Yawn.... this bench is bl00dy uncomfortable

[nomadd]

It always starts 20 questions when you say something like that.

As boo says, the correct answer is "No". Move along to the next question.

The correct answer is: "Sorry, I'm a bit pushed for time... About that role you wanted to discuss..."

If they don't start to talk about "that role" within the next five words, then from me it's "Sorry, I've got to go now; give me a call when you have some more details." Click.

[Graemsay]

I've been benched for about two months.

I'm finding that outside of particular niches (particularly iPhone, Android and Flex) and the banking sector, it's pretty dead. I'm getting a lot of phone calls off agents who're going to put me forward for jobs, but virtually nothing seems to be coming back. Which is frustrating.

Not only that, but those that do involve me relocating and taking a rate cut. And I'm getting sick of continually moving, having worked in Huddersfield, Newcastle, the Hague and London last year.

The agents seem to be really fussy about experience too. For iPhone and Android gigs you seem to need 2+ years in a commercial environment (i.e. not after hours coding) and three or four applications in the relevant app store. I'm getting rolled over for Flex roles for not having a similar level.

Going back to the original post, how do people manage to retrain? I'm toying with being slightly economical with the truth next time I'm asked about my Flex experience. (i.e. Saying I've been doing it since 2007, rather than citing the five or six months or so solid, commercial work I've got.)

[krytonsheep]

The agents seem to be really fussy about experience too

Unfortunately the contractor market is over-saturated at the moment so they can be as fussy as they like (unless you're in a niche without much competition).

[mondraker]

Unfortunately the contractor market is over-saturated at the moment so they can be as fussy as they like (unless you're in a niche without much competition).

Agree and before I got my next gig I was even thinking of buying a coffee shop franchise!

[The Agents View]

More self-serving Tulipe from the resident leech. The correct answer to the question is : "No".

Boo

In which case my response is simple....

"Given that you're not capable of having a proper discussion, you are not capable of performing at interview stage. Thanks for your time, but I'm not interested in pursuing this for you."

Goodbye.

[SueEllen]

Going back to the original post, how do people manage to retrain? I'm toying with being slightly economical with the truth next time I'm asked about my Flex experience. (i.e. Saying I've been doing it since 2007, rather than citing the five or six months or so solid, commercial work I've got.)

You retrain in a role.

[TOSH1]

Been on the bench nearly 8 weeks now and am desperate to get back. lots of phonecalls from agencies saying that they will put me forward and then nothing. It should pick up in April.

[PropertyCrashUK]

This role has been advertised on JS since the New Year with various agencies. Turned up again.

When it first appeared it appeared alongside lots of PM type 9 to 5 roles - all presumably for the same financial organisation. If anyone is desperate to get off the bench you might want to apply.

Personally, I think they want to own the guy who ends up doing it. I think they left out the bit about tying a broom to his backside so he can sweep the floor.

I avoid contracts like this now as ill health, anxiety, panic attacks, stress and heart attacks lay ahead IMPO. Have a look if you are keen.

Infrastructure Analyst Cardiff Contract IT Job

[Boo]

"Given that you're not capable of having a proper discussion, you are not capable of performing at interview stage. Thanks for your time, but I'm not interested in pursuing this for you."

Leech: "Are you currently being put forward for any other roles ?"
Contractor: "No."
Leech: "Given that you're not capable of having a proper discussion, you are not capable
of performing at interview stage. Thanks for your time, but I'm not interested in
pursuing this for you."

Yes, I have had conversations with leeches which ran like that...

Boo

[The Agents View]

Leech: "Are you currently being put forward for any other roles ?"
Contractor: "No."
Leech: "Given that you're not capable of having a proper discussion, you are not capable
of performing at interview stage. Thanks for your time, but I'm not interested in
pursuing this for you."

Yes, I have had conversations with leeches which ran like that...

Boo

I bet. Indeed, I'm sure 90% of your conversations with "leeches" (who do all of the marketing, Business Development, and cold calling for you, at no cost to you, take the massive financial risks, pay you weekly, and only ever charge the people you work for, despite the fact that finding you an assignment benefits you more than the client) went like that.....

I hope your attitude gives you splinters.