Subscribe
  • Home
  • /
  • TechForum
  • /
  • Contractors must develop and reengineer skills to retain marketability

Contractors must develop and reengineer skills to retain marketability

By Bryan Hattingh
Johannesburg, 26 Jan 1999

Independent contractors must develop a robust and dynamic skills portfolio if they want to remain independent in the long term.

This is the caution from Bryan Hattingh Group MD Bryan Hattingh, who over the last decade has observed the swing towards independent contracting and back towards salaried employment.

"Many people became independent contractors based on the prospect of a contract at lucrative rates, often with their previous employer," says Hattingh. "This relationship is hardly independent, though: the only change is in the payment procedure, with the contractor presenting an invoice at the end of the month rather than drawing a salary."

If the contractor has failed to maintain skills at current levels and market himself, though, he could find himself without an alternative contract, and having to re-enter salaried employment.

"We have had many people who fit this profile present their CVs to us after they have found themselves without a contract," says Hattingh. "The IT industry moves quickly and skills are soon outdated. Businesses have no obligation to invest in contractor training. In addition, during an economic downturn, when costs are carefully scrutinised, companies will cut back on contractors. The independent contractor who not only identifies but also markets his skills, and works towards sustaining his long-term marketability, has a greater chance of retaining his independence."

The good news is that there is a market for those looking for a salaried position. Hattingh says the prerequisites are "a saleable offering, and the right skills set and mindset":

  • It may be necessary to take a drop in income where skills are out of date, but the market always reacts well to positive people;

  • A candidate should prepare himself properly for a position and know what he wants to do;

  • Positive candidates are committed to the move they are making. No employer wants someone who is keeping one eye on the employment columns, waiting for a better paid position; and

  • Those who take personal responsibility for their change in circumstances and regard this as an opportunity will have a greater chance of successful placement than those who react negatively to circumstances.

Hattingh concludes that in a skills-strapped market "the candidate is king" but businesses need IT people who add value.

Share

Editorial contacts

Frank Heydenrych
Frank Heydenrych Consultants
(011) 452 8148
frank@fhc.co.za
Bryan Hattingh
Bryan Hattingh Group
(083) 252 8912
bryan@bhg.co.za