My first contract experience...

[socttlyec]

I've been browsing this forum for around 3 months looking for advice, to which it has been great, but I thought I would share my experience of trying to get my first contract.

I'm a Java developer (5 years experience) in a permanent role in a probationary period (1 week notice) but the role hasn't turned out how it was sold to me so I thought I would give contracting a go. My search areas were Cheshire, Midlands, London and Gloucestershire. I spent 7 weeks searching everyday talking to agents, applying on Jobserve etc and chasing agents after. I'm now putting the idea on hold because my probationary period has passed and my notice period has jumped to three months. In total I only got through to two face to face interviews for both clients to pull out on both occasions.

So a little frustrating on the whole but thought it might prove useful to someone looking to get into contracting in the near future

[perplexed]

With all due respect, there are plenty of Java contractors with established contracting careers out there. Seems like your desire to contract was more down to dissatisfaction with your perm role than anything else. if you approach contracting half heartedly, you don't get the contracts.

Des it surprise you had so few face to face interviews? Not really. Both clients pulled out? Again, not a surprise. End of year, sometimes it's a case of wondering if the pot of money will be renewed, nope, no need to then recruit. Sometimes it seems to be a case of kicking the tyres to see what's put there. May even be the case they go with someone they are familiar with than someone unknown.

[FatLazyContractor]

I've been browsing this forum for around 3 months looking for advice, to which it has been great, but I thought I would share my experience of trying to get my first contract.

I'm a Java developer (5 years experience) in a permanent role in a probationary period (1 week notice) but the role hasn't turned out how it was sold to me so I thought I would give contracting a go. My search areas were Cheshire, Midlands, London and Gloucestershire. I spent 7 weeks searching everyday talking to agents, applying on Jobserve etc and chasing agents after. I'm now putting the idea on hold because my probationary period has passed and my notice period has jumped to three months. In total I only got through to two face to face interviews for both clients to pull out on both occasions.

So a little frustrating on the whole but thought it might prove useful to someone looking to get into contracting in the near future

IMO, 5 years isn't enough for a technical development contract.

The other flaw I see is restricting yourself to a certain geographical region. Not a good strategy while looking for the first contract (or any!).

[PerfectStorm]

IMO, 5 years isn't enough for a technical development contract.

The other flaw I see is restricting yourself to a certain geographical region. Not a good strategy while looking for the first contract (or any!).

Really? I'll be buggered if I'm leaving London! I've turned Surrey stuff down as it's just too far to be faffing about with every day

[FatLazyContractor]

Really? I'll be buggered if I'm leaving London! I've turned Surrey stuff down as it's just too far to be faffing about with every day

That explains.

[mrv]

I've been browsing this forum for around 3 months looking for advice, to which it has been great, but I thought I would share my experience of trying to get my first contract.

I'm a Java developer (5 years experience) in a permanent role in a probationary period (1 week notice) but the role hasn't turned out how it was sold to me so I thought I would give contracting a go. My search areas were Cheshire, Midlands, London and Gloucestershire. I spent 7 weeks searching everyday talking to agents, applying on Jobserve etc and chasing agents after. I'm now putting the idea on hold because my probationary period has passed and my notice period has jumped to three months. In total I only got through to two face to face interviews for both clients to pull out on both occasions.

So a little frustrating on the whole but thought it might prove useful to someone looking to get into contracting in the near future

And what exactly did you expect? Agents and customers banging on your door, constant calls, writing offers on beer mats at your local? Java developers are a dime a dozen, and 5 years is still very little imo (being fluent with latest techs would help though). BTW, from your post it seems you changed jobs recently - why didn't you go for contracting instead of that permie role?

[SpontaneousOrder]

Java developers are a dime a dozen

You'd imagine. But its seems really hard these days to find decent ones. Seems like they're all junior or very senior. Not much in between.

With only 5 years though, it'd have to be a pretty solid CV to get much attention (as you highlight) I should think. Number of years alone doesn't always mean much, and 5 isn't many.