market barometer - post if interviewing

[JaybeeInCUK]

Yep, on the bench here too, although largely voluntary while I expand and sharpen my skillset.

Pretty much skills-sensitive, not surprised some guys are flying off the bench while I'm putting out a couple of cv's a week, if that.

[Fred Bloggs]

Very quiet over Christmas/New Year as expected but managed to get a gig in late Jan. Started a new job in mid May and it presently seems like the grave out there. Had a caouple of calls from trusted agencies the last two weeks confirming it's dead up here and asking me to keep them in the loop if I hear of any leads. This is the NW of England, BTW.

[Cowboy Bob]

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

Send them my way. I've been interviewing to fill a permie position at Client Co and can't find anyone worth hiring.

[Micro$oftie]

Looking for a first contract, got a permie offer in the bag very quickly which I need to make a call on ASAP but trying to hold on for that contract.
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If anyone knows of a contract going for a WSS3 / MOSS07 BA/Admin/consultant (non-dev) then a PM would be gratefully received
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MS

[hgllgh]

4.5 days searching .. loads of calls ... not a sniff of an interview (and for the more mainstream skills .... .NET C# VB.NET SQL SERVER web dev etc etc) .... NOTHING!!

Am I expecting too much too soon?
How long have others had to wait before getting an interview?

[DaveB]

POsted CV a week ago, couple of contract calls, lots of permie stuff. Lining up a phone interview for next week.

[DaveB]

Looking for a first contract, got a permie offer in the bag very quickly which I need to make a call on ASAP but trying to hold on for that contract.
.
If anyone knows of a contract going for a WSS3 / MOSS07 BA/Admin/consultant (non-dev) then a PM would be gratefully received
.
MS

Take the permie role and keep looking, if summat comes up you can use the usual permie probation period in your favour for a change and jump ship.

[KevinS]

Got 2 offers last Thursday (the first at the rate I asked for, the second for more ).. Started yesterday..

[Malingering BA]

4.5 days searching .. loads of calls ... not a sniff of an interview (and for the more mainstream skills .... .NET C# VB.NET SQL SERVER web dev etc etc) .... NOTHING!!

Am I expecting too much too soon?
How long have others had to wait before getting an interview?

Thursday: spotted a tasty little number on Jobserve and sent out CV
Tuesday: telephone interview
Thursday: 1st face-to-face interview
Monday am: 2nd face-to-face interview
Monday pm: notified the gig is mine
Tuesday: waiting for contract to arrive for signature

Downturn, what downturn?

[NickNick]

Downturn, what downturn?

Couldn't agree more. Just agreed a contract this morning for another 45 days work. I've not been on the bench at all this last year. The work is out there if you want it and can get to it.