The Bench - Blog! How do some of you cope and bag an Interview?!

[BolshieBastard]

Probably phoning to say you'd left your jacket.

Nah. Kept it on all through the interview! And didnt sweat a drop

[contractor79]

Thought I'd let off some steam and see if any of you guys can relate/provide some reading material/comments!

It's a big like finding a woman, mate. You got to make some effort but if you make too much you won't get one. Eventually one comes along when you put less effort into it. It's a phenomenon.

So I recommend just make sure enough recruiters have your CV and they'll set you up for jobs eventually.

Hope that helps.

[MrHelpful]

Cheers contractor79...im getting my CV out with some planning in place and a stratgy hopefully will bring some good news.

Bolshie - do let us know how u get on... sounds promising!

GJ - I am envious your getting callbacks and interviews... your ahead of me.

Spacecadet - spill the beans... which sector are you in and how long you been contracting...I'd like to see your CV if poss.. especially -


I've not been on the bench for any longer than a month
I don't have to chase up agents by phone, they call me

Right best I plug away and see whats out there... call back the agents I couldnt reach (not that they were avoiding me) I had one real good convo yesterday but agent said he would be shortlisting on Friday and my CV was a strong fit... I am not sure what to make of that - why wait till Friday? and not just send my CV accross. Things I learnt this morning -

1) Bill Gates has been overtook in worlds richest
2) My share portfolio is down 0.94% grrrrr.... I need a rally!
3) My accountant sends me a mail saying he needs all my paperwork to complete my accounts... like yesterday or I'll be fined. Pffft - I thought accountants were suppose to be on top of their game...oops I forgot to remind him (how silly of me)

Keep the tips/advice/comments coming... and those who are thinking - get on with it boy ... I am! but I am hoping I am not the only one in this predicament.

[MrHelpful]

First of all, Thank You admin for removing the noise from this thread.

Right where do I stand - reflecting on this week... I've applied for 5 roles. 1 of which I know is dead as the agent hasnt even called back. I have my fingers crossed that I get shortlisted for one where I know I had a positive chat with the agent and would be a strong profile fit... I just cant help keep refreshing my inbox to see if that elusive mail is on its way. I've only had one agent call me this week about a role I haven't applied for and 2 who wanted to know whether I would work for a silly low rate.

My new CV is nearly done and I have a horde of emails to publish to get the new updated version out there. Hopefully will have the agents clambering over each other wanting to hire me.

My share portfolio has also bounced back and I am +0.26%

On a not so happier note, I got asked by a mate for the first time if everything was ok. She noticed I was alot more short tempered and I guess this job search is having a side effect...therefore note to myself, need to make sure I dont get frustrated and foremost not lose it with others who are there to provide a sounding board.

Right - I am off out... need to purchase a toilet today so thats something different. Hopefully everything will pan out

Apologies for poor grammar but this is a blog... so I write as I speak!

[BolshieBastard]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhh hhhhhhhhhh!

Fecking clients! The role I interviewed for want someone on board asap but they still havent got back to the agent with a decision. After nearly 36 hours its driving me mad not knowing one way or the other.

Oh and in case anyone wants to point out why this may be, Im aware of the situation!

Some good news is that my previous client has also asked me to interview at the beginning of next week.

Sometimes I wish I wasnt in IT

[lukemg]

Easy to get sucked into a bad place, sounds like you are getting too involved in each application.
I appreciate that a consultancy based role lends itself to closer tracking than the more generic roles but all the chasing and angst can be a real depressing cycle. I am working hard on building up some networking options e.g. linked-in, which I have previously been rubbish at. I am on the usual job boards and have a few applicable agents who know my status.
I never chase up on the phone, I agree it might be a useful tactic but it is always unwelcome and I hate doing it. I never track apps beyond keeping the email I sent. There are 101 reasons why you didn’t get called, job wasn’t released, list already assembled (job board done as procedure), they had some people who were a better match/cheap etc etc. Point is that most of these are out of your control and therefore a waste of time to sweat over.
IF I were you, I would be linking like crazy to everyone at the consultancies I knew (linked-in is good as it feels less forced), these people are usually spread far and wide and often assembling teams etc. Mate got a contract this way after he left accidenture, his ex-boss was now CIO at an oil company and was happy to pay him £850/day + expenses and Friday WFH because he knew he had been charging him out at 1100 before !
There are a number of specialised Interim agencies also who take a more personalised approach for high-end contractors, like to have a few on the books ready.
I am restricted on location (NW) and am in reasonable but not great demand which has lead to up to 5 months between contracts (had year off total in the last 4, some of it my fault for walking). I have not used the time off as productively and enjoyably as I should but I would have been self-harming if I was getting as stressed as you. It only takes a phone call to turn everything round and put you back in. Other key is to be ready when you get the call, I have been offered the last 6 I have interviewed for but must have applied for 100 in that time that I never got close to getting.

[BolshieBastard]

Easy to get sucked into a bad place, sounds like you are getting too involved in each application.
I appreciate that a consultancy based role lends itself to closer tracking than the more generic roles but all the chasing and angst can be a real depressing cycle. I am working hard on building up some networking options e.g. linked-in, which I have previously been rubbish at. I am on the usual job boards and have a few applicable agents who know my status.
I never chase up on the phone, I agree it might be a useful tactic but it is always unwelcome and I hate doing it. I never track apps beyond keeping the email I sent. There are 101 reasons why you didn’t get called, job wasn’t released, list already assembled (job board done as procedure), they had some people who were a better match/cheap etc etc. Point is that most of these are out of your control and therefore a waste of time to sweat over.
IF I were you, I would be linking like crazy to everyone at the consultancies I knew (linked-in is good as it feels less forced), these people are usually spread far and wide and often assembling teams etc. Mate got a contract this way after he left accidenture, his ex-boss was now CIO at an oil company and was happy to pay him £850/day + expenses and Friday WFH because he knew he had been charging him out at 1100 before !
There are a number of specialised Interim agencies also who take a more personalised approach for high-end contractors, like to have a few on the books ready.
I am restricted on location (NW) and am in reasonable but not great demand which has lead to up to 5 months between contracts (had year off total in the last 4, some of it my fault for walking). I have not used the time off as productively and enjoyably as I should but I would have been self-harming if I was getting as stressed as you. It only takes a phone call to turn everything round and put you back in. Other key is to be ready when you get the call, I have been offered the last 6 I have interviewed for but must have applied for 100 in that time that I never got close to getting.

Im in the northwest too and dont disagree with much of that. In fact, I'd say our circumstances are very similar based on what you've said!

My LinkedIn network is growing and I dont tend to chase up agents about roles I've applied for unless there's special circumstances ie very close to home!

The role I interviewed for is however one they want someone to start immediately.

[questiontime]

The role I interviewed for is however one they want someone to start immediately.

isn't this something every client says

[RichardCranium]

The role I interviewed for is however one they want someone to start immediately.

isn't this something every client says

That's why they want a contractor...

[BolshieBastard]

isn't this something every client says

Nope. Plenty of contract roles I've had were 'we're looking for someone to start in about 4 weeks.'

Immediate start to me means if you cant start within the next 5 working days tops, then, thanks but its too long to wait.