Java/J2EE Contractor - Cannot get an interview!

[BarbarianAtTheDoor]

I have other skills besides Java, and have finally landed two interviews, one with an investment bank, where I flew through the first round, was invited to second next morning, for the other they only invited 3 developers, so chances are quite good in both cases.

That still does not mean that what I said earlier was wrong. Like I said, I am an exceptional Java programmer, so my only concern was not getting the interviews themselves, which I now have. I have always been offered the roles after interviews, so I'm not nearly as worried now as I was a week ago.

Having said that, I still find it ridiculous that it would take 5 weeks to get my first interview when a year ago it took 2 days and that all the interviews I was supposed to have were cancelled 1-2 days before the planned date. It does not show a healthy market and says in the least that our rates are going to stall for the coming year(s).

If it was just me, I would just write it down for luck, but no matter how many of my friends without contracts I ask, the picture is always the same.

[Diestl]

I have other skills besides Java.....

The .NET market is very good at the moment, always at least 5 calls a day from agents, Ive had 2 interviews and not really looking yet.

[BarbarianAtTheDoor]

You don't specialize in finance right? I just checked the ratios on itjobswatch.co.uk and that paints a different picture, according to those stats, Java is still more in demand and better paid, not that I would personally know the .net market.

I'm honestly confused.

[Diestl]

You don't specialize in finance right? I just checked the ratios on itjobswatch.co.uk and that paints a different picture, according to those stats, Java is still more in demand and better paid, not that I would personally know the .net market.

I'm honestly confused.

Im in banking, but the roles are from all sectors I guess, also I haven't done any comparisons at all. The stats website is a rough indicator although, I would go with personal experience of calls from agents etc.

[SpringTime]

I'm having the same problem as the initial poster of this thread:

Contracting 6 years in London
- 8+ years java and JEE experience
- 2 years Spring Framework
- 2 Years Agile experience including SCRUM Certified Master
- 2.5 years telco experience
- 5 years commercial/corporate banking experience (+ they asked me to do some Securities Investment Certificates with I done and got)
- etc, etc

Been looking 5 weeks, about 100 calls from agents, no interviews.

During my 6 years contracting I have never had to deal with agents just moved between job through contacts I have known, unfortunately they have very little at the moment.

So:

1) Is it my interaction with agents that's the problem? They generally are fishing for names of people I previously worked with/for and I give them f**k all.

2) Should I tailor my CV for each role I apply for?

3) Do you generally call after applying or fire and forget as I do?


I've been in work on a very good rate for the last 6 years so I'm not starving but I'd prefer to work, any ideas???

[swamp]

I've been in work on a very good rate for the last 6 years

Maybe your rate is too high?

[SpringTime]

Maybe your rate is too high?

Yeah, it's looking that way. I've been working in the same circle of clients and they generally trust my work, thus pay well. Seems moving out of that circle is like starting again and a discount rate is in order!!

Market seems to be saturated at the moment which isn't helping either.

On the positive side the weather is class and everyday is a weekend!