Enhance your skills. Learning multiple skill sets will increase your marketability. But developing good listening skills along with good people, time management, formal project management methodologies, and proper management skills will make you even more marketable. One way to practice new skills is to volunteer your services to a non-profit organization. You may even make new connections that will lead to engagements down the road.
Make every job count. During your downtime, you may end up taking “filler” jobs. Make sure you give 100 percent at all times to these jobs regardless of the tasks required. You never know where a job could lead for you. If you don’t make a good impression with the easy aspects of the job, why would you be considered for a more challenging position?
Plan your references. Always notify references ahead of time so they know they may be contacted. When you choose a reference, make sure it is someone that has seen you deliver outstanding results and can discuss the added value you would offer a company if hired.
Price accordingly. As many companies do, adjust your pricing to fit your clients. Sometimes this means lowering your rates.
Don’t give up. Don’t get discouraged, no matter how long it has been between contracts. By remaining positive and continuing to target your market, organizations will see the value in your skills.
