Experience is what counts when it comes to IT jobs, according to one expert.

Gerry McLaughlin, of IT Contractor.com, said that experience and skills matter much more than qualifications when applying for freelancing jobs.

However, he did say that it is almost impossible to get an IT job having self-taught skills. In this case official qualifications are preferable.

Mr McLaughin added that self-taught IT contractors tend to have to find their own work and clients and work at a cheaper rate than those with a degree.

"There are lots of self taught people out there who can turn their hand to writing a bit of software, but they find it difficult to get into a company if they haven't worked in IT before,” he said.

This comes after advice from an expert on Freelance Folder said that contractors should prepare for Christmas this year by scheduling time off, saving up and being realistic about workload.