Long before you park the car in the visitors' section of some giant corporation and linger tentatively in the glass-boxed reception before being escorted to the lifts and the interview room, your preparation should have started.

The decisions we make about liking or disliking somebody are made phenomenally quickly.

Umbrellas may be liable for agents or clients who change payments terms on a whim.

Owen spots the permies, discovers where not to log the vitals, and knuckles down to embrace IT contracting.

How IT contractors can win longer lasting work without paying the price.

Owen settles in with a change of PM, a lack of interest from his colleagues but a gut feeling he's made the right decision.

IT freelancers may receive a cautious response for changing tack.

When is it the right time to begin contracting? In the first of a mini-series, one contractor tells us his story.

Some brief notes on the size and popularity of the site, its history and partnerships.

Expert: Positive signs from a government still learning about IT contracting.

What contractors can expect from an IR35 investigation: now and in the future.

Legislator's wish to exempt PSC/umbrella users is 'risky and inflexible.'

Blessed with an abundant natural resource, Brazil has become the most powerful country in South America in economic terms and thus is leading the other countries of South America.

Brazil has recently become a top destination for contract and fixed work.  The country’s economy has seen growth in the past few years and offers some of the world’s highest salaries.

Brussels's status as the 'capital' of the EU means that there is a wealth of contract and project-based work available.

Belgium's close contact with the European community and fast transport links to the UK make it a popular destination despite relatively high tax and social security rates.

Europe's largest country, unsurprisingly, has a range of different attractions for the international contractor.

The IT industry is extremely active, offering many contract opportunities, while other sectors are also very present.

Within 6 weeks of your arrival in Ireland, it will be necessary to apply, with the relevant documentation, for a Personal Public Service (PPS) number at the local Social Welfare Office.

Although not traditionally regarded as a contractor destination, the implantation of technology giants such as Apple, Amazon and Microsoft in Ireland has opened up the market.