Desperate!!

[gingerjedi]

All I can say for people in my position is take whatever you can get and try and improve from there, don't underestimate how bad the market is.

I was benched last year and it took me 5 months to get another gig, looking back the number of roles popping up was probably 3x what I'm seeing now with much less competition.

[Not So Wise]

I have tried the calm approach and waited to hear feedback for roles and got nothing, I have tried the direct approach and contacted the employers after an interview when I havent had feedback after two weeks, to be told "you shouldnt do this", to which I reply "have you given my agent feedback then?"...."No we havent"....."well thats why im calling you!"..

Well to be honest they are right, you should not be contacting them direct for feedback. It's to avoid this that clients use agents in first place.

Also if the agent finds out you are doing this you can bet your ass that particular agent will not put you forward for anything else

Simple rule of thumb to work by, if you don't hear back from agent you have not got the position. Because if you have got it agent will be ringing your phone off the hook the minute he knows

Yes im applying for ANYTHING remotely suited to my skillset, but of course most times they wont look at it because they can get someone much closer matched.

Alter your CV to be a better match for each role, one CV does not fit all

This does not mean lie, but by appropriate wording you can make yourself sound a lot more suitable.

Then after sending the CV give the agent a call within a few hours to make sure your CV "stands out" by putting a voice and real person to the text.

If he gives you some more information on the role give him a "sales pitch" about any relevant experience/abilities you might have to cover that extra info that might not stand out on your revised CV. Good agents give a mini sales pitch to the client trying to make their contractors sound better than ones form other agencys so don't be afraid to give him stuff to use

But don't take forever on this call either, the agent is busy so keep it short and sweet

Think like a marketing department, because that's one of your many roles as a self employed contractor

It is confusing because some of the rates are around the £180-200 mark but when I quiz them on why the rate is so high for a call logger they have no answer.

Don't query them on "high rates" as you are basically telling them you would take less, probably a lot less (also it implies you think the role and thus you are worth less), also with other things you are doing (like pushing for feedback) is giving an air of desperation, which further knocks the rates down

Yes you are desperate because of your personal circumstances, but keep that personal stuff in your your personal life, in your professional life look motivated, proactive and professional

[SallyAnne]

Hi K,

Do you mind me asking...do you have your own company?

Have all the funds gone from it now then?

Do you have enough for your taxes etc?

My main worry is that when this happens to me (and the way things are going, I think it's going to happen to all of us) the company will end up going bankrupt.

Sal
xx (good luck kisses!)

[AlfredJPruffock]

NSW makes some excellent points.

Having weathered several recessions , its crucial not to let your morale or confidence plummet - remain calm and maintain belief in your self - you will find you will succeed.

After all -if you dont believe in yourself - who will?


When in contracting doldrums I used to take inspiration from reading accounts of WW2 struggles - especially the struggle of the Soviets and the British millitary - you might think its tough because its not easy to find a job right now , but can you imagine looking over your trench to see a thousand panzer-tanks coming your way ?


Against overwhelming odds brave soldiers still came through these challenges - and so can you.

You have a much easier job.

Whatever you do - good luck.

Nihil Desperandum

[Kalinikta]

Hi Not So Wise

Well to be honest they are right, you should not be contacting them direct for feedback. It's to avoid this that clients use agents in first place.


Yes absolutely, I agree, but my personal situation simply doesnt allow for waiting 2 weeks for feedback after an interview, particlarly when they did say to me that it would be within 4 days of the interview. The recruiter echoed your response but also could completely understand why I did it. Hobsons choice really...I needed to know but a fair point you have made.

Also if the agent finds out you are doing this you can bet your ass that particular agent will not put you forward for anything else

Simple rule of thumb to work by, if you don't hear back from agent you have not got the position. Because if you have got it agent will be ringing your phone off the hook the minute he knows.


Yes I quote this to everyone that I speak to but this isnt black and white because as I found out today the person that is putting you forward isnt necessarily the person who is speaking with the person hiring; so it isnt a direct line of communication and it does break down to some extent and there are many little pitfalls meaning I dont get any answers. I got one today on the position I applied for...I didnt get the job lol.


Alter your CV to be a better match for each role, one CV does not fit all

This does not mean lie, but by appropriate wording you can make yourself sound a lot more suitable.


Yes I have decided to do this today.

Then after sending the CV give the agent a call within a few hours to make sure your CV "stands out" by putting a voice and real person to the text.


Yes I do this with every application I make...if I can even get to speak to anyone; they are swamped.

If he gives you some more information on the role give him a "sales pitch" about any relevant experience/abilities you might have to cover that extra info that might not stand out on your revised CV. Good agents give a mini sales pitch to the client trying to make their contractors sound better than ones form other agencys so don't be afraid to give him stuff to use

But don't take forever on this call either, the agent is busy so keep it short and sweet

Think like a marketing department, because that's one of your many roles as a self employed contractor


Yes, I do my best with this, I have revised my CV on an individual application basis with their request and do try to add value to it when speaking to them.


Don't query them on "high rates" as you are basically telling them you would take less, probably a lot less, also with other things you are doing (like pushing for feedback) is giving an air of desperation, which further knocks the rates down

Ahhh, What I meant is that the number of applicants is knocking the rates down because they are willing to work for less; not me personally. For example a position I looked into paying £25 an hour went for £17 an hour. Thats a big drop.

Yes you are desperate because of your personal circumstances, but keep that personal stuff in your your personal life, in your professional life look motivated, proactive and professional


Yea I do my best!

Thanks for your thoughts though, constructive and taken on board.

[Kalinikta]

Hi K,

Do you mind me asking...do you have your own company?

Have all the funds gone from it now then?

Do you have enough for your taxes etc?

My main worry is that when this happens to me (and the way things are going, I think it's going to happen to all of us) the company will end up going bankrupt.

Sal
xx (good luck kisses!)

Hi SallyAnne, no I dont have my own company. Im almost bankrupt though!!

K

[Kalinikta]

NSW makes some excellent points.

Having weathered several recessions , its crucial not to let your morale or confidence plummet - remain calm and maintain belief in your self - you will find you will succeed.

After all -if you dont believe in yourself - who will?


When in contracting doldrums I used to take inspiration from reading accounts of WW2 struggles - especially the struggle of the Soviets and the British millitary - you might think its tough because its not easy to find a job right now , but can you imagine looking over your trench to see a thousand panzer-tanks coming your way ?


Against overwhelming odds brave soldiers still came through these challenges - and so can you.

You have a much easier job.

Whatever you do - good luck.

Nihil Desperandum

Hi Alfred, no I cant imagine what it would be like to peer over a trench and see loads of tanks bearing down, and I do take your point on board and try to keep positive; but I have to say ( and I say this to everyone) we all deal in our own reality and as such for example with the analogy you gave; its easy enough to compare thoughts but very hard to FEEL them.

Its like smoking, which im trying to give up, you get told you have a smoking related illness you will stop quick smart; but its all too easy not to when your thought processes arent so challenged. Just a thought.

Thanks though

K

[tino]

Hi K,

Do you mind me asking...do you have your own company?

Have all the funds gone from it now then?

Do you have enough for your taxes etc?

My main worry is that when this happens to me (and the way things are going, I think it's going to happen to all of us) the company will end up going bankrupt.

Sal
xx (good luck kisses!)

Sal, I was down to my last £3,000 before I got this gig (3 weeks ago) after paying last years corporation tax. We've still got about £18,000 worth of dividends which have been accounted for (and paid within the corp tax) but don't have the funds to take them

We're kind of treading water at the moment and have been taking bare minimum salaries for about 4 months now (our last dividends were taken before christmas) so you're not alone.

BTW, It soon bounces back up after a month or 4 back in the race. I'm looking forward to my next non enforced extended holiday already

[SuperZ]

Hi K,

My main worry is that when this happens to me (and the way things are going, I think it's going to happen to all of us) the company will end up going bankrupt.

Sal
xx (good luck kisses!)

If the BJ was good enough to change the budget, there`s good money in that you know

If we go bankrupt due to the recession I wonder if we can ask for a bailout? A couple of hundred G`s will do

[tino]

If the BJ was good enough changed the budget, there`s good money in that you know

If we go bankrupt due to the recession I wonder if we can ask for a bailout? A couple of hundred G`s will do

I'm writing a letter to darling as we speak to see if he want's to governmentmentalise my company