What am I doing wrong?

[DimPrawn]

Landing the 1st contract is the hardest. You have no history and a lot of clients like to see lots of big name clients on your CV.

Focus on the CV - It's your No.1 tool for landing interviews.

[SandyDown]

what's the 'Card' Industry??? never heard of it .. is this cards as in poker playing cards, or cards as in greeting cards??? mind you how do wither of these related to IT?? and what kind of project would you manage for a 'Card' industry?? sit there and watch people playing poker??? or manage a team producing a teddy bear greeting card??

[Arthur Fen]

Credit Cards

[MarillionFan]

"3. My notice period is too long (3 weeks)"

Yeh this is too long(whoever said No it aint should be shot)

Agents sift on who is available now, you will go to the back of the pile. Chuck your job in and you will find that a contract will appear pretty quick otherwise forget it you like stability too much.

[cooperinliverp00l]

Castoff - I have been in testing for nearly 5 years. Most companies like you to have a few more years experience than 1 in testing as in my opinion it is a specialist area. Also most clients like you to have ISEB at least to Foundation level.

When you build up a reputation with some agencies you will find they get you the jobs. I forget the last time i looked at a job website for UK roles anyway.

Keep holding on and maybe look at your rate. Is it competetive for the role your going for ?? If you want the job so much keep phone the pimps every day asking for updates tell them your keeping track on all your options as your due to hear back from a couple in the next day or so. If the pimps really want you this will make them move things quicker as they will think your going to loose out to someone else

[Rookie]

I experienced a similar thing when looking for my first contract as a PM.

I ended up with 3 or 4 CV's detailing varying experience. When applying for a role I would then tweak the most suitable CV.

After taking this approach the phone calls and interviews started coming in. Looking back on the first CV I used, it looks cr@p

Local Authorities may be a good place to start, I believe Toot Toot is the expression!

[Arthur Fen]

Thanks for everyone's comments, really, really, useful stuff particularly regarding availability and CV.

Thanks again, A

[OrangeHopper]

Ask for feedback on your CV but, beware, not all agents are that experienced and therefore may not give you good advice.

I believe those on here who have been involved in hiring people will say the choice of "no" or "maybe" tray is based on a 10 to 30 second scan so the top half of the first page is probably the most important.

[Underscore]

If you have Cards experiance I know for a fact that RBS are taking on PMs for this. £400 per day min. Based in Edin or London. Get your CV to Lorien.

[CheesyNob]

Get alot more than £400 aday at RBS, more like £475 - £600 aday, not mentioning where I am