Help me in this Misery, Feedback Highly appreciated..

[gadgetman]

I don't see any evidence of a downturn in testing contracts, in fact quite the opposite.

I am a Test Manager with over 20 years IT experience in dev and test. I don't have ISEB or Prince 2 or any niche skills like telecoms or IB. My CV is 6 pages and doesn't seem like a barrier to me gaining work.

I was given notice on my current contract and within a week had accepted a new contract with a 25% rate increase. I also turned two others down.

You need to be more flexible on your location. I am living away for this contract and will be on the next. I can't afford to wait for something to turn up locally. There are still loads of new vacancies posted every day on JobServe if you are mobile.

One thing I would say, having been on the other side of the fence employing contract testers and team leads, is that good communication skills are often a must. Poor grammar and spelling in your application or CV may be putting off potential employers.

Please don't take this the wrong way but if the content of your CV is of the same standard as your posts here it may be costing you work.

Please no flames - I'm trying to offer helpful advice!

[Bluebird]

company I was working for uo til last year has set up a testing outfit in Hungary - labour is cheaper and it's not outsorced - just got a couple of UK guys running it.

[Cooperinliverp00l]

Thanks ..I hope so..
Issue is I am not even getting in to client interview level. I mean I am not even getting to a level to show my capability. If I get in to interview level Yes..I will show I could do

Yes...i am looking options entire South (Holy land of IT ) covering any place below Birmingham up to 2 hours travel ... south , South west , London & up to Milton K etc...

Liverpool is just over 2 hours on the train and what a wonderful place it is to work as well

[Darren_Test]

I don't see any evidence of a downturn in testing contracts, in fact quite the opposite.

I am a Test Manager with over 20 years IT experience in dev and test. I don't have ISEB or Prince 2 or any niche skills like telecoms or IB. My CV is 6 pages and doesn't seem like a barrier to me gaining work.

I was given notice on my current contract and within a week had accepted a new contract with a 25% rate increase. I also turned two others down.

You need to be more flexible on your location. I am living away for this contract and will be on the next. I can't afford to wait for something to turn up locally. There are still loads of new vacancies posted every day on JobServe if you are mobile.

One thing I would say, having been on the other side of the fence employing contract testers and team leads, is that good communication skills are often a must. Poor grammar and spelling in your application or CV may be putting off potential employers.

Please don't take this the wrong way but if the content of your CV is of the same standard as your posts here it may be costing you work.

Please no flames - I'm trying to offer helpful advice!

Thanks...

My Resume format is like...
Contact details
10 Bullets highlighting experience
Qualifications
Computer Knowledge
Experience summery (6 companies, more details for recent jobs)
- Name, Post, Period, 5-6 bullets on responsibilities..
at the end few personal info..

all together 3 page Resume..


I though this should be a good format...?? Am I missing any..??
Any opinion appreciated.??

[angusglover]

Thanks...

My Resume format is like...
Contact details
10 Bullets highlighting experience
Qualifications
Computer Knowledge
Experience summery (6 companies, more details for recent jobs)
- Name, Post, Period, 5-6 bullets on responsibilities..
at the end few personal info..

all together 3 page Resume..


I though this should be a good format...?? Am I missing any..??
Any opinion appreciated.??

Go to the link I posted and get an evaluation from someone who does it for a living....it can be very enlightening....

[gadgetman]

Its not the format I was referring to, its the content.

Thanks...
I though this should be a good format...?? Am I missing any..??
Any opinion appreciated.??

[BlasterBates]

Talk to the agents. I find it useful, they're in touch with the market, and they can tell you what's happening; they'll also tell you if your CV is bad. They see CV's day in day out and it is in their interests for you to have a good one. I think your CV is OK otherwise the agent wouldn't reply. Sometimes the market dies for a few weeks, and it isn't always explicable.

...ah yes although it is a good idea to try in other areas, you'll find it difficult. unless there is a real shortage, Telco is your best bet. The reason might simply be Telco isn't too good at the mo'.

[alreadypacked]

The reason might simply be Telco isn't too good at the mo'.

I was in Telco, the place I was in let 250 go end of last year and another 140 this week. I move to Financial in Dublin found the switch easier here. Not sure if my plan will work till I get to London in August.

[Darren_Test]

I was in Telco, the place I was in let 250 go end of last year and another 140 this week. I move to Financial in Dublin found the switch easier here. Not sure if my plan will work till I get to London in August.

Yes...I started come out of my comfort zone, Now entire south England in my search area. I think that should give enough openings any way..??

[Darren_Test]

Talk to the agents. I find it useful, they're in touch with the market, and they can tell you what's happening; they'll also tell you if your CV is bad. They see CV's day in day out and it is in their interests for you to have a good one. I think your CV is OK otherwise the agent wouldn't reply. Sometimes the market dies for a few weeks, and it isn't always explicable.

...ah yes although it is a good idea to try in other areas, you'll find it difficult. unless there is a real shortage, Telco is your best bet. The reason might simply be Telco isn't too good at the mo'.

or is there a chance agencies decided to move all contract roles to Permanent with agencies to make money..?