IT Project Manager Market

[kaiser78]

Any sign of this having picked up in first couple of weeks of Jan or still very slow ? Just had 3 months renewal on IT PM Banking area

[Ivor Bigun]

I did a "dummy" test recently, genuine role, but told my team to tell candidates that the rate was 250GBP per day (market rate was 375GBP per day), although most candidates when confronted with the rate of 250GBP per day baulked at it, all accepted. When I then approached the shortlisted candidates and said the role was paying 375GBP per day they suddenly all felt they should be on 375GBP. Such an honest bunch!

Not sure what you're trying to prove here. All it says to me is that whatever you say, it is not to be trusted. Reckon you're pretty stupid to admit that you do this sort of thing. Both for the contractor and the client.

Dream on about big cuts, agents (good ones) don't make these big cuts urban myth some of you folk subscribe to. The client normally stipulates an overall margin i.e. 15% and that margin is what is stuck to.

[/QUOTE]

An we are supposed to believe you after the above?
You're fooling no-one.

Everyone knows that agents will squeeze the "raw material" if they can.
You only have to look at the "Office Temp Agency" business to see that.
Margins of 50% are quite common there and I see that happening in computer contracting real soon.
Why?
Because too many stupid people will stick it out - racing each other for the bottom - as admitted by this very agent who gloats that contractors are plentiful - nice.

[PM-Junkie]

One of the few good things about this recession is that it will put unprofessional nobs such as this out of business, and not before time.

A recruitment consultant accusing someone else of being dishonest - funniest thing I have read in ages. Pot - kettle - black.

[BrowneIssue]

How is anyone finding the IT PM market in the current downturn - generally and more specifically banking / finance ?

I am being bothered very frequently with "When are you next free?" and "send an updated CV" calls & emails. This is usually a sign the agencies have no work to do, i.e. the market is quiet. Perhaps it is still too early in January to tell.

(Yes, I know the question is 3 months old.)

[chris79]

I've got 2 PM / project lead interviews taking place next week, other than that it's been very very quiet since December. Looks like things are starting to pick up a little bit now though.

[norrahe]

I've got 2 PM / project lead interviews taking place next week, other than that it's been very very quiet since December. Looks like things are starting to pick up a little bit now though.

yep, it really seems to be picking up.

which is good

[zara_backdog]

I have had a couple of calls re: BA work in the past week - seem serious as agent has not asked the typical fishing questions, and have a telephone Interview on Monday.

Prehaps projects are staring up again- here's hoping

[Peter Loew]

Was supposed to have a telephone interview on thurs just gone, the agent said the client was too busy so arranged for the next day. Then the agent called the following day and said sorry they have had somebody contracted in direct on a much lower rate (like, whatever).

Got an interview next week. Both above are PM roles.

Yep, it's certainly picking up, but there are loads of people on the bench. I think this market will weed out both the unprofessional contractors and agents.

[norrahe]

I have had a couple of calls re: BA work in the past week - seem serious as agent has not asked the typical fishing questions, and have a telephone Interview on Monday.

Prehaps projects are staring up again- here's hoping

projects seem to be picking up again, I'm getting pre-emptive calls about my availability, and pimps letting me know that they have roles coming in from various clients. They also asking me who I'd prefer to work with so they can get me over there.

[chris79]

Yep, it's certainly picking up, but there are loads of people on the bench. I think this market will weed out both the unprofessional contractors and agents.

Only because the crap now have a LOT more competition from the influx of permies looking to the contract market now as a means of survival. It's a buyers market for the clients and it will pretty much be a case of the best survive, I agree.