State of the Market

[simes]

I've had a couple of calls from agents who seem to be sorting out their bank of available contractors; I presume in the hope that post-budget there will be work coming

And what a colossal waste of time that is. Would not their time be better spent finding clients??

Unless it comes across, I detest those calls. Pointless.

[dsc]

Tried that once at the police state that is Vodafone. Perm role, I was getting on great with the line manager.

Problem was there was also a Human Refuse lady in the room. And of course she had to pipe up about my contracting CV, and at the end asked, 'What guarantee can you give that when the market picks up, you don't leave and return to contracting?' Well, it was at this point I knew she wasn't going to let it go no matter the stupidity of her question. So I asked her, 'What guarantee can you give me that you will never make me redundant?'

To which she replied, 'Well, that is not our concern.'

Deary me. Really?

At least she was honest and yes it's not their concern, the thing is having someone good wanting to go from contract to perm is like a blessing, there's no costs attached, no research, you don't have to do job interviews etc. Besides what stops a good perm from jumping ship and moving to another company? It's a retarded way of looking at it, but one that I've witnessed myself in my current contract...

[Sub]

In reality, and with 25yrs of IT experience, I can say it's not worth much tbh.

25yrs of experience just says, I have worked on old systems. Probably not what the client wants.

In the last 5yrs, I have been quite lucky that I have been exposed to the latest tech. That in essence is worth more than having dinasor experience in old languages that everyone has stopped using.

While it is true that "open market" for old systems is limited (always was) rate-wise it is generally juiciest area. Niche systems and old systems, which are often same are paying most.

[SchumiStars]

Apparently the end vendor only wanted someone from a list of European countries. Comforting to see it isn't just the UK that has stopped knowing what it is doing

While it is true that "open market" for old systems is limited (always was) rate-wise it is generally juiciest area. Niche systems and old systems, which are often same are paying most.

Well I can do VB6, ASP, ASPX, SharePoint however, no work for these currently, if ever again.

Although Jobserve works on ASPX oddly. Works well TBF.

[Fraidycat]

Well I can do VB6, ASP, ASPX, SharePoint however, no work for these currently, if ever again.

Although Jobserve works on ASPX oddly. Works well TBF.

Zero contract or perm VB6 roles on Jobserve. A couple of perm roles on Jobsite and Indeed.

On uk.indeed.com there is one direct perm boutique consultancy looking for a VB6 perm paying up to 50K within driving distance from you.

Contractors applying direct to companies for perm roles is a useful tip. Because there is no agency fee the employer is more likely to take on the risk with an ex contractor.

[simes]

At least she was honest and yes it's not their concern, the thing is having someone good wanting to go from contract to perm is like a blessing, there's no costs attached, no research, you don't have to do job interviews etc. Besides what stops a good perm from jumping ship and moving to another company? It's a retarded way of looking at it, but one that I've witnessed myself in my current contract...

Sorry, not sure if we may or may not be talking at crossed purposes, but just in case, I was not at the time of being interviewed for the perm role while a contractor at Voda. The perm role and interview was a fresh instance.

I am not sure that her asking the question was one of honesty. To be sure, utter redundancy as befits her role. In every sense possible, no guarantees could ever be offered either way.

[SchumiStars]

Very low number of jobs on job serve today, followed up with 0 phone calls.

I did have an agent asking for 2 references yesterday. I did my usual which was to put the phone down, always annoying and such a waste of time sometimes. Not that I am very busy these days