting, but your transferable skills can help you to hit the ground running. Your ability to adapt, manage time, and collaborate with new colleagues is essential when settling into a new environment. As you gain experience and take on new challenges, your skills will grow and evolve, making you a more well-rounded professional.

Transferable skills are the foundation of a successful career. By identifying and mastering these skills, you can open doors to new opportunities and ease transitions. Doing so will help you position yourself as a strong candidate no matter where your career takes you.

For more career advice, including CV tips and interview tips, explore these blogs from Hays:

Having left England to work in several countries over the past 25 years, it’s fair to say that I’ve had to adapt in a number of ways. First and foremost, wherever I’ve been, I’ve had to re-evaluate the way I communicate and improve my communication skills at work.

In fact, I’d say that many of the challenges I expected to face each time revolved around this. For example, would I be able to convey my ideas to colleagues, partners and clients? Do I need to adapt my leadership style? 

It was moving to Japan that really made me stop and think about the ways we communicate. Although the majority of my professional conversations were happening with other foreign nationals or fluent English speakers, things were very different outside the business world. Most people spoke little to no English, while certain customs – such as blowing one’s nose in public – are deemed highly inappropriate! 

Why is it important to improve communication skills at work? 

Nose blowing aside, improving your communication skills is important for long-term career success. While this applies at all stages of your career, it’s particularly useful if you’re looking to take on a leadership role. Improvement here will help you to: 

  • Relay information 
  • Motivate others 
  • Resolve conflict 
  • Conduct negotiations 

Which methods of communication need to be improved? 

In my opinion, there are three primary branches of personal communication: 

  1. Verbal communication 
  1. Non-verbal communication (such as body language) 
  1. Communication via a third party (such as technology). 

10 ways to improve your communication skills at work

1. Listen 

This be a bit of a cliché, but it’s true. Success in the workplace is about collaboration, which is extremely difficult to achieve when one colleague refuses to listen to another’s point of view. Listening to others means learning something new, while leaders should ensure that any discussions are comprised of equal contributions from all parties – this improves the chances of a successful result and earns respect in the process. 

 2. Check your body language 

A highly regarded study found that 55% of all communication is actually non-verbal. Of course, it’s difficult to be so precise consistently, but the point stands that body language significantly impacts people’s perception of you. 

How can you monitor and improve this? Try to avoid defensive actions, such as crossing your arms while talking to someone. Conducting meetings over video has made this easier – you can check your appearance to make sure you look engaged (don’t look too often, though, or it’ll have the opposite effect!) 

This brings me to the next point… 

3. Where possible, communicate in person 

Let’s be clear, this doesn’t mean insisting that every meeting you have is face to face. In fact, every point on this list can be applied when working remotely or in a hybrid model. 

What I’m talking about is, when together in person, sending an email or message to somebody sat close by enough that you could speak to. Why? These forms of communication could be misinterpreted – the recipient doesn’t have the benefit of hearing your tone of voice or seeing your body language. It might take more confidence, though, which leads me to… 

4. Project confidence 

This can be a tricky one to get right, but it goes a long way in improving your communication skills. Speaking with conviction – without coming across as arrogant or too overbearing – is one of the best ways to get your point across and build faith in your insights and ideas. 

Don’t worry if this don’t come naturally to you. In fact, the very action of pretending that you’re confident will go a long way. Here are seven ways to communicate more confidently. 

5. Know your audience 

There are many ways in which your audience will differ and it’s your challenge to cater for them in the way that you communicate. Think about: 

  • The person you’re communicating with: This is particularly important for leaders. You’ll need to know how to motivate each member of your team – and I can guarantee you it won’t be the same across the board. Get more advice on that here. 
  • How knowledgeable your audience is: Are you speaking to subject-matter experts, or do you need to provide more background information to fill them in? 
  • The purpose of the communication: Is this an informal catch-up? Or are you presenting to senior stakeholders? Adapt your tone and style accordingly. 
  • The method of communication: If you’re talking in person, how much information will the audience retain? Similarly, you don’t want to pack an email full of data. Use slide decks to get across key information – save the in-depth insights for reports. 

6. Be sensitive to cultural differences 

As I alluded to in the introduction, you must remain aware of what is regarded as improper etiquette in other cultures. It’s your obligation to do your research and conduct yourself in a way that doesn’t offend. 

7. Think about the when and how 

To communicate effectively, it’s important to be completely focused and engaged. This may seem obvious but, in today’s working world where many communications are no longer in person, it can he harder to judge. 

Is the recipient ready themselves? If so, what’s the best way to communicate? While an in-person conversation or a video call is optimal, an email makes it easier to pass on important information that the recipient may need to retain or reference. In which case, do you need to call to provide additional context? 

8. Stay cool 

Being stressed happens. As much as we try, sometimes it’s unavoidable and overwhelming. However, those moments of frustration should not be the times to resolve a serious situation. 

Why? It’s on occasions that you’re most likely to misinterpret the other person or say something regrettable. I’d advise standing back and taking time to consider the situation comprehensively before proceeding. Likewise, when writing a blunt email, save a draft first and return to it later before sending. 

Of course, there are some situations where you’ll have to act immediately. My advice would be to try and remove any emotion, instead focusing on what’s actually being said. It can be tricky to separate the other person and the message, but you must remain professional for your own sake. 

9. Give and receive feedback 

You can’t avoid giving feedback in leadership. It’s also a valuable device in more junior or contractor roles, too. You can find advice on how to do this effectively here. 

Likewise, you must be amenable to receiving feedback. You may not necessarily find it useful, but it’s an important form of communication and shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. Read more on being open to feedback here. 

10. Use humour 

My final point isn’t always applicable and, like acting confidently, won’t come naturally to everyone. However, humour remains an effective tool in improving your communication skills. Use it for: 

  • Brightening uneventful conversations 
  • Breaking the ice during a presentation 
  • Defusing tense situations 
  • Showing that you’re friendly and approachable 

Looking for more guidance on soft skills? Read our blogs: 

Even though I enjoy my holidays, I consider myself very fortunate to love my job too. Having rested up and recharged over a vacation, I’m not ashamed to say that part of me looks forward to getting back to work, reconnecting with colleagues and tackling the next challenge.

That doesn’t mean that I don’t sometimes come back to work with a case of the post-holiday blues, though. It can take time to readjust, but I know from experience that I’ll get through the first couple of days and be able to throw myself headfirst into my tasks with a refreshed attitude.

However, what if those first few days of the post-holiday blues turn into a couple of weeks? As you keep casting your mind back to your time off, or start planning your next one, it could be that what you really need is a more permanent change of scenery – a new job.

Let’s look at some of the signs that it’s time for a new job.

Five signs it’s time for a new job when you get back to work

1) Going into holiday mode way before you actually leave

It’s completely normal to be excited for your holiday. However, there’s a difference between letting your mind wander, and mentally checking out in the build-up to your vacation because you couldn’t wait to get away from the workplace:

Signs include:

  • Poor concentration
  • Letting your performance slip
  • Thinking that you’ll deal with challenges when you get back
  • Putting little or no effort into a handover email or document

2) Feeling happy and relaxed for the first time in a while

Did your holiday make you realise that this was the first time in ages that you’d felt happy? Of course, only a very lucky few enjoy their job 100% of the time, but those frustrating or stressful moments should be few and far between.

Finding the right job means being happy and feeling that the effort you put in is worth it. In fact, your role should afford you a healthy work-life balance that means you don’t require a holiday in order to totally unwind.

3) Deliberately avoiding any talk about your work

When you’re trying to relax, it’s natural that you’re not going to bring up work. However, if you’re making an active effort not to mention it, even if it comes up naturally in conversation, then there could be a bigger reason for wanting to avoid it.

Namely, that you want to pretend it doesn’t exist and that you won’t have to go back to work once your holiday is over. Did you find yourself thinking this while you were off?

4) Not looking forward to going back to work at all

Were you dreading your return to work, or even experiencing some post-holiday blues before it was even over?

If you were unable to find any reason whatsoever to miss your workplace, from your colleagues to your company’s purpose, then you’ll struggle to stay motivated now that you’re back. In fact. I’d actually say that it’s the clearest signal to move onto something that you do miss while you’re on holiday (even if it is just a little bit).

5) When you return to work, it feels like you never had a holiday

On top of those post-holiday blues, you might have returned to your previous state of mind so strongly that it doesn’t even feel like you were away. If your time off already feels like a distant memory and those familiar stressors and frustrations have come back to work with you, then you might struggle to find anything that can improve your attitude toward your current workplace.

Is it more serious than post-holiday blues?

Does the above sound familiar? If so, here are some steps you can take:

Knowing how to work well as a team and being able to collaborate is a vital part of any work environment. As such, effective teamwork is one of the many soft skills that can help you to succeed in your career. Here’s how to improve collaboration at work.

For some, these important teamwork skills come naturally. For others, being an effective team player can be challenging. Whatever level your collaboration skills may be at, or your level of experience, there’s always room to improve.  

Take a look at our five top tips for improving your teamwork skills.  

Why are teamwork and collaboration skills so important?  

Working well as a team and cooperating with one another allows individuals to contribute to a common goal. The ability to work well together remains a priority for employers, even if you take on mainly remote work.  

Collaboration tools such as Slack, Asana and Microsoft Teams are enabling teams to break out of their silos, even when working remotely, and come together to brainstorm ideas and work on projects.  

What does effective collaboration entail?  

Collaboration is an important interpersonal skill in itself, but it also includes many other skills too, such as: 

  • Strong communication skills 
  • Active listening 
  • Emotional intelligence 
  • Conflict resolution  

To truly hone your teamwork skills, consider how effective you are at each of these parts in isolation. Could you take time to improve your people skills across the board?  

How to improve collaboration at work – our 5 top tips: 

1. Build your emotional intelligence  

Emotional intelligence (or EQ) is your ability to identify and manage your emotions. With good emotional intelligence, you’ll be more understanding of your colleagues. In turn, you can better respond to your colleagues’ needs in a productive manner. Emotional intelligence is helpful when trying to resolve conflicts or bridging the gap between different communicative styles.  

To build a better understanding of your triggers, feelings and reactions, try naming your emotions. By practising mindfulness you can take time out to reflect on how different events made you feel.  

Employers look for emotional intelligence as this soft skill helps promote cooperation within the workplace.  

2. Set clear common goals and objectives  

Working as a team to prepare a clear goal for your project allows everyone involved to have a clear stake in the outcome. Once everyone agrees on their objectives, delegating tasks that each team member is accountable for encourages ownership. 

3. Recognise the efforts of other team members 

Most people love receiving recognition for a job well done. So when collaborating with others, make sure to praise your colleagues either privately or in front of the whole team. 

Recognition is a key part of creating a positive work environment. If you give credit where it’s due, you’ll be more enjoyable to work with. You will also be helping to create a healthy culture of collaboration.  

4. Seek out different perspectives and keep an open mind 

Being able to work with a wide range of people is a key part of having good collaboration skills. You need to be willing to seek out new perspectives at work. In doing so, you’ll be able to see all sides of an issue and find the best solution.  

Other members of your team will have skills, experience and insight that you may not. As such, it’s good to talk to people who are experts in certain areas, or come from an industry or background you’re less familiar with. 

By demonstrating an inclusive attitude and effective teamwork mentality, you’ll only improve the outcome of your projects and increase the chances of their success. 

5. Be an active listener 

As Marc Burrage, Managing Director for Hays Asia, discusses in his blog on improving your communication skills: “Success in the workplace is about collaboration, which is extremely difficult to achieve when one colleague refuses to listen to another’s point of view”. 

Active listening involves more than just paying attention to a speaker. By giving the speaker your full attention and minimising distractions you can better interpret their tone, word choice and body language. This will help you to better understand your team members’ thoughts and avoid conflict with those around you.

If you’re not in the same physical workspace as your team members, it’s easier to do this through regular calls, rather than via written message or email. Add milestone meetings into your diaries to ensure that everybody’s voice is heard and stay on track with the tasks that have been delegated.

Want to learn more about building your teamwork skills and other essential soft skills? 

The first day at a new job can be both daunting and exciting. You want to make a good first impression and set the ground running for a smooth transition to the organisation.  Here’s your first day at work checklist.

This guide will help you prepare for this important day. Our complete checklist includes what to bring, questions to ask and expectations to set as you start your new job on the right foot.  

First day at work checklist: What to bring on day one

1. Necessary documents 

Make sure you have all required documents, such as identification, work permits, tax forms, and banking information. Human resources (HR) will usually request that you bring these documents on your first day. Double-check with the HR team if you’re still unsure what you will need to bring.  

2. Notebook and pen 

A notebook and pen are essential for jotting down important information. Don’t feel embarrassed about needing to take note of names, procedures and answers to your questions. If anything, this shows interest and your eagerness to learn. 

3. Lunch and snacks  

Pack a lunch and some snacks, particularly if you don’t know what options are available around the area. Additionally, you may not be familiar with the company’s canteen situation, so it’s always best to prepare. Preparing your own food ensures you won’t go hungry if your lunch break is shorter than expected or local options are limited. 

4. Personal Items  

Don’t forget essential personal items. Bring a water bottle, mints, a phone charger and anything else that will help you stay comfortable and focused throughout the day. 

Questions to ask on your first day at work 

Your new company will try to provide all the information that you need on the first day of your job. However, it’s good to prepare a list of questions that you may have. You can use the below topics and question ideas to start forming your list.  

1. Clarify your role and responsibilities 

According to a Hays poll on LinkedIn, this is the priority for our followers on their first day. Understanding your specific duties and how they fit into the bigger picture is key to a successful start. Ask your supervisor to clarify your role, immediate tasks, and long-term goals. 

2. Ask about team dynamics 

Take the time to learn about the team structure, who you’ll work with directly, and their roles. As well as asking questions is a good place to start, listen to and observe your team to get a feel for how they operate and will help you to integrate more smoothly. 

3. Understanding company culture 

When starting a new job, it’s a good idea to ask about the company culture and values. Understanding these aspects will help you adjust your behaviour and attitude to align with the company’s expectations. 

4. Technology and tools 

Find out which tools and software you’ll need to use. Ask if there are any training sessions or resources available to help you get up to speed. 

How to make a good impression on your first day at work 

Body language, following the dress code and remembering names can set the tone for your first day at your new job.  

Making a great impression on your first day is easily achieved with a few simple steps: 

1. Keep body language open and calm  

Your body language can help give the impression of confidence and calmness, even if that’s the opposite of how you feel. Maintain an open posture by keeping your arms uncrossed and by making eye contact with the people that you speak to. Smiling can also go a long way in showing you are engaged and receptive.  

2. Follow the dress code  

Following the dress code is an important factor to consider for your first day. What you wear shows the company that you take your new role seriously, while also helping you feel like you fit in with your team. 

If you’re unsure about the dress code, opt for something more smart than casual – it’s better to be overdressed, particularly in an office environment. Then, on your first day, you can take note of what people are wearing and adjust your outfit accordingly.  

3. Remember the names of key people  

Show your new colleagues that you are attentive and considerate by taking the time to commit their names to memory. This small gesture can really make the difference in helping you connect with your new team on your first day. Remember, it’s ok to take a note of names during any inductions to help with this. 

4. Listen actively and take on board important information  

Active listening is a critical skill that demonstrates your willingness to learn. Pay attention during introductions, training sessions and meetings. Take notes on key points to help you remember important details. Doing so will help your learning process and show your new team that you value their input and are committed to your role. 

Your first day at work is your chance to set a positive tone for your time at the new job. Be prepared, ask the right questions and work with your new team to set clear expectations on both sides. Remember that your demeanour and appearance can make all the difference in making a good first impression. Keep an open mind, show your team members you have a good work ethic and be enthusiastic.  

Learn more about how to ace your first day at a new job

To put your best foot forward as you dive into the working world, see more from Hays: 

Leaving a company for a new opportunity can be exciting for many reasons. In your new role you may be moving up the career ladder, increasing your pay or developing your skills. 

Even though you are looking to the future there is still plenty to do at your current role. It’s important to make sure you leave on a positive note by preserving the good working relationships you have.

But what should you consider? A farewell message to the boss? A goodbye email to the whole office?  

Take a look at our top etiquette tips for leaving for a new role. In our blog we offer advice on everything from giving your notice to sending a farewell message to your boss and other colleagues. 

Why is it a good idea to leave your company in a professional way?  

Whether your experience with your current employer is positive or negative, it pays to be gracious for many reasons: 

  • Upsetting your boss or colleagues may damage your chances of getting a positive reference. 
  • Any negative comments  on social media about your current employer may make it back to your new employer. Be careful what you post online. 
  • Leaving on good terms allows for networking opportunities and future recommendations.  
  • Working your full notice and being professional until your last day will emphasise your positive work ethic.  

How and when should you give your notice? 

Once you have a firm offer in place from your new employer and have chosen to accept, set up a meeting with your manager. Have a letter of resignation ready to formally give notice after discussing it in person. 

Find out more about how to write a resignation letter here.

Can I resign by sending a farewell email and resignation letter? 

Handing in your notice can be one of the most stressful parts of leaving a job. However, it is courteous to inform your manager that you are leaving face-to-face. If you work remotely, arrange a virtual meeting instead.

A busy manager may miss an email or misinterpret any well-meaning messages. Try to keep these initial discussions in-person.

Leaving a job isn’t an opportunity to air grievances 

If being unhappy in your current role is your reason for leaving, remember that this isn’t the time to vent. 

You may have an exit interview with senior management or HR. This presents a chance for you to suggest any improvements the company can make in a professional capacity. In this instance, try to keep your suggestions solution-based rather than anything personal.  

Similarly, writing a farewell email to coworkers that is insulting won’t help your career in the long term. Make sure you exercise restraint when writing your farewell messages.  

How to approach a goodbye message for your boss

It’s always polite to let your current manager know the positive impact that the role has had on you. This is true regardless of whether you have a good relationship or not.

This doesn’t have to be a lengthy appreciation letter to your boss. All you need to do is choose some specific reasons why the opportunity to work with them has been beneficial. For example: 

  • Did you develop any skills that will help in your future career? 
  • Have you formed good relationships with your colleagues? 
  • Were you given any valuable opportunities during your employment? 
  • Did you receive support at a crucial time in your career?  

Offer to stay connected in your farewell letter to colleagues  

Your relationship with your colleagues doesn’t have to end with a final goodbye message to your workmates. In fact, if you are staying within the same industry your paths might continue to cross in the future.  

It is worth taking a few extra steps to let everyone know you are open to staying friends. Or if not friends at the very least remaining part of the same network.  

Prepare a goodbye email to coworkers 

Writing a farewell letter to colleagues is the ideal way to say how much you have enjoyed working with them. , Taking the opportunity to wish them good luck in their future endeavours demonstrates that you still value your team members even though you’re leaving.  

Consider exchanging personal contact information 

It’s never been easier to keep in touch with former colleagues and continue your professional relationships.  

You can provide your personal email address in your leaving message, or a link to your LinkedIn profile. Sharing professional profiles or email addresses is a great way to stay connected with your former colleagues.  

Offer to assist during the transition period to make it as smooth as possible  

You may be able to craft the best farewell email to your colleagues that the company has ever seen. However, what your company might appreciate more is your help.  

Be proactive and try to help as much as possible to ensure the continued success of your team. Providing support is one of the most important things to do before you finally bid farewell.  

Make sure to provide a thorough handover 

Your current employer may ask you to work on a handover for your replacement. Even though you won’t necessarily be working with this person, it’s in your best interests to help. 

Hosting handover meetings or documenting your duties will help maintain a good relationship with your current employer.  

Remember that your notice period isn’t the time to switch off 

While you’re working your notice, make sure you stay alert and continue to make an effort. It can be easy to switch off and begin the countdown until your last day. However, this period is not the time to relax – ensure your reputation as a reliable and conscientious employee stays intact.  

Don’t feel guilty about leaving a company 

Resigning can make you feel guilty for leaving a previous employer and supportive colleagues behind. Remember: this is a perfectly normal and very common occurrence. Your colleagues are probably excited on your behalf.  

Take time to reflect on the success of securing a new position. Now is the time to regroup and focus on the opportunities that your new role may bring.  

Want to put your best foot forward in your new role? Let Hays show you how:

A lucrative market awaits people pursuing a career as a contractor. People with the right specialist skills can find work in a lot of organisations and enjoy plenty of benefits. 

In this blog, you’ll learn all about the world of contracting. We discuss everything from the benefits of being a contractor to the skills you’ll need and how to take your first steps.   

What are the benefits of working as a contractor?  

According to the respondents to a recent Hays poll on LinkedIn, the main benefit is getting to be your own boss. As an independent contractor, you can choose where you work, when you work and who you work for. 

As a contractor, you can set your own rates. If you offer your services on an hourly basis, this could result in a higher annual income, which was rated as the second-best perk in the recent poll. 

What steps should you take to become a contractor?   

1. Make sure working as an independent contractor is right for you  

Becoming a contractor has many pros and cons, so you need to make sure the move would be right for you. Try seeking out professional advice before making your decision. 

Are you able to keep a calendar? Can you deal with professional indemnity insurance requirements? Do you know the best way to pay yourself? Are you proactive in finding projects? 

James Milligan, Global Head of Technology Solutions, has compiled a list of questions to ask yourself here.  

2. Prepare to move on from your full-time job  

Working as a contractor alongside a full-time role is a smart way of building up a portfolio, but with the safety net of a permanent position. Check that your contract with your existing employer allows for this. 

You need to be ready to move on from your existing position. The world of contract work is fast paced, so you should be ready for new opportunities. 

3. Clarify your tax position with your employers   

In the UK, contractors generally follow a set of tax rules known as IR35. IR35 tax rules help to make sure that companies can’t exploit permanent employees by employing them as contractors. Understanding IR35 tax rules is vital. HMRC regularly investigates companies to determine whether they’re in breach of these regulations.  

Similar rules apply in countries like Germany. The German government introduced a process for assessing worker status and ensuring that self-employed contractors are not permanent employees in disguise. Learn more about the AUG labour licensing system in Germany. 

For workers in the US, there are additional processes for clarifying your employment status. If you are unsure whether you are an independent contractor or an employee, either you or the company can complete Form SS-8. This declaration allows the IRS to review your circumstances and determine your status. If an employer in the US incorrectly classifies an employee, the company may be liable for employment taxes.  

Make sure to clarify your contract status in line with your local laws and regulations. 

4. Think of how you want to set up as a contractor  

As a contractor in the UK, you can set yourself up as an employee of an umbrella company or start your own limited company. Choosing an umbrella company can be straightforward and reduce admin. However, starting a limited company offers tax advantages and allows you to claim for more expenses. 

Similarly, in the US, the most popular options are to operate a sole proprietorship or a limited company. Like umbrella companies in the UK, a sole proprietorship is the simplest option, but the main disadvantage is you’re left personally and financially liable. 

5. Find an accountant and set up your banking  

Using an accountant may cost money, but they can keep your accounts in order and avoid any complications with your tax bill. Accountants are especially useful if you have set up a limited company, both for tax purposes and to make sure you have the right type of bank account.  

6. Create your contractor portfolio and online presence  

A Hays poll revealed that 52% of the 10,045 respondents believe the ability to build and maintain relationships is the most important trait for a contractor. 

Are you active on LinkedIn and comfortable in reaching out to your network? Having a strong online profile and portfolio can make it easier to connect with new clients. Start with our personal branding checklist:  

  1. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete: Choose a ​​high-quality and professional profile picture, fully optimise your headline and create a summary that sets you apart.   
  1. Remember to show your personality: Use a friendly and authentic tone, add personal facts or hobbies and share your vision and values.  
  1. Have an active online presence: Post relevant content, engage with other users, join groups or communities and reach out to potential contacts to make your account more visible.   
  1. Consider creating a website or blog: Try purchasing your own name as a domain. Add examples of work, a brief bio, a contact email address and links to the rest of your online presence, such as LinkedIn or Facebook.   

7. Start working as a contractor and seek out new contract roles  

As a contractor you must be proactive in finding new contacts and opportunities. Marc Burrage, Managing Director for Hays Asia, has written about the search process and how to stay positive.  

Can I learn more from recruitment agencies like Hays?   

The expert team at Hays can offer invaluable advice on becoming a contractor and how to establish your career. Read more of our blogs on this topic and reach out to us today.   

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