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What does an Independent Contractor do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

An independent contractor is a person who provides services to another person or company under an agreement between the two, where the independent contractor is not an employee of the other person or company.

Independent Contractor job duties include:

  • Research potential clients and projects
  • Draft proposals and negotiate project terms
  • Manage deadlines and deliverables
  • Stay within budget while maximizing profit
  • Oversee all aspects of project execution
  • Ensure quality control throughout the duration of the project
  • Handle customer service and client communications
  • Train and manage project team members
  • Generate progress reports and post-project evaluations

Independent Contractor Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for independent contractors, although some positions may require a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification is not typically required, but may be helpful in securing work. Independent contractors should have experience in the field they wish to work in, as well as any relevant training or certification. They should also be comfortable working independently and be able to manage their own time and workload.

Independent Contractor Skills

  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Social media
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Graphic design
  • Web design
  • Photography

Related: Top Independent Contractor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Independent Contractor

There are many reasons why someone might want to become an independent contractor. Perhaps they crave the freedom and flexibility that comes with being their own boss, or maybe they have a specific skill set that lends itself well to contract work. Whatever the reason, becoming an independent contractor can be a great way to earn a living – but it’s not without its challenges.

If you’re thinking of making the leap into contracting, here are a few things you should keep in mind:

1. You’ll need to be organized and self-motivated

As an independent contractor, you’ll be responsible for finding your own work, managing your time, and meeting deadlines. This can be a liberating experience for some people, but it can also be daunting if you’re not used to being so organized and self-motivated. If you think you might struggle in this area, it might be worth considering working with a small contracting company to start with, rather than going it completely alone.

2. You’ll need to market yourself effectively

In order to find work as an independent contractor, you’ll need to market yourself effectively. This means having a strong online presence and being able to sell your skillset to potential clients. If marketing isn’t your strong suit, you may want to consider partnering with another contractor who is better at self-promotion.

3. You may need to invest in some equipment or software

Depending on the type of contracting work you do, you may need to invest in some equipment or software. For example, if you’re a web designer, you’ll need access to design software like Adobe Photoshop or Sketch. If you plan on doing any sort of online work, you’ll also need a reliable laptop and high-speed internet connection. Before taking on any contract work, make sure you have everything you need in order to do the job effectively.

4. You may need to get insurance

If you plan on working as an independent contractor full-time, you may need to get your own insurance coverage. This is especially important if you plan on doing any sort of physical labor or working with dangerous materials. Talk to an insurance agent about what type of coverage would be best for your situation.

5. You’ll need to stay up-to-date on industry trends

In order to be successful as an independent contractor, you’ll need to stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments. This means reading industry news, attending conferences and networking events, and generally staying informed about what’s going on in your field. The more knowledgeable you are about your industry, the better equipped you’ll be to find success as a contractor.

Related: Independent Contractor Resume Example

Related: Independent Contractor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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