Applying for contracts via Job Boards.

[Kalinikta]

Recently spoke with an agent that has also been a friend for over 10 years who told me they recently received almost 4,100 applications for a desktop support role in C London paying £11ph!
To make things worse, after his team had stayed up half the night sorting out a few likely candidates, the client co pulled the role as they had no budget to fund it!

PZZ

Thats the one!, I also have a city recruiter who is a friend and they are regularly seeing 800-1200 applicants per role in the 1st and 2nd line areas....its absolutely dreadful!

The only advantage you can get is friends on the inside in times like these.

[pzz76077]

Thats the one!, I also have a city recruiter who is a friend and they are regularly seeing 800-1200 applicants per role in the 1st and 2nd line areas....its absolutely dreadful!

The only advantage you can get is friends on the inside in times like these.

I would agree, I cant see that I saw this situation coming, but have spent the past 10 or so years building up a list of reliable contacts that have kept me going.

Looking at Jobserve etc these days is virtually pointless IMV. If you are waiting for a job to be advertised before you get to see it then you have already lost!

PZZ

[Soled73]

Yes it's all very depressing at the mo.

I wouldnt say I'm a seasoned contractor, so Ive not built up a big enough circle of agent "friends" for them to contact me before things hit the job boards.

All this patience is causing havoc with the piles.

[Soled73]

http://www.jobstats.co.uk/images/cha...nth_smooth.png

Yes but the graph is irrelevant without knowing how many contractors are seeking work or already in work.

If there's only 200,000 of us then things are pretty good!

[George Parr]

Recently spoke with an agent that has also been a friend for over 10 years who told me they recently received almost 4,100 applications for a desktop support role in C London paying £11ph!
To make things worse, after his team had stayed up half the night sorting out a few likely candidates, the client co pulled the role as they had no budget to fund it!

PZZ

Sorry but this sounds like bulltulip to me. No team of agents would stay up half the night conscientiousy shortlisting the best of 4100 applicants for a role paying £11ph.

[stillooking]

I phone within 10 minutes of applying, dont wait, no one else does.
They then, if you are pressing enough find your CV.
Its then 50/50 to get them to put you across for the role.

this is on the assumption that the job isn't a work of fiction..

[Kalinikta]

this is on the assumption that the job isn't a work of fiction..

Haha, yes of course!, we already take into account that it probably is a Big Mac with no meat hahahaha

[pzz76077]

Sorry but this sounds like bulltulip to me. No team of agents would stay up half the night conscientiousy shortlisting the best of 4100 applicants for a role paying £11ph.

It was one of their key clients - 100's of placements over the years, millions of quid etc, not one they want to loose just right now....


PZZ

[Spacecadet]

Generally I fire and forget.
I might follow on with a call in about 1 in 20 applications if I think it's worthwhile or there is something else specific to the role I can add which might not be in the CV.

[Kalinikta]

Once you have been in the contracting game long enough you will find
that you are contacted even before the JobServe advert appears.

This is also very true.

80% of my contracts hve contacted me, I havent even known about the job.

A few I have applied for and got when the going was a lot better; but yes if they want you; generally its a phone call, interview and in.