Are you really defined by your last contract?

[Belle]

I need some advice please. I’ve been on the bench for four months – a very slow market it seems for Test Managers. I’ve had a few calls from agents regarding more junior Test Analyst positions, some paying very high rates but I feel this would be going backwards and would negatively affect my CV. Do I hold out (definitely no summer holiday this year then!!), or am I wrong in thinking you’re defined by your last contract?

[BrilloPad]

I have found that those who work with me forever view me as per my contact with them. But I tweak my CV to accentuate the bits I want others to see.

e.g. I worked for GS in 2000 as 75% support 25% dev. My boss always saw me as a support person forever more - but my CV highlighted all the good dev work I did.

[malvolio]

I need some advice please. I’ve been on the bench for four months – a very slow market it seems for Test Managers. I’ve had a few calls from agents regarding more junior Test Analyst positions, some paying very high rates but I feel this would be going backwards and would negatively affect my CV. Do I hold out (definitely no summer holiday this year then!!), or am I wrong in thinking you’re defined by your last contract?

Isn't the whole idea to use your skills and knowledge to earn money. "Career" and "seniority" aren't a factor. Surely it's better to demonstrate a full working year than a series of sporadic senior roles?

[JamJarST]

Isn't the whole idea to use your skills and knowledge to earn money. "Career" and "seniority" aren't a factor. Surely it's better to demonstrate a full working year than a series of sporadic senior roles?

I agree with Mal 100% on this. You are a business man selling your businesses services t your clients, on contract that maybe as a "test Manager" the next couble be an anlayst, the next it coulbe as a test documenter, it shouldn't affect your CV ata all as surely you list yourself as a Test Consultant or something similar.

[northernladuk]

I found in my line of work it does tend that way am afraid but I don't know about testing. I also found it quite difficult to move between management and analyst type work. For example PM's often think they can do PMO work just because they are 'higher up the chain' but this isn't the case, it is a different role altogether, not just more junior.

I don't think it is impossible though and after 4 months on the bench I would give it a pop. Surely the rate difference between a manager and hands on isn't that bad to make it worth waiting 4 months?

There is always the bonus that once you are in as a tester you can manipulate your situation. Maybe you can prove your worth as a manager and allow the existing manager to move on to different stuff leaving you in charge, he may leave anyway and you can step up etc. You could also offer to take on responsibilities which would actually make the gig look similar to the others on your CV. You could also just focus on the key elements to keep your CV looking concurrent when adding this gig. I wouldn't condone making stuff up but can drop some of the tasks that would make your role look junior etc.....You can't do any of these things on the bench.

[northernladuk]

I agree with Mal 100% on this. You are a business woman selling your businesses services t your clients, on contract that maybe as a "test Manager" the next couble be an anlayst, the next it coulbe as a test documenter, it shouldn't affect your CV ata all as surely you list yourself as a Test Consultant or something similar.

PC brigade alert!!

[BlasterBates]

If you're on the bench, then go for whatever role you can get. The fact that you went for a more junior role doesn't preclude you from pointing out more senior experience. In any case before you went to a senior role you had a junior role before hand.

Go for it, you're not earning anything at the moment. You'll get back up the chain eventually just a matter of waiting for better times.

Lets put it this way you're better off with a CV with a senior role followed by a junor role than a CV with a huge hole in it.

[Thejacka1]

I have found when I've gone for more junior roles, my experience works against me, the employer thinks that I'll jump as soon as a more suitable role comes up (in fairness that is probably true).

If the money is good for doing a more junior role then it isn't a problem, you can always mark it down as an interim role on your CV.

I was told Hiring Managers prefer to take on people who already have jobs rather than somebody off the bench, unless they need an absolute immediate starter. It seems to be an indicator that somebody else has employed you, therefore you're a safer bet.

Bets of luck with your job hunt!

[slogger]

I have found when I've gone for more junior roles, my experience works against me, the employer thinks that I'll jump as soon as a more suitable role comes up (in fairness that is probably true).

If the money is good for doing a more junior role then it isn't a problem, you can always mark it down as an interim role on your CV.

I was told Hiring Managers prefer to take on people who already have jobs rather than somebody off the bench, unless they need an absolute immediate starter. It seems to be an indicator that somebody else has employed you, therefore you're a safer bet.

Bets of luck with your job hunt!

I think in the current market its better to be working - to show you're willing to do this looks better on CV - also better for you financially! also as northenlad pointed out very well you can change things when you're in the role.

[JamJarST]

I have found when I've gone for more junior roles, my experience works against me, the employer thinks that I'll jump as soon as a more suitable role comes up (in fairness that is probably true).

If the money is good for doing a more junior role then it isn't a problem, you can always mark it down as an interim role on your CV.

I was told Hiring Managers prefer to take on people who already have jobs rather than somebody off the bench, unless they need an absolute immediate starter. It seems to be an indicator that somebody else has employed you, therefore you're a safer bet.

Bets of luck with your job hunt!

Are you writing this as a permie or a contractor, cos it sounds very permie biased to me?