noobs elusive 1st contract

[Eirikur]

All good advise you're getting. One more thing to add around specialisations is that you can still be a specialist if you're a generalist.

For example..,,, I'm a generalist infrastructure architect/tech lead. Hard to find roles as I do most infrastructure. But if I push myself as a migration specialist I have found gigs a lot easier to get. I know enough old stuff, and enoug new stuff to be a good fit for a client moving from old infra to new infra. And isn't that pretty much every client?

Have different versions of your cv ready
I have about 10 versions all tell the truth, but slightly different focus on specialization, jyst make sure you have the right buzz words, because that's what the agencies search for.
In most version of my CV I'm a PM, but the focus of specialisation can be on infra, software, CRM or telecoms in one version I'm mostly a BA and in one I'm a hybrid PM/BA

[LondonManc]

Why don't you take a few fixed term contracts? They tend to be a hybrid and you want to show people that you are containing. For fixed term they are not as picky as they would for someone getting £400+ a day.

Try that before making the jump however you will be far worse as you will get the perm salary with the contracting instability, can be 3 4 months between next role on £130/150 a day equivalent.
Someone correct me if I am wrong but I believe that you can claim travel expense through self assessment because it is a temporary place of work. So at least you won't lose on that.

Why have you recommended something that's far worse? If the guy is going contracting for the money, you're suggesting the absolute opposite and he'd be better off staying perm and climbing the corporate ladder!

[northernladuk]

Why don't you take a few fixed term contracts? They tend to be a hybrid and you want to show people that you are containing. For fixed term they are not as picky as they would for someone getting £400+ a day.

Try that before making the jump however you will be far worse as you will get the perm salary with the contracting instability, can be 3 4 months between next role on £130/150 a day equivalent.
Someone correct me if I am wrong but I believe that you can claim travel expense through self assessment because it is a temporary place of work. So at least you won't lose on that.

FTCs are contracts of employment so not really hybrid at all. They are the standard method the public sector engage permies. Horrible things. Avoid at all costs.

[Drei]

Why don't you take a few fixed term contracts? They tend to be a hybrid and you want to show people that you are containing. For fixed term they are not as picky as they would for someone getting £400+ a day.

Try that before making the jump however you will be far worse as you will get the perm salary with the contracting instability, can be 3 4 months between next role on £130/150 a day equivalent.
Someone correct me if I am wrong but I believe that you can claim travel expense through self assessment because it is a temporary place of work. So at least you won't lose on that.

[rjoe]

Depends on the role.


Are you the one saying you're over-qualified because you think the job title is too junior for you, or is someone else looking and saying that?


Don't get hung up on job titles - that's what permies do. You should be saying:
1. What is the job description?
2. Can I fulfil that description?
3. What is the rate?
4. Can I afford to work for that rate?
5. Where is the location?
6. Am I happy to work in that location?

I've had a few agencies tell me I'm over-qualified, along with a prospective client. So I reckon there must be a kernel of truth in there, although perhaps down to the way I'm marketing myself.

I can answer yes to 2-6. Role description depends, don't mind so much about having junior in the title, can always leave that out of the CV. Less sure about if it's a Project Support type role such as Analyst or Co-Ordinator...

[WTFH]

So what if you're over-qualified? Like if you see a real junior role...
Do you think clients would view that on your CV negatively? Or is it a legitimate way to get XP...

Depends on the role.


Are you the one saying you're over-qualified because you think the job title is too junior for you, or is someone else looking and saying that?


Don't get hung up on job titles - that's what permies do. You should be saying:
1. What is the job description?
2. Can I fulfil that description?
3. What is the rate?
4. Can I afford to work for that rate?
5. Where is the location?
6. Am I happy to work in that location?

[northernladuk]

So what if you're over-qualified? Like if you see a real junior role...
Do you think clients would view that on your CV negatively? Or is it a legitimate way to get XP...

Don't forget as well you are only has good as your last gig. If you have a habit of taking gigs below your skillet you are going to struggle to stay at that level. Sometimes you have to think the longer game plan.

[LondonManc]

If you are over qualified you are likely to leave and get a better paid gig so you are a risk. We've had two guys take a gig that's 'below them' at my client and both left after the first month so over qualified CVs go straight in the bin now.

Correct. I've never taken a gig that I've not been prepared to see out because of rate v work required. Working conditions once in the gig (e.g. nobheads, IR35-negativity, etc.) may change that. The OP should therefore think that if they're happy on PM rates, then market themselves as a high end PM rather than anything else.

[northernladuk]

So what if you're over-qualified? Like if you see a real junior role...
Do you think clients would view that on your CV negatively? Or is it a legitimate way to get XP...

If you are over qualified you are likely to leave and get a better paid gig so you are a risk. We've had two guys take a gig that's 'below them' at my client and both left after the first month so over qualified CVs go straight in the bin now.

[rjoe]

You'll need to drop any self-imposed limitations. For example if there's a contact 100 miles from home you should still think about applying for it. If there is a role for a "Project Manager" and you view yourself as a "Programme Manager" then apply for it.

So what if you're over-qualified? Like if you see a real junior role...
Do you think clients would view that on your CV negatively? Or is it a legitimate way to get XP...