Decent agencies?

[SoleTrader]

I’m in the NW and considering a contract because I’m not getting much freelance work ATM. Say if I was a PHP developer and specialised in the Symfony framework but didn’t want any contracts in other frameworks (which there are loads) are there any agencies who aren’t ignorant towards this?

[Lance]

I’m in the NW and considering a contract because I’m not getting much freelance work ATM. Say if I was a PHP developer and specialised in the Symfony framework but didn’t want any contracts in other frameworks (which there are loads) are there any agencies who aren’t ignorant towards this?

it's not about the agencies per se. It's the agents. Every agency has good ones and bad ones. A bit like any business.

[simes]

Yeah. Concentrate on the job. The agent and agency will be geographically unrelated to the location of the job.

[SoleTrader]

Applied for a role on Wednesday, missed a couple of the agent’s calls. Managed to speak to them today. Said my skill set looks a great fit as I’ve a few years experience of the framework the client uses. Told me the location, about 45 miles away and could work 1 day a week from home. He asked me my day rate quite early on, the indeed advert said £320-£400/day, so I just said market rate. He then asked again and I said something like £350. Then he said he’s on a fixed rate or something and it’s £340/day, would that be ok? I said yes put me forward. Agent said it’s difficult finding a contractor with the skill set they need in a commutable distance. I’m not too fussed about the rate as it’s still not bad and the 3 month contract will be more than I’ve earnt in the past year freelance. Agent then sent a word doc over which said £300-340 lol. Got a phone interview next week with one of the client’s developers.

Haven’t had an interview or worked at an office in a good few years, bit nervous about everything!

Anyone have any advice for trying to get a bit higher day rate? For instance if I somehow pass the interviews and the client wants me, what could I say to the recruiter?

[Old Greg]

Applied for a role on Wednesday, missed a couple of the agent’s calls. Managed to speak to them today. Said my skill set looks a great fit as I’ve a few years experience of the framework the client uses. Told me the location, about 45 miles away and could work 1 day a week from home. He asked me my day rate quite early on, the indeed advert said £320-£400/day, so I just said market rate. He then asked again and I said something like £350. Then he said he’s on a fixed rate or something and it’s £340/day, would that be ok? I said yes put me forward. Agent said it’s difficult finding a contractor with the skill set they need in a commutable distance. I’m not too fussed about the rate as it’s still not bad and the 3 month contract will be more than I’ve earnt in the past year freelance. Agent then sent a word doc over which said £300-340 lol. Got a phone interview next week with one of the client’s developers.

Haven’t had an interview or worked at an office in a good few years, bit nervous about everything!

Anyone have any advice for trying to get a bit higher day rate? For instance if I somehow pass the interviews and the client wants me, what could I say to the recruiter?

Get the gig and then quote them 375.

[SoleTrader]

In a bit of a pickle now. Passed a phone interview with company A, got a face to face and code test with them today. 3 months, 40 mile commute, likely no WFH at the beginning. Working on a project that’s been in dev 6 months, another year to go. £340 day rate.

Saw another contract come up 3 or 6 months (not sure yet), <10 mile commute, 2-3 days WFH, working on existing and new projects. £350-450 day rate. Applied and speaking to agent today.

If I get an offer for company A, what should I do? I feel like company B is a little bit more appealing at the moment. So it’s probably best for them if I decline it and pursue company B with the potential of not getting it? I know company A want someone imminently, but if I get an offer I’ll need to get the contract reviewed which will take a few days.

[Cid]

the general advice seems to be to tell job A that everything is accepted pending signing contracts.
while at the same time pursuing other options as well.

it is also often repeated that a "potential" higher day rate means nothing when your skint.
Where as an actual day rate pays the bills.

[fidot]

And remember that nothing is finalised until you are sat at the desk (even then the contract can still be pulled at short notice) so keep all options open as long as possible.

[SoleTrader]

the general advice seems to be to tell job A that everything is accepted pending signing contracts.
while at the same time pursuing other options as well.

it is also often repeated that a "potential" higher day rate means nothing when your skint.
Where as an actual day rate pays the bills.

Thanks for the advice, this was what I was thinking of doing.

The project has an emphasis on automated testing, which I have a lot to learn on, but they seem happy to take me on. I think I should take it although I'm a little bit out of my comfort zone, but will hopefully learn a lot and be more confident in my skills for future contracts.

The other agent didn't contact me, but I might still pursue it and see what happens, but I think I'd learn more from the first one, although I'm not sure what the second one will involve as I've not spoke to the agent/client yet.

And remember that nothing is finalised until you are sat at the desk (even then the contract can still be pulled at short notice) so keep all options open as long as possible.

Very true. Cheers.