Introduction

Contracting is becoming a popular career option for IT professionals because of the flexibility it offers.

There are several ways to work as a contractor: 1) directly with a client and 2) via a recruitment agency.

But what’s the difference, and what’s better for you?

If you are new to contracting, you may need the help of an agency. Recruiters will refer job openings from their partner companies and connect you with clients. They will also do all the pre-employment work for you.

Meanwhile, working with a client requires you to do everything - job sourcing, negotiating, and networking. This is time-consuming and means more work and responsibility for you.

How difficult is it get an IT job in New Zealand?

It can be complicated to find a job in the IT sector in New Zealand, especially for those who are new to the field.

While people look for a long-term career, many IT professionals find success in contracting. This will enable you to gain experience and expand your professional network.

In NZ, there is a great demand for specialists in some IT fields i.e.  cybersecurity, data analysis, software development, and other technology disciplines and skillsets.

However, since there may be intense competition for these positions, it's critical to have a wide network and a good CV to ensure you stand out.

Contracting for beginners

If you are new to contracting, start by looking for recruitment agencies and connect with recruiters and hiring managers.

Recruit I.T. is an example of a top recruitment agency in NZ. We connect exceptional candidates from all over the world with potential employers, particularly in the tech sector.

An agency takes care of everything for you. Recruit I.T., for example, takes care of a candidate’s contract – from reviewing, negotiating, and the onboarding process with the client.

With the help of an agency, you can seamlessly transition from a permanent to a contract role, making it a good method to enter contracting for beginners.

Less work and stress on your end as you wait for your starting date.

Contracting for more experienced candidates 

For more experienced candidates, working directly with a client might be a more feasible option, however, if you prefer a hassle-free contracting experience, partnering with a recruitment agency is still the best way to do it.

How to find work as a contractor in New Zealand

It can be difficult to find a contract role in NZ, but there are ways to improve your chances:

• Networking: Connect with other people in your field. Participate in industry gatherings, sign up for trade organisations, and ask other contractors if they are aware of any upcoming job openings.
• Online job boards: Short-term and long-term contracts are frequently available at these sites. Seek and Trade Me are two well-known job boards and Recruit I.T advertise job vacancies from its clients on many of these. You can also visit Recruit I.T.’s job board here.
• Recruitment agencies: Agencies like Recruit I.T. are an excellent place to start. These organisations can give you options and assist in matching you with clients.
• Social media: Utilise sites like LinkedIn and Twitter to uncover contract possibilities.
• Referral: A friend or coworker's recommendation is a wonderful approach to finding a contract job. Enquire if they are aware of any opportunities if you know someone who works in the same field.
  
  

Benefits of contracting with an agency

• Recruitment agencies can negotiate a good rate for you. Most people shift from permanent to a contract role to earn more money and contracting under an agency can help you negotiate your desired rate.
  
• Agencies can ensure you’re getting paid on time and will help you to find your next contract assignment before your contract ends. They serve as an intermediary or a buffer between you and the client. They also handle all pre-employment and processes. Some agencies even help you land a new contracting assignment before your contract expires.
  
• Contracting with an agency can help you build your network. An agency can keep you in a pool of candidates and refer you to their partner companies in the future.  
  
  

Contracting via Recruit I.T.

• Recruit I.T. will act as your advocate for the client.
• Our dedicated consultants are constantly looking for suitable opportunities for our contractors, as our goal is to ensure you have continuity of contract work, whether this be with your existing contract, or our wider customer base.
• You will often receive payment earlier than going direct.
• Recruit I.T. is BTCI (Buyer Tax Created Invoice) approved by the Inland Revenue Department. This means we provide you with an invoice without you needing to create one.
• Discounted PI & PL Insurance
• Cloud-based timesheets & payslips

If you would like to know more about contracting opportunities, visit our Job board.

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to one of our consultants to understand the market and demand for contracting in your chosen skillset, then feel free to get in touch with Our Team.