Getting the First Contract

[ShaneReynolds]

I am trying to get my first contract and seem to be hitting a bit of a wall. I am a software developer with a good range of skills in C, C++ and C#. Whenever I apply for a job I always get an immediate response from the agency who all seem very positive. However I do not seem to get an interview and some agents become much more allusive after our first chat!

One thing I think may be hurting me is I am still in a permanent position and have a three week notice period. I make sure I tell the agents this in the covering letter and they do not seem care - however I am not sure whether this causes a problem with prospective employers.

With all the talk of Christmas slowdowns etc. and me being new to all this I am reluctant to give my notice until I have secured the first contract as I dont want to risk being without pay until after the NY especially as I have not been earning the contractors wage which helps cover the barren spells.

Any ideas on what to do?

[Mordac]

I don't see why 3 weeks notice should be a problem.

[rootsnall]

I would say 3 weeks is a big problem if they have somebody else available straight away with the right skill set. Saying that it may be worth waiting until you do get a signed contract before jumping if you haven't got some safety money ?

[tim123]

Tell the agent you're in a contract finishing in two weeks, he isn't going to know the difference.
(be more honest with the client though!).

How does the discussion with the agent about money go. Usually with me, the point at which an agent loses interest with me is when I tell him that I won't work for the ludicrously rate he is offering (a low of 27.50 with an S3 agent).

tim

[weemster]

I was in the same situation when I first started contracting. The three weeks will be an issue as there are many contractors with the skills and ready to start now. Save up a buffer fund (about three months and try to save a little holiday to cut down the notice period or take unpaid leave). Best Of Luck - you will need plenty of that too!

[rootsnall]

What is the story with rates at the moment for example with C++, Java and C# ? I have been out of the loop for a while doing non IT stuff. Rates in my main skill don't seem too bad.

[lukemg]

Lots of permies 'test the water' then bottle it when they realise it's 3 months, they can be out in a day,have to work away, lose their crap pension, share options, cosy life where they know everyone etc. So, agents prefer to deal with contractors who are available, more likely to take it if offered, know the game etc.
The 3 weeks is an issue but not a deal breaker, you might get lucky, but it sounds like they are sending others to the client and you never get on the clients desk.
As indicated, tell them you are leaving the place or redundant in 3 weeks or on contract and you may get a different response if your skills fit (sounds like they do or you wouldn't be getting calls back after applying).
Also - While a follow up call after applying is considered useful to get you up the list/show keenness etc don't bother trying to call them afterwards, if you are in contention for interview, they will be on the phone constantly like you are their best mate (keeps you focussed on the job). Soon as you are dropped (CV stage, interview stage) forget it, they won't want to give you the bad news. take a hint/send a mail if you really want them to spell it out.

[BlasterBates]

Maybe it depends on the type of market you´re targeting but in my experience 4 weeks notice has always been adequate; in fact sometimes the client isn´t ready for you to "start on Monday". Contractors don´t wait until the gig is finished before looking, they start the search a month or two before.

At the moment the market maybe slowing down so I wouldn´t jump. I don´t think your problem is your notice period.

The problem maybe your skill set and experience, the client just isn´t selecting you for interview, that is why they´re allusive. Clients don´t reject candidates they just don´t ask them to the interview, but occasionally if you´re borderline they may invite you in later.

[mcquiggd]

Ive encountered both... one where I lost out due to my insisting on doing a proper handover to an existing client that would take 3 weeks, another where the company waited 4 weeks for me for the very same reason. The former had someone else who could start the next day, the latter appreciated I had a professional attitude and would not screw them over.

At the moment I am permie, and saving up the holiday to reduce any potential notice period should the situation present itself, but I am tempted to wait until after christmas, if I can stand it that long...

[thunderlizard]

If the agents are calling you straight away but then ignoring you, it means your CV's OK but your phone skills aren't so good. You've got a decent command of English so it could be that you don't sound convincing or positive about your abilitiies or willingness to do the contracts.