At Hays, we've witnessed a global surge in the demand for non-permanent workers, with organisations actively seeking skilled professionals to fill gaps. But do you know what skills you need to be a contractor, or what the benefits of project work are? In this presentation by Travis O'Rourke, President of Hays Canada, Travis shares insights into the benefits of life as a contractor, the skills needed to succeed and the steps to take.

1. BE YOUR OWN BOSS:
A CAREER AS A
CONTRACTOR
With Travis O’Rourke

2. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
DURING THE EVENT
What is a contractor and what
do they do?
Why is there such high demand
for contractors in 2023?
What are the benefits of
becoming a contractor?
What are the skills or traits
you need?
What should you think about before
starting out?
How can you get started and achieve
lifelong success?
ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ASK?
DROP YOUR QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
Which industries are looking
for contractors?

3. WHAT IS A CONTRACTOR
AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
Contingent worker
Not a permanent employee anywhere
Specialist in chosen field
Helps clients in tackling problem areas
Works in short term
Moves between clients and projects for set periods
Own boss
Offers their service as a business

4. HOW DOES A CONTRACTOR DIFFER
TO OTHER CONTINGENT WORKERS?
Manage own incorporated business
(with associated benefits and risks)
Often knowledge workers with highly
desired skillset
Usually use and provide own equipment
Potential for multiple clients
Rates often set by contractor
CONTRACTOR
TEMP
Temporary employee
Usually cover for absences/in
busy periods
Work at employer and use
their equipment
Typically one employer at a time
Rates set by employer

5. WHY IS THERE SUCH HIGH DEMAND
FOR CONTRACTORS IN 2023?
Skills gaps
Less need for
onboarding and
training
Lower costs
Scalable workforce
in response
to demand
(or lack thereof)
Changing needs
of workers

6. WHICH INDUSTRIES ARE
LOOKING FOR CONTRACTORS?
Technology
Engineering
Mining
Energy
Pharma
Construction
Industries where contractors are in demand include:
Consulting

7. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
OF BECOMING A CONTRACTOR?
Salary – potential for higher pay and tax benefits
Flexibility – many contractors work remotely
Freedom – ultimately, you’re your own boss!
Variety – lots of different projects available
Opportunities – chance to build own brand and business
In response to our
LinkedIn poll earlier
this month 41%
believe that flexibility
in choosing work is
the biggest
advantage of working
as a contractor

8. WHAT ARE THE SKILLS YOU NEED?
Technical expertise - clients are investing in
skills and knowledge
Motivation – job searches are frequent
Organisation – contractors need to manage their career
Adaptability – work environments will change quickly
Relationship building – networking and engaging
with new stakeholders is key
In response to our
LinkedIn poll earlier
this month 52%
believe building
and maintaining
relationships is the
‘most important
attribute to have to
be a successful
contractor’
Communication – must understand and
meet client demands

9. WHAT SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT
BEFORE STARTING OUT?
Do you have the right skills?
How would you cope without colleagues/constantly
changing co-workers?
How do you measure progression?
Does it offer the same opportunities for learning
and development as being a full-time employee?
What if you want to return to full-time employment?
In response to our
LinkedIn poll earlier
this month 53% said
the biggest challenge
is ‘periods without
work’

10. HOW CAN YOU GET STARTED
AND ACHIEVE LIFELONG SUCCESS?
Grow your
network
Identify
skills gaps
Find the right
learning resources
Stay on top
of trends
Keep portfolio
up to date
Look at available
opportunities
Talk to Hays

11. Your chance to ask some questions!
Q&A

12. THANK YOU
TO ALL OUR VIEWERS