Newbie looking for first contract advice

**TraceRacing** · 14 September 2011, 19:46

I guess it's a matter of preference and your approach to risk as well as how the particular contract is. I'm in the same situation moving onto my first contract on 3rd October but it's for 10 months. Rate is £25 per day less than I'd like but as it's long term and close to home it's ideal as a starter to build a warchest.

Remember that once this contract finishes you may not have another lined up straight away so could end up earning zip for a while.

For me, a nice long term contract (actually with an ex-employer) is ideal...YMMV

**rd409** · 15 September 2011, 07:34

Originally posted by sharper1 View Post

Hi all,

I recently moved into the contract market after several years in a permie role and I'm looking for advice on what length of contract I should be looking for for my first contract. Ideally I'd like at least a 3-6 month contract but have seen some short term contracts (around 4 weeks) that would give me experience in new sectors. What is the general feeling of how a 4 week contract might look on my CV as my first contract and would the new sector exposure justify taking the contract?

The length of the contract is only as good as the notice period. Also it may happen that you are not paid for the notice period. As a contractor you are only paid for the amount of work you do. So it does not matter if the length of the contract is 4 weeks or 50 weeks. It can go away any time. As you are a newbie to the field following are some advise that you may want to consider.

1. Read the newbie section on the forum. You will get answers to most of your questions.
2. Read on IR35 if you going the ltd way. Alternatively, look on how to decide on which umbrella to choose.
3. Make sure you have enough money to last you till you get another contract.
4. As a contractor, you are never out of the market. Start networking with agents, and agencies.

Any questions, post it on the forum.

And in the end: Welcome to the new world.

HTH.
Dave.

**tarbera** · 15 September 2011, 07:47

You are still thinking as a darksider

Originally posted by sharper1 View Post

Hi all,

I recently moved into the contract market after several years in a permie role and I'm looking for advice on what length of contract I should be looking for for my first contract. Ideally I'd like at least a 3-6 month contract but have seen some short term contracts (around 4 weeks) that would give me experience in new sectors. What is the general feeling of how a 4 week contract might look on my CV as my first contract and would the new sector exposure justify taking the contract?

You are still in permie mode, get your foot in the door with ANY contract, then start looking to move up in duration/rate

**BlasterBates** · 15 September 2011, 07:53

4 weeks is too short, that would be something you'd take if you're on the bench with nothing better.
You can't learn anything in 4 weeks.

You want a 3-6 monther with possible extensions.

**tarbera** · 15 September 2011, 07:56

You can't learn anything in 4 weeks

Originally posted by BlasterBates View Post

You can't learn anything in 4 weeks.

Learn anything ?? I would hope not as the client is bringing you in as the expert to show them

**sharper1** · 15 September 2011, 08:59

Originally posted by tarbera View Post

You are still in permie mode, get your foot in the door with ANY contract, then start looking to move up in duration/rate

This is what I was thinking. I'm still trying to get my head in the right gear however I wondered if it being my first contract made a difference.

It's amazing how much advice differs from person to person, e.g.

Originally posted by BlasterBates View Post

4 weeks is too short, that would be something you'd take if you're on the bench with nothing better.
You can't learn anything in 4 weeks.

You want a 3-6 monther with possible extensions.

I've just entered the market and have plenty of savings and good feedback on my CV and experience so no reason to think I'll have any trouble landing a contract. Talking to the agent about this particular 4 weeker it was working with older technologies and really didn't sound like there was any scope for extensions, just tying up an existing project.

**craig1** · 15 September 2011, 09:05

Originally posted by tarbera View Post

Learn anything ?? I would hope not as the client is bringing you in as the expert to show them

I've been contracting for a very, very long time yet I still learn from every contract! What I'm learning from my current contract is how to effectively project manage in a huge company with the processes and structure of a feral street gang. I've also re-learned that I hate the Central Line tube journey at rush hour.

When you stop learning, it's a good sign that your head has gone too far up your own bum.

**pdr** · 15 September 2011, 09:13

I think you should go for the 4 week contract. Even if it doesn't sound like a extension is on the cards, if you make a good impression, who is to say they won't contact you (or the agent) about a new longer contract. For me it would be about making contacts and more importantly billing, rather than sitting on the bench and waiting for a longer contract.

**tarbera** · 15 September 2011, 09:33

indeed

Originally posted by craig1 View Post

I've been contracting for a very, very long time yet I still learn from every contract! What I'm learning from my current contract is how to effectively project manage in a huge company with the processes and structure of a feral street gang. I've also re-learned that I hate the Central Line tube journey at rush hour.

When you stop learning, it's a good sign that your head has gone too far up your own bum.

Indeed I thought you were expecting the client to sent him on some type of training course

Newbie looking for first contract advice