Contracting as a Software Developer

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bakery2k

79 posts

Master Geek
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#91813 20-Oct-2011 17:50

I currently run a MicroISV - a one-man software company working on a commercial product. I need a source of income while building the product, and it seems the best way to achieve this would be to do some software development work as a contractor.

My research shows that there are generally two ways to go about this. Option 1 is to have a business contract my company directly. Option 2 is for me to sign up with an agent to act as an intermediary - the agent handles administration, including such things as payroll and insurance, in return for a percentage.

Is this categorization correct? If so, should I prefer one option over the other? Also:

For option 1, where are the best places to find businesses looking to take on contractors?
For option 2, can anyone recommended an agent (I'm based in central Auckland)?

Ragnor

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#535829 20-Oct-2011 21:12

I used HaysIT for option #2 back when I was contracting, many recruitment agencies also deal in contracting not just full time placements.

In my experience for option #1 you usually need to have established contacts from doing #2 for awhile.

Skipping the middleman will definitely get your more money.

graemeh

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#535985 21-Oct-2011 09:33

I've used Robert Walters in Auckland for option #2 but you shouldn't limit yourself to just one or two agents, just use whoever gets you the work.

I find Seek is a good place to set up a search and I get daily emails and then just ring the people advertising. Make sure you send them a CV even if the role doesn't suit so that you're on their database when they go looking for people.

voicecompany

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#536321 21-Oct-2011 23:11

There are a number of internet based services which are great for freelance workers.
I have used Odesk quite a bit, but there are others as well.
Basicaly you can list your skills, provide a kind of CV as well as do some online
tests to provide you have the skills.
People looking for contractors can then browser and find you.
However you can also keep an eye out for new jobs and respond to them.
They pay you via Wire Transfer, Paypal or a special debit card they issue you with.
Its great you get work from all over the world and its easy to decide if and when you want to get some extra income.

Here are a few:
www.odesk.com
www.elance.com
www.guru.com

bakery2k

79 posts

Master Geek
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#537473 25-Oct-2011 22:23

Thanks for the replies.

Following graemeh's advice I've done a search on Seek for "Contract/Temp Developers/Programmers jobs in Auckland". The vast majority of the results are listed by recruitment agents.

Do these agents generally expect to act in the intermediary role described by "option 2" (as opposed to just doing the initial recruiting), or do I need to find this out on a case-by-case basis?

timmmay

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#537595 26-Oct-2011 10:02

#2. Look on seek for suitable contracts, send your CV to them. Or just email your CV to the top 5 IT recruitment firms and let them do the work for you. You can't rely on recruiters though, you will often find jobs you're perfect for on their books that they didn't bother to tell you about. Almost no-one likes recruiters.