Finding contracts without agencies

[javaislife]

Hi everyone.

Been a software contractor for a couple of years now, always finding work through recruitment agencies.

Since my ideal clients are larger companies, how would I go about reaching out directly on LinkedIn looking for work?
What's the best function inside the company to contact?

I'm guessing it's harder to get a call with a decision maker that doesn't know you, as agencies have established relationships etc.
Would applying for a perm role that they directly advertise and take the conversation from there bear fruit?

Any tips, stories greatly appreciated.

[Guy Incognito]

Assuming you made contact and arranged a deal - they'd still force you to use an agency as you would not be a preferred supplier.

[saptastic]

Hi everyone.

Been a software contractor for a couple of years now, always finding work through recruitment agencies.

Since my ideal clients are larger companies, how would I go about reaching out directly on LinkedIn looking for work?
What's the best function inside the company to contact?

I'm guessing it's harder to get a call with a decision maker that doesn't know you, as agencies have established relationships etc.
Would applying for a perm role that they directly advertise and take the conversation from there bear fruit?

Any tips, stories greatly appreciated.

well you can always try but bigger companies are the worse for direct contracts
they all have compliance depts and a structured way of dealing with contractors - 99% of the time through a Recruitment Agency
If you want a direct contract with a company this is more likely to happen with smaller companies in my experience

[Snooky]

There must be someone on these boards who can advise on how to create a perfectly directed presentation like an independent professional consultant in this bear market, which will hit the mark with 100% guaranteed conversion, rather than just pumping out a generic CV?

[northernladuk]

There must be someone on these boards who can advise on how to create a perfectly directed presentation like an independent professional consultant in this bear market, which will hit the mark with 100% guaranteed conversion, rather than just pumping out a generic CV?

Say his name three times and he will appear.

[northernladuk]

Assuming you made contact and arranged a deal - they'd still force you to use an agency as you would not be a preferred supplier.

This.

For new requirements they generally want and addition to a project so you are just a cog and they want your expertise. The best way to do that is to go to an agent to find you. Clients rely on contractors so much now they just don't want the hassle of dealing with it. It's just the way it's panned out.
The only times you could go direct is if you have an existing relationship or if the client is looking for a managed service in which case they'll put a tender out and if successful add you to the PSL. That would involve some credit checks and other steps. Just not the type of work 99% of contractors supply.

So it is what it is. Occassionaly (very) it does happen but again it's likely through existing networks, not open season to all.

[JustKeepSwimming]

Bigger the company the more rigid their processes will be. I've known £1500/d golfing buddy of a senior director, despite their protests they were still forced through the preferred supplier route.

Named resources is pretty common. Ie a manager knowns someone or been recommended someone and tells the agency 'I want X', in which case the tulipty places will make them interview 5 people full well knowing X is getting it.

I haven't known of direct contracts at the big banks for many many years.

I imagine the preferred supplier has it in their contract that everyone goes through them.

If you're ballsy I suppose you could get the hiring manager name from the agency, linkedin them and ask if they could have a chat about the role and hope they tell the agency to pass on your CV.

[hungry_hog]

I had a client on the buy side contact me directly about a inside IR35 role
Ultimately still had to go via their PSL for invoicing purposes but I think the "cut" was minimal
I've had a few approach me like that via LI, usually the HR of the client as opposed to a "line" person
I think it puts one a strong position come interview

[courtg9000]

Larger companies getting HR people to do the resourcing of contractors has become more popular in recent years. They then farm out the paperwork and payroll to an agency. AMS seems popular for this bit.
I certainly know of a top 4 firm, a large construction firm and a large supermarket that have definitely done this. I'm not sure if they are still doing it.

[JustKeepSwimming]

Larger companies getting HR people to do the resourcing of contractors has become more popular in recent years. They then farm out the paperwork and payroll to an agency. AMS seems popular for this bit.
I certainly know of a top 4 firm, a large construction firm and a large supermarket that have definitely done this. I'm not sure if they are still doing it.

Yes it still happens. I know companies which have an agency dealing with Perms and different one dealing with Tractors.

The Perm agency is 'onsite', ie to everyone looking in they just look like client staff.