I wonder if there's a blacklist out there

[expat]

One thing I've learned from this and the last recession is that sometimes the market just isn't in a position to grant you an opportunity and it doesn't matter how much you want it/need it/deserve it/can devlier on it. Basically there are things you can do to maximise your chances, but you can't force these things. Accept this and you'll feel liberated. I experienced very dark times in 2001/2 but this time I'm 101% relaxed about things even though I've only had 1 interview in the last 6 months having previously been able to have as many as I could physically schedule.

Good luck.

Funnily enough, my partner has asked me whether I haven't perhaps upset someone badly enough that word is getting round and stopping me from getting contracts or even interviews. It's a good question but I think not, since my surly demeanour hasn't changed in years but the market has.

I wasn't so worried in 2001/2 although I was on the bench for 4 months (6 months really, except for a 13-day tulipe contract - so bad that even the Computer People pimp who got it for me told me that I didn't want to take it - where for once in my life I literally threw my badge on the PM's desk on the way out). Now I am worried. I guess the difference is that then we could survive, just, on my partner's salary alone. Now my partner's salary is only about half the mortgage payments, so it is harder to stay calm.

But yes, it is just the market, and the market always dives to the basement at least once a decade.

[HairyArsedBloke]

On the subject of the penile tattoo's - should I show them or not ?

Yes. Post pictures.

Rabiddog, you ever hang around a gymnasium?

[HeadOfTesting]

...except for a 13-day tulipe contract - so bad that even the Computer People pimp who got it for me told me that I didn't want to take it - where for once in my life I literally threw my badge on the PM's desk on the way out).

I had a similar experience in 2001. Long story but I was there 1 month (felt like 10yrs) and at the end I told the client I had picked the dole queue in preference to continued association with them - even though the market was chronic.

[rabiddog]

Yes. Post pictures.

Rabiddog, you ever hang around a gymnasium?

Um, yeah occasionally, but they ask me to leave when they see how far I'm hanging.

Slightly more seriously, the Irish (RoI) market is even worse than the UK, and, I guess 'cos it's smaller, all the agencies advertise the same jobs, they don't even change the script the employers give to them.

Maybe I should consider a career change, set up a recruitment agency and offer professional career advice, mentoring and CV writing services for unholy amounts of money - all payed in advance of course.

Any one interested ?

[CiderEagle]

Thanks to all.

On the subject of name change - tried changing it to my CUK login, but no joy there either.
On the subject of the penile tattoo's - should I show them or not ?

Anyway thanks again, happier now

Could be a bit of income on the side there with the tattoos and whatnot.

Diversification is the name of the game these days.

[EddieNambulous]

Am I cursed or what ?

...

I phone 'em, they seem really keen, I apply and phone 'em again, suddenly not so keen.

Yeah, I know it can feel like that sometimes but markets come and go in cycles. Right now, the agents have the upper hand but the tide will turn eventually and the contractors will have the winning hand again.

Personally, I think the main thing is to keep your own self-respect and dignity in the face of bare-faced lying from some agents.

These days, as soon as I've hung up the phone, I just assume that everything I've just been told is a complete lie, dismiss it from my mind and get on with something constructive. If I get an interview or an offer, then good. If not, I didn't expect it anyway. Dwelling on what they're up to is self-defeating and mentally-draining.

[denver2k]

Have you included illustrations of your penile tattoos on the CV?

This is a common mistake i see on many contractor cv's and may be one of the first areas to look at.

piercing

[rabiddog]

piercing

I know, I know. I already have piercings where the tattoo's are; hadn't considered the rear aswell - but I wonder ? Will this help me get a job ?

Or is it because I left the techy realm many years ago and sold my soul into Project and Programme Management - business focused dont'cha know.

Ah well, better get the needle and ice cubes out again.

[nomadd]

I had a similar experience in 2001. Long story but I was there 1 month (felt like 10yrs) and at the end I told the client I had picked the dole queue in preference to continued association with them - even though the market was chronic.

It's refreshing to read comments like this, as I always felt I was the only contractor "mad" enough to just walk out on clients. I've done it 3 times in 20 years: first two times I lasted one day before I'd had enough; third time I stayed 2 weeks before walking. Can't say I've ever regretted it either.

Nomadd

[PM-Junkie]

Am I cursed or what ?

I know the PM market is flat, I know rates are down, I know all about phishing, ghost and repeat jobs, I know the pimps can pick and choose, but ....

I phone 'em, they seem really keen, I apply and phone 'em again, suddenly not so keen.

I know there's nothing wrong with the CV, I know I've got the relevant experience and, obviously, I know I can do the job.

Not one nibble in over three months and I've tried everywhere (including strangely named countries in CIS and Africa).

Mmmmm, might just be paranoid or have I done something really bad in a previous contract that somehow has flagged my rather distinctive surname.

Any pointers appreciated before I take the ultimate step

I say, steady on old chap - isn't "blacklist" a tad racist? I'm sure you can come up with a more PC term than that?