​Periods of downtime between contracts can be challenging, especially for contractors who thrive on staying busy and productive. It’s natural to feel a sense of uncertainty during these gaps, but it’s also important to remember that they don’t have to be wasted time. These moments can serve as valuable opportunities for reflection, personal growth, and professional preparation.

Rather than seeing downtime as a setback, consider it a chance to reassess your goals, sharpen your skills, and set yourself up for future success. For extra tips on this please read our blog for national career week on unlocking your potential- Read here Whether it’s updating your CV, networking, or tackling projects you’ve been putting off, there are countless ways to stay proactive and make the most of your time.

If you’re currently out of work and struggling to see the way forward, don’t lose hope. By focusing on what you CAN control, you’ll not only keep moving forward but also ensure you’re ready for the next opportunity when it comes your way. Here are some practical steps to help you stay visible, remain employable, and make productive use of this period:

1. Update Your Digital Presence

In today’s connected world, your online presence is a critical tool for showcasing your skills and experience. Keeping your digital profiles fresh and engaging ensures you stand out to potential clients, recruiters, and employers. Here are some tips to optimise your digital presence:

·         LinkedIn

Use a strong, compelling headline that highlights your expertise. In your summary, outline your key skills, achievements, and what you bring to a role.

Ensure your experience section includes not just your job titles but also detailed descriptions of your responsibilities and accomplishments, with keywords relevant to your industry.

Regularly update your skills section and ask colleagues or former clients to endorse your abilities.

Use LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature to let recruiters know you’re available. You can choose whether to display it publicly or just to recruiters.

Post updates about industry trends, share articles, or comment on posts to stay active and visible.

·         Beyond LinkedIn: Explore Other Platforms

If your industry has niche job boards or networking platforms make sure your profiles are updated there too. If applicable, maintain a professional website to showcase your projects, testimonials, or a downloadable CV.

 ·         Think About Imagery

Make sure you have a high-quality, professional headshot for your profiles. It adds credibility and makes your profile more approachable.

If possible, include images, videos, or links to your work where possible. For instance, you could showcase completed projects.

·         Engage Your Online Network

Reconnect with former colleagues, clients, or industry contacts. Drop them a message to catch up and let them know you’re looking for opportunities.

Participate in LinkedIn or Facebook groups relevant to your industry. Active engagement in discussions can help you build visibility and credibility.

2. Connect with Others in Your Situation

Beyond your online network it may be useful to meet up with other contractors who are also out of work. Sharing experiences, advice, and support can be uplifting. Networking events or informal meetups can lead to new opportunities.

If there are industry showcase events with free entry then arrange to go together in a group and engage with companies that are exhibiting about upcoming opportunities. In early 2025 MPI are hoping to put on in-person networking events for cntractors and clients to connect. To register your interest in this please follow this link and add your contact information. Register here.

3. Stay Connected with Trusted Recruiters

Reach out to recruitment agencies or professionals you’ve worked with in the past. They can offer insights into the job market, upcoming opportunities, and feedback on your CV. Regular communication keeps you on their radar. You can also ask other contractors or contacts who they trust and have had success with.

4. Keep Your CV Ready

Any recruiter is going to want—and often need—a copy of your CV before they can put you forward for potential opportunities. Your CV serves as your professional calling card, so it’s vital that it’s accurate, polished, and up-to-date. Recruiters and hiring managers often review dozens, if not hundreds, of CVs for a single position, so yours needs to stand out and effectively showcase why you’re the ideal candidate.

Start by ensuring that your CV reflects your most recent roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Focus on tailoring it to emphasise the experience and skills that are most relevant to the types of positions you’re seeking. Use industry-specific keywords that align with the job descriptions you’re targeting—this is particularly important for applicant tracking systems (ATS), which many recruiters (not MPI but many others) and employers use to screen CVs.

Here are some extra tips to create an outstanding CV:

·         Highlight Key Achievements not just job duties. Quantify them where possible. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Managed a team of 10 engineers to deliver a project 15% ahead of schedule. ”Tailor them to show how they demonstrate your ability to add value to a new role.

·         Keep It Concise and Clear. Use bullet points, clear headings, and concise language to make yours easy to read. Aim for 2–3 pages maximum, focusing on your most recent and relevant experience.

·         At the top of your CV, add a short summary that encapsulates your skills, experience, and career goals. This serves as a snapshot of what you bring to the table.

·         If you’ve completed any recent training, certifications, or CPD activities, include these prominently. They demonstrate your commitment to staying current and adding value to your profession.

·         Spelling or formatting errors can harm your credibility. Proofread your CV multiple times or ask someone else to review it for you. Use a clean, professional format with consistent fonts and spacing.

For further tips for specific roles please follow this link to our previous blog of CV tips. Read here.

5. Invest in Training and Development

Use this time to sharpen your skills or learn something new that directly aligns with your industry. With the rapid pace of technological and regulatory changes across sectors like rail, aviation, rolling stock, and manufacturing, staying up-to-date is essential. Fortunately, there are numerous industry-specific training opportunities available, including free or low-cost options. The government has a link to help you identify free courses in a variety of industries and a variety of levels. Please follow this link for more information:

Make sure any certificates you need for your industries are in date, e.g Human Factors, PTS and/or any Health and Safety certificates you may need. Make sure your log books and non-technical skills are up to date too.

Tip: You could use this period to identify emerging trends in your field, such as automation in manufacturing or sustainability in aviation, and seek training that aligns with these areas. Investing in your skills not only enhances your employability but also demonstrates a proactive approach to potential employers.

6. Consider Temporary or Alternative Work

Taking on interim shifts, even in roles outside your usual expertise, can be a practical way to stay active while providing financial stability. These opportunities can help bridge employment gaps on your CV and keep you engaged in the workforce.

Temporary roles often present a chance to diversify your experience and develop new skills that could prove valuable in your primary industry. For example, a manufacturing contractor might explore roles in logistics, while a rail industry professional could try a short-term safety or compliance position.

Beyond skill-building, temporary work can also expand your network. You may meet professionals from new sectors who could provide leads or recommend you for future opportunities. It’s also an excellent way to show flexibility and adaptability—qualities that employers value highly.

Keep an open mind when exploring alternative roles; even a short stint in a different industry can offer unexpected benefits and potentially lead to long-term prospects.

7. Maintain a Healthy Routine

Staying physically and mentally healthy is essential during downtime, as it helps you stay positive, focused, and prepared for your next opportunity. A healthy routine can provide stability and structure when work isn’t occupying your day.

Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a workout at the gym. Regular movement not only reduces stress and boosts your mood but also keeps you energised and sharp.

Diet: Prioritise balanced, nutritious meals. Avoid falling into the trap of convenience foods, and instead, use this time to cook meals that fuel your body and mind. Staying hydrated is equally important.

Mindset: Establish a structured daily schedule that includes productive activities and relaxation. Starting and ending your day with intention, even during downtime, helps maintain a sense of purpose and control.

Taking care of your well-being during this period ensures you’re not only physically prepared but also mentally resilient for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

8. Tackle Long-Delayed Tasks

Now’s a perfect time to check off those “I’ll get to it later” tasks:

Home Projects: Whether it’s a clear out, a declutter or a reorganisation of cupboards, sheds or garages or tackling those promised DIY jobs there is a real sense of achievement that can be gained from completing one or more of those tasks.

Paperwork: Get ahead in the preparation of your tax return or sort through other household documents which could also identify areas that you can save money such as subscriptions you are not using at the moment.You can also use this process to create a budget to manage your income and savings effectively.

9. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering can provide a sense of purpose, expand your network, and even lead to unexpected job opportunities. Whether it’s helping at a local charity or offering your skills pro bono, giving back can be highly rewarding.

If you cannot find a company to volunteer with yourself most councils have links on their website to help identify organisations in your local community who would appreciate the help from volunteers. These opportunities can also be added to your CV showing your dedication to staying engaged which employers will value.

10. Spend Time with Loved Ones

And finally, enjoy the flexibility to reconnect with family and friends. Quality time with your nearest and dearest is invaluable and can be a source of strength during uncertain times.

Periods between contracts can feel daunting, but they also provide opportunities for growth, self-improvement, and connection. By staying proactive, visible, and positive, you’ll not only bridge the gap but also set yourself up for success in your next role.

If you’re looking for further support or advice, get in touch with us. Our offices are available for people to drop by, kettle can be put on and assistance can be provided for CV writing and training course attendance. We are here to help!