Ten steps for tech employees seeking freelance IT jobs

Transitioning from a full-time, permanent IT position to a temporary or freelance tech role can be both exciting and challenging.

The shift offers greater flexibility, the opportunity to work on diverse projects, and the potential for higher earnings.

However, to successfully make the ‘perm-to-contract’ transition, technology workers must take strategic steps to prime themselves for the freelance market.

Here are 10 must-dos for IT employees seeking their first freelance tech role, writes Ben Quinn, head of technology recruitment at Leap29.

1. Assess your tech skills versus market demand

Before diving into the freelance world, evaluate your technical expertise and how it aligns with market demands.

Research which IT skills are in high demand for contract roles.

At the time of writing (March 2025), the best tech skills in the contractor demand stakes are:

• Cloud computing;

• Cybersecurity;

• DevOps;

• Software development.

Platforms like LinkedIn, job boards, and freelancer marketplaces or project websites can provide insights into what companies are looking for in tech contractors.

2. Flex your freelance muscle in a CV/online profiles update

Your CV should highlight project-based work, technical expertise, and achievements that you did as an employee but which clearly demonstrate your ability to work independently.

Similarly optimise your LinkedIn and freelance marketplace profiles (e.g., Upwork, Toptal, or Freelancer) to showcase your skills, endorsements, and previous roles on projects.

Consider creating a portfolio or GitHub repository with examples of work which you specifically did.

3. Network strategically

Networking is crucial for securing contract roles requiring tech skills.

Engage with tech industry professionals on LinkedIn, attend IT networking events, and join relevant online forums.

Reach out too to recruiters who specialise in temporary IT placements, as they often have direct access to contract and freelance job opportunities -- often before they are put out to market – that will align with your skill set.

4. Grasp contractor tax and financial hallmarks

Freelancers need to manage their own taxes, insurance, and financial planning.

Investigate whether you’ll need to register as a sole trader, limited company, or work through an umbrella company, for the sort of tech assignments you like the look of.

Understanding your tax obligations – including grasping IR35 – while starting to set aside funds for retirement and emergency savings (assuming you want to freelance beyond the typical three-month temporary contract) is essential to ensure financial stability.

5. Prepare for a different type of recruitment process

Unlike permanent positions or posts, contract roles or assignments often have a faster hiring process for technology job candidates.

Be prepared for technical assessments and interviews that focus on how quickly you can deliver results.

Highlight your adaptability and problem-solving abilities in interviews, to reassure potential clients that you can add immediate value.

6. Set your rate and define value proposition

Research “market rate” for IT contractors with similar skills to you, and once you factor in their greater experience, set yourself a competitive yet profitable rate for your “services.”

Don’t forget to price-in to your daily rate expenses synonymous with IT contracting which were taken care of for you as a full-time employee.

The key expenses when determining your pricing structure as a freelance IT contractor are tax, software licences, and potential professional development costs, as you’ll need to work out and pay your own, perhaps buy your own, and possibly incur course fees yourself, respectively!

On receipt of your rate (which could also be an hourly rate depending on the type of gig, sector or end-user) clients will assess both cost and value, so don’t be shy in clearly stating how your expertise will benefit their projects.

7. Build a strong personal brand

Developing a personal brand as an IT contractor can set you apart in the freelance tech market.

To get going, share industry insights on LinkedIn, write blog posts, contribute to open-source projects, and put yourself forward to speak at tech events about your key specialism.

A strong personal brand as an independent technologist helps establish credibility and attract clients.

8. Find interim tech roles or IT consultancy work

If you’re struggling to land your first freelance role – the typical 3-month assignment might be elusive at first, consider interim contracts or short-term consultancy projects.

These alternative temporary roles should allow you to gain experience, build confidence, and develop both contacts and a clientele to make the transition to fully fledged freelancing smoother.

9. Manage time and client expectations

Freelance contracting with tech skills requires excellent time management and organisational skills, and clear communication with agencies and clients.

Set realistic deadlines, provide regular project updates, and use tools like Trello, Asana, or Jira to stay organised.

Consistently delivering quality work on time helps build a solid reputation, leading to repeat business and referrals.

10. Stay up-to-date with industry trends

Technology is an ever-evolving field, and freelancers and contractors are expected to stay ahead of trends affecting tech as a whole, their specific skillset or service, and their clients' industries or sectors, such as financial services or retail.

As well as taking in a daily stream of information from trusted sources on these three areas, invest in ongoing learning through certifications, online courses, or by attending industry conferences. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning will make you a more attractive hire, and may just convince a client to take you on if they’re having second thoughts about your predominantly full-time/permanent background.

Move from perm-to-contract in tech: Final thoughts

Moving from a permanent IT role to freelance work requires careful planning, networking, adaptability, and as these top 10 steps have touched upon, even a shift in mindset for those who want to succeed at IT contracting in the long term.

By developing a strong personal brand, setting competitive rates, and honing in-demand technology skills, IT  employees should be able to secure their first contract role -- potentially the basis of a thriving freelance technology career.

If you're considering making the switch, you’ll need to take proactive steps in 2025 to position yourself for success in the freelance IT market, but don’t go it completely alone – find a trusted, tech-savvy and contractor-friendly recruitment agent who can smooth the transition for you with opportunities tailored to your technology skill.