State of the Market

[The Tartan Cottage]

I'm looking at hiring a specialist coach to help me decide whether I should go back to perm and if so, help find me a new role. It's very expensive but at least it's part paid on results.

Can you tell me more about this specialist coach ?

What do they do ?

Where do you find a good coach ?

How much do they generally cost ?

I think self development is important and would welcome any opportunity that results in an improvement in my marketability.

Thanks !![/QUOTE]

Yes I would like to echo this. I’m interested too.

Could you enlarge on the above please?

[edison]

Can you tell me more about this specialist coach ?

What do they do ?

Where do you find a good coach ?

How much do they generally cost ?

I think self development is important and would welcome any opportunity that results in an improvement in my marketability.

Thanks !!

Yes I would like to echo this. I’m interested too.

Could you enlarge on the above please?[/QUOTE]

I'll answer in the context of what I'm looking for but try to give you a more general view.

My need is specifically trying to make the transition to CIO within two years. A lot of coaching at this level is paid for by employers and thus very expensive. Typically coaching forms part of a long term reflective learning process, and you could easily spend £5k or even a lot more. Some people advised me to look at my more immediate needs and a coach/mentor who specialises in outplacement i.e. helps you find a job.

A friend of mine has been through the same process over the last two years and recommended her coach. He's a very experienced ex-CIO but not a qualified coach per se. Many people say that is a must but he's got a very good reputation.

As I'm paying for it myself, I'm getting a cut price version, tailored to me which is still up to £3,500. The process is as follows:

1) Discovery/diagnostic
This is the key coaching bit, aiming to help you work out your career goals, identify strengths and weaknesses, your skills and what is going to be your 'offering' to the market. In my case, this would be looking at options such as staying as a contractor/interim, switching to perm, being a fractional CIO, doing consultancy and other combinations.

2) Preparation to enter the market
Includes fairly standard stuff like getting your CV ready and tested and optimising your LinkedIn profile. A big part is practising for interviews and this includes mock interviews with real CIOs and HR Directors for example. That is stuff you just can't get normally.

3) Marketing you
According to my friend, this was the best part of the coaching and included personal introductions to key headhunters and opening doors with his little black book of contacts.

4) Interviews and job offer
Support and guidance through the interview process with potentially multiple organisations. Help with negotiating job offers and salaries.

5) Ongoing support in your new role
This can be a bit more ad hoc as required.

What I've described is outplacement coaching, if you want a feel for other IT coaching services, look at CIO Development

I'm speaking to their MD this week about their services but I understand they are very expensive but a lot of people I know have worked with them.

All the above is aimed at senior level job roles but many of the principles apply for all role levels. The key is to find the right coach as they can have very different approaches and styles and you need to find one to suit your personality and budget. Personal recommendation seems to be a common way to find a coach but you can Google 'IT Career Coach' for ideas. Here's another short article specifically about IT career coaching IT career advice, career coaching, types of career coaches | ITworld

[JamesBrown11]

I've been on the bench for over 3 months now. 20 years of experience, good in-demand (normally) skillset but now can't seem to find any contract. And I mean *any*, even garbage like 200/d onsite.

Savings will last me maybe another 4 months *at best*. Already cut costs to a minimum but still have to pay mortgage, bills, food, med care for dad, etc. Wife unemployed (got fired before furlough kicked in). Also three kids who need to be fed. Landlord doesn't give a tulip about our situation.

[heyya99]

I've been on the bench for over 3 months now. 20 years of experience, good in-demand (normally) skillset but now can't seem to find any contract. And I mean *any*, even garbage like 200/d onsite.

Savings will last me maybe another 4 months *at best*. Already cut costs to a minimum but still have to pay mortgage, bills, food, med care for dad, etc. Wife unemployed (got fired before furlough kicked in). Also three kids who need to be fed. Landlord doesn't give a tulip about our situation.

Sorry to hear that. I think you should go perm until this all blows over. it's only going to get more precarious out there.

[ContractorHardman]

I've been on the bench for over 3 months now. 20 years of experience, good in-demand (normally) skillset but now can't seem to find any contract. And I mean *any*, even garbage like 200/d onsite.

Savings will last me maybe another 4 months *at best*. Already cut costs to a minimum but still have to pay mortgage, bills, food, med care for dad, etc. Wife unemployed (got fired before furlough kicked in). Also three kids who need to be fed. Landlord doesn't give a tulip about our situation.

What is your skill set? Location? Have you had some former colleagues (who are honest) review your CV?

[Old Greg]

I've been on the bench for over 3 months now. 20 years of experience, good in-demand (normally) skillset but now can't seem to find any contract. And I mean *any*, even garbage like 200/d onsite.

Savings will last me maybe another 4 months *at best*. Already cut costs to a minimum but still have to pay mortgage, bills, food, med care for dad, etc. Wife unemployed (got fired before furlough kicked in). Also three kids who need to be fed. Landlord doesn't give a tulip about our situation.

Best of luck. Can anyone here help with finding work?

[GhostofTarbera]

Sorry to hear that. I think you should go perm until this all blows over. it's only going to get more precarious out there.

You think getting a permie job with 20 years contracts behind you is easy ?

It’s more difficult than getting a contract


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

[JamesBrown11]

You think getting a permie job with 20 years contracts behind you is easy ?

It’s more difficult than getting a contract


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

Indeed. Clients seem to be wary of that. Probably think I will jump ship at the first opportunity. And rightly so

I've got multiple applications going on all the time and will eventually find something.

Contractor for life (tm).

[ContractorHardman]

You think getting a permie job with 20 years contracts behind you is easy ?

It’s more difficult than getting a contract


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

The funny thing about Contract and Perms, if you are struggling to get Perm, you turn to contractors.

I have found a few companies willing to overlook my contractor past as they need the skills however they eventually turn to contractors because they can't find Permies.

[hungry_hog]

You think getting a permie job with 20 years contracts behind you is easy ?

It’s more difficult than getting a contract
Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

Agreed.
Having been through the mill on this last year (two final rounds, no offers).

The problem with interviewing for permie jobs is you will be questioned on motivation.
And as mentioned above there is a unspoken view that you will jump ship at the next good contract.

There is a common phrase on here: 'Oh I'll just go permie'. I wonder who on here has had success with that approach.