Advice needed on breaking into Contracting (in Finance)

[northernladuk]

That could have happened. But I don't think it did. The role in question was one I'd seen advertised a few times before. From my conversation with the guy it is clear that they are CV mining.

They are not all such great liars.

You know the agents that well you are absolutely certain of that? You've been around the block long enough to come to that conclusion?

Either way... I would have thought it would have sunk in by now your problems lie elsewhere, even if the role was still available you are in no better position than you were in post 1 and are just flogging a dead horse.

Start looking at fixing the fundamental problems you have rather than blogging your application stories.

[joy division]

You know the agents that well you are absolutely certain of that? You've been around the block long enough to come to that conclusion?

Either way... I would have thought it would have sunk in by now your problems lie elsewhere, even if the role was still available you are in no better position than you were in post 1 and are just flogging a dead horse.

Start looking at fixing the fundamental problems you have rather than blogging your application stories.

northerladuk what a thoroughly unpleasant character you are. Perhaps I'll be barred from Contractor UK for saying that. I'll take on the chin the constructive criticism, but you seem to suggest the only reason I am not getting into contracting is because I cannot cut it. I have 15 years EXPERIENCE in IT, first in software development and more recently Business Analysis. That doesn't mean 'didly squat'.

Thanks to all the others who approached this conversation in the way it was meant. Of course it is never nice when one takes a gamble and loses but perhaps now is not the right time.

Cheers.

[pr1]

northerladuk what a thoroughly unpleasant character you are. Perhaps I'll be barred from Contractor UK for saying that.

dont worry, with that choice of words, you're fine

[LondonManc]

northerladuk what a thoroughly unpleasant character you are. Perhaps I'll be barred from Contractor UK for saying that. I'll take on the chin the constructive criticism, but you seem to suggest the only reason I am not getting into contracting is because I cannot cut it. I have 15 years EXPERIENCE in IT, first in software development and more recently Business Analysis. That doesn't mean 'didly squat'.

Thanks to all the others who approached this conversation in the way it was meant. Of course it is never nice when one takes a gamble and loses but perhaps now is not the right time.

Cheers.

He can come across as a bit of a shirt front at times but he means well.

[Danglekt]

remember its a slightly competitive environment on here, and not everyone wants to see more permies jump into contracting giving us more competition, so take some comments with a pinch of salt.

In all seriousness, have you considered applying for roles with consultancies?

Yes it's permie, but its a good stepping stone to contracting.

[MrMarkyMark]

remember its a slightly competitive environment on here, and not everyone wants to see more permies jump into contracting giving us more competition, so take some comments with a pinch of salt.

In all seriousness, have you considered applying for roles with consultancies?

Yes it's permie, but its a good stepping stone to contracting.

Correct, as I said earlier very good. My ex-consultant missus took a week to get her 1st interview, which then turned into her 1st contract.
I know plenty who have gone that route.

[joy division]

remember its a slightly competitive environment on here, and not everyone wants to see more permies jump into contracting giving us more competition, so take some comments with a pinch of salt.

In all seriousness, have you considered applying for roles with consultancies?

Yes it's permie, but its a good stepping stone to contracting.

Thank you for your input Danglekt

Correct, as I said earlier very good. My ex-consultant missus took a week to get her 1st interview, which then turned into her 1st contract.
I know plenty who have gone that route.

Mark you'll be pleased to know I have already acted on your earlier constructive advice and have investigated a couple of Consultancies already. Have my CV out at one too. The contracting will happen, come hell or high water. But for now I need to be realistic about the market.

I have also decided to look at other locations in and outside of the UK for now. Just feeling the waters in other locations around Europe. Ok the tax benefits won't be there, but needs must and all that. I am mobile so why not take advantage of the situation.

[northernladuk]

northerladuk what a thoroughly unpleasant character you are. Perhaps I'll be barred from Contractor UK for saying that. I'll take on the chin the constructive criticism, but you seem to suggest the only reason I am not getting into contracting is because I cannot cut it. I have 15 years EXPERIENCE in IT, first in software development and more recently Business Analysis. That doesn't mean 'didly squat'.

Thanks to all the others who approached this conversation in the way it was meant. Of course it is never nice when one takes a gamble and loses but perhaps now is not the right time.

Cheers.

I'm not being unpleasant, I'm talking straight and dealing with the facts of this to try and help you. I don't read I'm suggesting you cannot cut it but I am pointing out that you are on a sticky wicket as you cannot demonstrate you are a specialist in your area with a long history of delivery of that exact skill. That's pretty fundamental to contracting I am afraid. Sorry if this feedback upsets you but that's the way it is. You sell a skill that is demonstrably better than the other guys the client is confident you are the man for the job. A bit of BA with a PM role in between isn't really that.

Your 15 years in IT means squat unless it's 15 years delivering exactly what the client wants. I'm not getting nasty, just a little frustrated that you aren't listening. We've gone through 9 pages of discussing this but you still throw 15 years in business and 15 years at major employers.... neither of which help you one jot getting a gig, which is what I thought you were struggling with. We've said why.... Contracting is very different to permie land. Permies should be an asset to their employers which would include flexibility which you have demonstrated. You are a useful resource as you can be moved around and can apply your skills. Contractors deliver x for £y as he has done for years. That's it.

Until that's fixed you are going to have to lower your expectations. You are going to have to look beyond finance, beyond London and beyond (or below) your expected rate. It's pretty clear just chugging down the current path is not working.....

Sorry if that's a bit mean and harsh, it's not meant to offend.... I'll back off and let others try and put exactly the same to you in a nice cuddly way.

[LondonManc]

I'll say what I said several pages ago in a slightly different way. Accept that contracting is a five-year target. Specialise as a Perm/Consultant BA between now and then and build up a delivery history as a BA.

[SpontaneousOrder]

NLUK is just saying that:

1) It's highly unlikely that anyone is looking for 15 years of solid experience being a software dev for a bit, AND a BA for a bit, AND a PM for a bit. So really your solid experience that anyone would be interested in buying is far fewer years.

2) People like to see that experience in a contracting context. It's not a deal breaker, but you'll be lower on the totem pole than a similar candidate with a few years contracting.

3) So given the above, you may have more luck if you lower your rate. for your first contract or 2.