IT contractors must use a good self-description to promote themselves as if they were a brand, according to a recruitment expert.

Writing for Sitepoint, Georgina Laidlaw of Web Pro Business says that the way in which contractors describe their own style of work can have an enormous impact on the way they are perceived by potential employers.

In addition, it can also affect their own self-perception and confidence.

However, Ms Laidlaw makes it clear that IT contractors should not make their operation out to be something that is not, as expectations will not be met.

She went on: "If you're a sole operator, describing yourself as an agency or consultancy may communicate the wrong messages to potential clients.

"They might be surprised, for example, if you can't manage more than one project at a time."

It was widely reported that the average employer receives 69 applications for each vacancy that becomes available.