New to contracting

[Jamesw]

After many years as a 'permy' working as a apps Support / oracle DBA, I'm seriously thinking about going down the contract route. I'm finding quite difficult trying to find my first contract role. I'm checking and applying for positions on Jobserve / etc but not getting much luck.

Is there anything else that I can be doing to enhance my chances of gaining my first contract position. Any assistance / information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

J

[northernladuk]

Have you read the guides to the right? Lots of info in there that might help you get in the mind set of contracting which could then flag up some subtle difference you are missing.

It will be very difficult for you as new guys are a risk due to the fact there are a lot of skilled guys out ahead of you and you are new to contracting so attitude may different.

What is your notice period at your permie place just out of interest. If you are on 4 weeks or more you are going to find it even harder to get a contract role as they often require immediate start and will not wait for your notice period.

[Jamesw]

Hi,

Thanks for the info. I have no notice period as I've left my 'permy' job back in April (long story). I got married a couple of weeks ago so I've had plenty of things to keep me occupied. I'll check the info out as suggested.

Thanks

J

[northernladuk]

Remember as contractor you are supposed to be an industry expert. They are looking for someone to bring that experience to their company. You are expected to hit the ground running and start adding value as soon as possible. They will only consider people that fit the role profile perfectly... and I mean perfectly, not a good person that can do like in permie land.

When you read a role profile don't expect too much from roles you are fishing for that you 'could' do given the chance.

Make sure you modify your CV for every role to highlight the experience you have that is pertinent to that role. If you have experience that isn't mentioned drop it own the order and bring up the ones that are mentioned in the role. It is a fine balance of showing that you have effectively done the role for years but not making stuff up or lying.

The agent will be looking for keywords that match his role. It isn't like permiedom that will see you are experienced and can be trained to be an asset. The agents generally have no idea about the technology so it has to be obvious to the layman you can do the job.

HTH.

[quackhandle]

Agents also will look and ask "Why do you want to go contracting now?" You have no history of contracting so that will raise some suspicions with some agents, they will be wary that you won't be able to do the job.

The reverse is also true when I have applied for permy jobs in the past, ie - your a contractor, why do you want to go full time?

qh

[alreadypacked]

After many years as a 'permy' working as a apps Support / oracle DBA, I'm seriously thinking about going down the contract route. I'm finding quite difficult trying to find my first contract role. I'm checking and applying for positions on Jobserve / etc but not getting much luck.

Is there anything else that I can be doing to enhance my chances of gaining my first contract position. Any assistance / information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

J

Contract roles are usually for a project, so do you have project skills you can highlight?
DB migration or upgrade, application roll-out?
You are looking for things that will make your CV stand out from the others.

[jungleboogy]

I wouldn't agree that you need to be an expert in your field to start contracting. I landed my first contract as a Test Lead 6 months ago which was effectively a promotion. The company I joined were also willing to wait the 4 week notice period. I agree you should have a certain level of experience but you don't need to be the office guru.

[northernladuk]

I wouldn't agree that you need to be an expert in your field to start contracting. I landed my first contract as a Test Lead 6 months ago which was effectively a promotion. The company I joined were also willing to wait the 4 week notice period. I agree you should have a certain level of experience but you don't need to be the office guru.

You were extremely lucky and having your first contract under your belt doesn't exactly give you the experience needed to back that argument up.

[alreadypacked]

You were extremely lucky and having your first contract under your belt doesn't exactly give you the experience needed to back that argument up.

WHS

[perplexed]

In my experience, it's not so much you necessarily need to be an expert, although some clients would want that.

A) Tight deadlines, more bodies needed to throw against the code, you need to be at least competent and able to do the work.

B) In a lot of case you mjust need to be less tulip than the permies...