Getting started contracting in the UK without any contacts?

[Carlton]

Are you still in Oz? If so, you'll find it extremely difficult if not impossible. You have nothing an agent wants (two references/leads) and are not available for interviews onsite immediately.

I've done it the other way (UK to Australia) for a perm position with phone interviews, but still required face to face when there. When returning to the UK, even with previous UK experience on my cv, most if not all agents that bothered to reply said nice cv but look us up once you're back.

No I'm in the UK now, didn't think it was worth starting to apply before I got over here and got set up with a local number etc.

It's a tough decision deciding whether to take a perm role at low pay to break into the market, or waiting for a contract to come along.

[stek]

Do you have the right to work in the UK?

[sal]

Do you have the right to work in the UK?

.. (I have a visa)...

Speaking from experience first contract for a foreigner is hard to land even if you have plenty of relevant experience overseas. Don't give up and be prepared to take a low rate contract that none else wants or even a permie role as some already suggested.

How long have you been looking? Do you even get call from agents in response to your applications? Have you had any interviews yet?

[Carlton]

Do you have the right to work in the UK?

Yeah I have a visa, employer doesn't need to sponsor me or anything.

[stek]

Ahh, but what visa? Not many allow contracting, only the YMS I think now...

[Scruff]

When I arrived here, I also battled for about 6 weeks, since I had no "London / UK experience".

Took a contract at a low rate to get my feet in the door and after a month managed to negotiate it upwards (and at every renewal) - stayed 3.5 years...