How to find IT contract work – direct / via agencies

There are still many ways to find contract work in 2025 – either directly with end-clients or via recruitment agencies. With competition in the market tightening after IR35 reforms and economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to use every available channel to secure your next role.

How do contractors typically find work?

There’s no single proven route to securing consistent contract work.

According to IPSE’s 2024 Contracting in Numbers report, the majority of independent professionals still find their most recent assignments through agencies; however, direct approaches and LinkedIn are steadily increasing in importance.

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation estimates that over 70% of UK contractors work via an agency at some point each year, while around 1 in 5 secure contracts directly with clients.

Recruitment agencies

Most IT contract roles still pass through recruitment agencies. Registering with agencies that specialise in your skillset gives you early access to new roles before they hit the broader market.

Many roles are never advertised at all – they are filled from agency databases or by personal referral.

Job boards

Job boards are still helpful for visibility, though they no longer dominate as they did in the early 2000s. Sites such as Jobserve and CWJobs remain strong sources for tech roles.

Niche platforms (e.g. Otta for tech startups, Hired for software developers) are also gaining ground.

As always, be cautious of “CV harvesting” posts, and remember that many contract listings requiring existing security clearances can be restrictive.

Social media and online networking

LinkedIn has become the single most important networking platform for contractors.

Recruiters are increasingly advertising and approaching candidates directly through LinkedIn, rather than relying solely on job boards.

Make sure your contractor profile highlights your skills, IR35 status, and recent projects.

Clean up your online presence – many clients will check you out before shortlisting. We’ve put together a guide to improving your LinkedIn profile if you want to sharpen your online pitch.

Personal recommendations

Word of mouth remains one of the most effective ways to secure contracts.

Staying in touch with previous colleagues or clients can lead to repeat business and introductions that bypass agencies altogether. Some contractors build their whole careers on referrals.

LinkedIn groups and professional networks are also good ways to stay visible and network with like-minded people.

Direct work with clients

Roughly one in five contractors now source work directly with end-clients. Sometimes this is achieved through previous permanent roles (being rehired on a contract basis) or through direct approaches to companies in need of specialist skills.

Working directly can be more lucrative, but you also carry the admin burden – handling contract negotiations, invoicing, renewals, and late payment risks.

Free CV and LinkedIn appraisal

To give yourself an edge, you can request a free, confidential appraisal of your CV and LinkedIn profile from the team at CV & Interview Advisors. Find out more here.