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How to get started? - first time contractor

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    How to get started? - first time contractor

    Hi all. This is my first time here, so if this is not the correct forum, please let me know the correct forum to post my question to.

    I have been running my own business for the last 9 years, working in the IT/financial markets sector. Needless to say, I already have a Ltd company. Over the last couple of years, things have really slowed down, and I am having to seriously consider contracting, to "ride the storm" and bolster my finances.

    A bit of my background: I am a mathematican by qualification (masters degree), and my previous employers included an investment bank. I have software architecture skills - as well as being a fluent programmer in C/C++ (and "dabble a bit" with C#), PHP (and a few other web related skills).

    I have never contracted before, and I was quite pleased when I came accross this site - as it was just what I was looking for.

    I would be very grateful for any tips/advice on how to get started

    For example:

    1. Are there specialist agencies out there that I can approach (could someone name a few?)

    2. I would like to use my existing ltd company, is this possible, and what (if anything) is/are the implications of doing so?

    3. How do I get started ? Apart from (obviously), sending out my CV to some agents etc?

    4. I have both finance (architecture/development etc) skills as well as web skills (mostly using PHP web frameworks, jQuery etc) - and I am not sure which of these "sides" of me to put forward in a CV. Any help on this would be much appreciated

    Last but not the least, I haven't attended an interview in well over 10 years, so I don't even know what to expect - I would be very glad for some useful feedback regarding this.


    I look forward to your feedback.

    #2
    You need to start here

    ---------------------------------------> First Timers guide

    Should answer most of your questions

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by voidstar View Post
      Hi all. This is my first time here, so if this is not the correct forum, please let me know the correct forum to post my question to.

      I have been running my own business for the last 9 years, working in the IT/financial markets sector. Needless to say, I already have a Ltd company. Over the last couple of years, things have really slowed down, and I am having to seriously consider contracting, to "ride the storm" and bolster my finances.

      A bit of my background: I am a mathematican by qualification (masters degree), and my previous employers included an investment bank. I have software architecture skills - as well as being a fluent programmer in C/C++ (and "dabble a bit" with C#), PHP (and a few other web related skills).

      I have never contracted before, and I was quite pleased when I came accross this site - as it was just what I was looking for.

      I would be very grateful for any tips/advice on how to get started

      For example:

      1. Are there specialist agencies out there that I can approach (could someone name a few?)

      2. I would like to use my existing ltd company, is this possible, and what (if anything) is/are the implications of doing so?

      3. How do I get started ? Apart from (obviously), sending out my CV to some agents etc?

      4. I have both finance (architecture/development etc) skills as well as web skills (mostly using PHP web frameworks, jQuery etc) - and I am not sure which of these "sides" of me to put forward in a CV. Any help on this would be much appreciated

      Last but not the least, I haven't attended an interview in well over 10 years, so I don't even know what to expect - I would be very glad for some useful feedback regarding this.


      I look forward to your feedback.
      1. Specialist agensies for what? Couldn't tell you about the banking sector but if you have a look on Jobserve (other job boards are available) for the sort of roles you'd want, then the same agency names will probably come up.
      2. Yep you can use your ltd co. If job is via an agent then IR35 is a risk.
      3. Get started by uploading your cv to the job boards that contain the kind of roles you are interested in. Apply for any you see that you think are interesting.
      4. If you re not fussed about what contract you get, make two cvs targetted at each skill set. Use the appropriate cv when applying.

      I can't believe you'd be bothered about interviews. After all, you've been selling yourself for years haven't you? Anyhoo, it's no different. Be yourself and if they like you - great. If they don't - move on. Either way don't worry about it, and treat it like a sales meeting.

      Best of luck.
      +50 Xeno Geek Points
      Come back Toolpusher, scotspine, Voodooflux. Pogle
      As for the rest of you - DILLIGAF

      Purveyor of fine quality smut since 2005

      CUK Olympic University Challenge Champions 2010/2012

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