When to start looking for a contract

[pn1995]

Hi

In just under 2 months I will be made redundant from my current permant job. I was thinking about going contacting (my skills are Citrix, Exchange, Networks, Active Directory etc..) Anyway I was wondering when yuo guys think I should start applying for contract jobs. Is 2 months to far in the future? I've been reading on this form that even though the job spec may say stat ASAP it may take 2 or 3 weeks just for the interview to go though.

Also anything I should get organised now in preperation for going contracting?

Finally I'm based in Machester/South Yorkshire/Cheshire area. Anyone any idea if the market is good at the mo for someone with my skills?
Cheers

[rootsnall]

I don't usually bother until I'm actually sat at home and twddling my thumbs ie. can start asap. A good number of the contracts that actually come into fruition are 'can you start tomorrow' and if you aren't immediatley available the agents ( and clients ) aren't as keen. Its amazing how the list of 'must have' skills and awkward questions from the clients also go out the window if they are panicking and want you 'today'. But I reckon in your case I'd start ringing agents a few weeks in advance and atleast try and register your existence with them. I would do a daily review of Jobserve ( + other sites ? ) , fire off your CV to any likely contracts and then do a follow up call and sell yourself a bit. Also don't be fussy for your first contract and take anything that is offered. I've had some hellish first few days on contracts handling stuff I'm not sure about but in the end they are the good jobs as you learn things also. Good luck !!!

[BlasterBates]

Start looking now, I´m sure your employer would let you go at short notice.

I would however look at permie roles as well. The market is mixed. It is not always easy. Focus on contracts to begin with but if you haven´t found a contract within a few weeks or at least come close then take a permie role, unless you have huge wadges of cash you don´t mind giving up.

[DimPrawn]

I only look when I've finished a contract. It's the best way to take a break from it and as others have said it's amazing how many contract opps are "start yesterday" and all the interview bollox goes out of the window. Much nicer.

Plenty of public sector jobs, mostly pointless and beaurocratic but all tax payers money. Which is a nice thought when you're staring at the bird opposite and posting on here all day.

[rootsnall]

Where are all these thousands of public sector jobs going to be based ? What skills ? A nice long slow plodding gravy train would do me nicely at the moment. My current contract is quite demanding and only allows 3 to 4 hours of internet a day.

[WageSlave1]

The public sector is indeed a gravy train; steady supply of work, average 35 hour week with flexi time. The pace is slow and civil servants are stupid and lazy.

That said, you need to be careful because after working in the public sector the private sector treats you like a leper. I made the mistake of accepting such a contract a few years ago and I've subsequently been stuck with government contracts, which is HELL AAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!

Government roles are mainly based in central London, although they do have regional offices (and then there are local councils). Liverpool, Telford and Sheffield seem to be the other hotspots.