How to get contract jobs?

[SueEllen]

Hi all

i have read this forum but still struggling

finished permanent job end of august and now looking to get into contracting. have been trying for past month and bit. usually apply for 20-30 jobs a day. but not having any luck. get odd calls but all for perm, non for contracting.

I got my first role direct as I happened to find it on a job board. It was in a place I knew I could travel to in just over an hour but for many other people it would take them much longer.

So apart from the other things people have mentioned I would:
1. Only apply for a few roles a day with a modified CV per role. If you can't modify your CV to fit the advert and showcase your skills in those areas then don't apply as agents will simply put your CV in the bin
2. Be prepared to commute a wider distance - I don't know where you live but you probably could commute further than you think. Also be prepared to work away from home.
3. When you are networking don't only do it online but do it in person. This includes talking to your intelligent mates who have some clue about freelancing/self-employment/contracting and telling them you are available even if they aren't in IT. They may send you the wrong jobs but they could also connect you with people who can give you work you can do.

[northernladuk]

Poop. Guilty as charged lol.

[DiscoStu]

It would help everyone to understand your post if you actually describe what your "niche field" is, because your comment is needlessly cryptic.

I do not work in a "niche field", I work in Unix, Linux, C, C++, Fortran, and - regrettably - Windows as a developer. This is a doomed market.

What is your "niche field"? Help us understand how agencies operate in particular markets.

It's not cryptic at all, there are many niche areas in IT, same as in any other line of work I'd assume.

[flipFlop]

It's not cryptic at all, there are many niche areas in IT, same as in any other line of work I'd assume.

What exactly is your "niche field", should it even exist? I'm not interested in others' "niche fieid''s, just yours; what is it?

[flipFlop]

It's not cryptic at all, there are many niche areas in IT, same as in any other line of work I'd assume.

What is your "niche area"? Tell us. You don't seem to me to be forthcoming.

[CheeseSlice]

Stupid question time.

You have uploaded your CV to a number of job boards right?

[CheeseSlice]

It all starts with your C.V. Get it out there on all the Job Sites and make it searchable.
And Chat to agents (see how the market is) Also get on Linkedin.

Sorry didn't see you beat me to it

[DiscoStu]

What exactly is your "niche field", should it even exist? I'm not interested in others' "niche fieid''s, just yours; what is it?

What is your "niche area"? Tell us. You don't seem to me to be forthcoming.

My niche field is none of your business.

HTH

[SueEllen]

Stupid question time.

You have uploaded your CV to a number of job boards right?

And changed a word or two every week and uploaded it again?

[vwdan]

What is your "niche area"? Tell us. You don't seem to me to be forthcoming.

None of your business is it really? My area is relatively niche so I deliberately don't mention it here.