Freelance Guide:- continued

Building relationships
The truth of the matter, is that most agencies have a nucleus of freelance staff, who they always make sure are kept in work. Similarly, most freelancers will also have one favorite agency who they will always ring first.

These relationships are built up by both the freelancer and the agency understanding each others needs and trying their best to meet them at all times, or negotiating a compromise where this isn't possible.

To give you an idea, if you could adhere to all of the following, then you would definitely be included in our nucleus of staff.

Be decisive - when you are offered an assignment, decide as quickly as possible whether or not you want to take it.

Be reliable and punctual

Act professionally - and to the best of your abilities on site at all times . You are the agencies representative on site.

Commit yourself - never let yourself get talked into something you are unhappy with, or sell yourself short, but once you have agreed a rate, job or location, then stick to it until completion of the job.

Don't leave at the first sign of trouble - if you experience major problems on site, let your consultant know immediately - they may be able to sort the problem out for you..

Be flexible - we endeavor to get you the best job at the best rate. However, due to market forces beyond our control, this isn't always possible. Be prepared to take a slight drop in rate, or travel a little further if your agency is really stuck.

NB: Beware! There are some exceptionally greedy agencies out there who will ask you to drop your rate so they can increase their profit.

Contact - let your consultant know when your assignment is finishing and when you are looking for work, this will help us to maintain continuity of work. We also like to be kept informed when new contractors start on site and when workloads increase. We will always reward good information which leads to us getting more business.

NB Regular contact is good to build up a relationship, but don't over do it - ringing every day isn't going to increase your chances of getting work, it is more likely to harass the consultant.

If you work to this standard, then you will become an asset which the agency will not want to lose. Here at Rockall, we have had freelancers working through us for more than 10 years. The reason for this, is that they take care of our interests and in return we offer them a service second to none. Regular freelancers through Rockall enjoy the following: