market barometer - post if interviewing

[DimPrawn]

I have been doing some recruiting/interviews for my client. Am seeing loads of contractors that have been on the bench for a while and plenty that have no 'rainy day fund' that are now keen to become permie

perma-temps

[swamp]

Just started new long term contract in London.

Judging by the low amount of calls I've received lately, I'd say the market has definately taken a turn for the worse but it hasn't tanked. I could have had other interviews before this gig but I wouldn't budge on rate. Also could have taken other roles outside London. After this contract is over I may well be taking up one of these options.

[qska]

C# in London

It seems like there's plenty of advertised jobs, but not real jobs, lots of agencies asking about the market being any good, and sucking the manager's details off me, or at least trying to.
They somehow find it hard to believe that I really work with Leonardo Stephenson and Merrill Lynch.
And they always are surprised that I really worked with the guy who they say they know at my previous place :-)

Still in a contract until the end of the month though, and a rainy day fund for a few months.

[LittlestHobbo]

Finish friday...started looking 4 weeks ago but stopped after 2 weeks, sick of crap pimps and fishing. No interviews, nor has the guy i'm working with who's an extremly experienced blue chip 'tractor with general .net and specialist skills as well.

The other guy that just left here was as400, got a gig straight away.

When there is a genuine role i seem to get calls from at least 3 different agencies about it.

after 3 years on the 'tractor i'm taking a few well earned weeks off, budge up on the bench!!

[chewie171]

been looking for 2 weeks.

50+ calls from agents wanting me to do perm jobs (obviously i said not interested)

0 calls about definate contracts

4 calls about contracting to see who i am what i looking for etc

[lukemg]

Had 4 months on the bench at start of the year (very little interest, couple of interviews I didn't get), money not a problem but was really starting to get worried.
Then scored 2 contracts and took the higher paying more convenient one. Thought I had made the wrong move, kept looking and got another role but after settling in a bit more and talking to the client I have decided to stay, role is fairly certain to last a year which means a lot at the moment. Agent was ok about it but I am sure he was not happy ! Told him I would earn him some cash next time round (at least he knows I can get the contract).
In short, consider training (I delayed but should have taken the opportunity), hold your nerve it can turn around in one phone call, don't let your hopes be raised by 'possibles', roles are pulled, or never get budget all the time, get excited when they phone to arrange the interview, not before.
Good luck all

[hgllgh]

well .... mixed responses there!

I have been looking for 1.5 days now and have apparently been put forward for number of roles hmmmm.... waiting to here back, but judging by the response it still seems busy out there....

[s2budd]

Guys
Don't worry, it's the Summer.

[fitzy73]

Looking 2.5 months now. It's as dead as Di.

[Torran]

finished 30th June. Started 15th July. Got increase in rate.

No one more surprised than me

boomed!