Apply/Interview to gather contacts?

[billybiro]

I've had my eye on a large client fairly close to home for a number of years but I'm always in a gig when the apply or they have nothing when I'm on the bench so am quite eager to try getting some contacts there. I've scoured linkedin but can't identify who would be the person in charge and even if I did it's a bit of a 'cold' way to introduce myself. Looking at most of the people in the areas I think none seem have any contractors on their linkedin. I know some client managers don't have contractors on let alone cold invites so... question...

A gig has come up but I'm in contract until December and have no intention of bailing. Would you apply for the gig to try and get some contacts and then either decline interview or even go to interview to get yourself known?

I'm undecided if getting to interview and turning it down before offer is a good thing or not. It's a way to prove yourself face to face but turning them down might not be the best basis to engage personally with them for future contact.

What do my esteemed peers think?

Brilliant idea. Apply, get an interview then ditch them at the last minute when they offer you the gig. Yes. This will not annoy the client at all.

Emphasis above mine, says it all really. Wait until you're not in contract and a gig is available, then do the usual. Either that, or assuming this client is someone you really want to work for, MTFU and bail on your current gig when you get this one. Are you sure YCOTBAC?

[SteelyDan]

Brilliant idea. Apply, get an interview then ditch them at the last minute when they offer you the gig. Yes. This will not annoy the client at all.

Emphasis above mine, says it all really. Wait until you're not in contract and a gig is available, then do the usual. Either that, or assuming this client is someone you really want to work for, MTFU and bail on your current gig when you get this one. Are you sure YCOTBAC?

Yeah, 5hit idea I must say...but your strategic shift is clear; not using agents anymore and trying to offset against anticipated changes to T&S and going direct....hmm that's a new one

[northernladuk]

Yeah, 5hit idea I must say...but your strategic shift is clear; not using agents anymore and trying to offset against anticipated changes to T&S and going direct....hmm that's a new one

Not sure if your rolling eyes are at billybiros comment or my original one but anyway they will always use an agent so going direct is not an option. A perfect situation would be this client give me some advance notice something is coming up and I'm a preferred candidate saving everyone a ton of work. I'd spend a bit of time on the bench if need be if I knew anything was coming soon. An option I don't have if I'm just reactive to the role being advertised.

[FatLazyContractor]

1. Install one of your friends as a permie manager
2. Use him to get a contract when you are free.

Oh wait, this isn't general

You are definitely cut out to be a contractor, as you are thinking like one

[WordIsBond]

...but anyway they will always use an agent so going direct is not an option.

In that case, seems like you are better identifying the agents they use and building relationships there. Which can be done anytime you are looking for a contract, even if the end client isn't looking at the same time.

If you have a choice between two contracts and one of them is through one of their preferred agents, you take that one even if you don't like the contract itself as much -- just to build a relationship with the agent. If you build credibility with the agent, he's more likely to put you forward on the contracts you want, and down the road you can tell him you'd like a gig with this particular client sometime.

If you've done well for him and his clients, he'll want to keep you on his books, so he'll be looking for opportunities to submit your name.

If you want to get into a castle, it's usually easier and more effective to get to know the gatekeeper than the guy who owns the place. Identify their preferred agents.

[BolshieBastard]

I've had my eye on a large client fairly close to home for a number of years but I'm always in a gig when the apply or they have nothing when I'm on the bench so am quite eager to try getting some contacts there. I've scoured linkedin but can't identify who would be the person in charge and even if I did it's a bit of a 'cold' way to introduce myself. Looking at most of the people in the areas I think none seem have any contractors on their linkedin. I know some client managers don't have contractors on let alone cold invites so... question...

A gig has come up but I'm in contract until December and have no intention of bailing. Would you apply for the gig to try and get some contacts and then either decline interview or even go to interview to get yourself known?

I'm undecided if getting to interview and turning it down before offer is a good thing or not. It's a way to prove yourself face to face but turning them down might not be the best basis to engage personally with them for future contact.

What do my esteemed peers think?

LOL you need mumsnet!?

If you got offered the job then turned them down, some companies dont like it as you've 'wasted their time.'

Myself I dont see the point in applying if you're not going to accept, T&C's etc being agreeable. If the client was such a big deal, you'd bail from the current contract, end of. Otherwise bide yer time.

EDIT; I remember waiting ages to get in at bacrap and yorkshire electricity, when I did, I found they were two tulip clients to work with so think on.