State of the market

[gadgetman]

Lots of major (multi-year) transformation projects going on in Melbourne. My current company just put up 40 job specs for sign off tomorrow, we're struggling to fill vacancies, even Bob is maxed out

[Francko]

Lots of major (multi-year) transformation projects going on in Melbourne. My current company just put up 40 job specs for sign off tomorrow, we're struggling to fill vacancies, even Bob is maxed out

Oh come on... the "my company is hiring so there is no crisis" is just a valid point such as the one "if there is a crisis how come you still see people in a shopping center"?

The reality is that there are far too many applicants for each role unless this role is not being advertised but it's passed onto networked people. If you ever have to compete for roles, man it's really though out there. I used to be in roles where I was the only one to go for (or perhaps 3 or 4 to choose from), now even the ones where very specific skills are required have at least 90-100 applicants (and not to mention generic skills jobs for which you can have thousands of applicants).

Try to ask the question on the state of the market to the people who are actually looking for a position, not the ones who are in a steady contract or permanent job.

p.s. I just realised now you mentioned Melbourne.... :-) ah well... work and sunshine, congrats

[gadgetman]

Sorry to burst your bubble mate but business is most definitely booming here. Did you miss the location?

Oh come on... the "my company is hiring so there is no crisis" is just a valid point such as the one "if there is a crisis how come you still see people in a shopping center"?

T

[BolshieBastard]

Sorry to burst your bubble mate but business is most definitely booming here. Did you miss the location?

Colleague of mine has just secured a permie (I think) role in sydney. Leaves the UK for good in January.

The UK market is tulipe right now although fortunately, Im in a contract until feb with a further extension to July a goer.

[Funkywood]

I got back to the UK from down under at the end of April having not worked for nearly 6 months since December in Brisbane and had secured a contract by end of May in London at a higher rate than when I left 2 years earlier. I've just had it renewed so I'm set until next May now.

Heading back to Sydney is still on my list of back up plans if things do go totally tulipe but it doesn't seem that bad yet.

[craig1]

I was just "undercut" by another contractor for a role. PM role advertised at £550 per day, I had the one interview then got a call from the director telling me that I was the best candidate but the losing candidate had offered to come in for free for the first four weeks of a three month contract! He said if I matched it they'd take me on.

No idea if they were just trying a fast-one or the other candidate was seriously desperate but I'm not and turned it down.

I seriously hope the market isn't that screwed!

[kandr]

I was just "undercut" by another contractor for a role. PM role advertised at £550 per day, I had the one interview then got a call from the director telling me that I was the best candidate but the losing candidate had offered to come in for free for the first four weeks of a three month contract! He said if I matched it they'd take me on.

No idea if they were just trying a fast-one or the other candidate was seriously desperate but I'm not and turned it down.

I seriously hope the market isn't that screwed!

Sounds like the Agent pulling a fast one, name and shame. Is it a small client, sound like a right bunch of barrow boys.

[craig1]

Sounds like the Agent pulling a fast one, name and shame. Is it a small client, sound like a right bunch of barrow boys.

Direct to client effort exploiting some of my contacts and not using an agency. Very detailed confidentiality agreement means I can't name them but they're a large City company.

The director made it clear that he may call me back at the end of the four weeks free time if the candidate isn't working out. He seems to think it's morally acceptable to use someone so obviously desperate then boot them out after the free time is up.

I think I may be "working elsewhere" if he calls, even if I'm still benched.

[Bunk]

I was just "undercut" by another contractor for a role. PM role advertised at £550 per day, I had the one interview then got a call from the director telling me that I was the best candidate but the losing candidate had offered to come in for free for the first four weeks of a three month contract! He said if I matched it they'd take me on.

No idea if they were just trying a fast-one or the other candidate was seriously desperate but I'm not and turned it down.

I seriously hope the market isn't that screwed!

I actually know someone who told me they would do exactly that if it would help them get a gig. I wonder if you've just got screwed over by the same guy I know.

[norrahe]

The impression I'm getting is that there are roles out there but in word and not in deed. It seems as though people are going through the process of advertising, interviewing and then pulling out at the last minute or deciding the role should be permie.