Need help/guidance on landing my first contract

[Weegee]

I was made redundant last week. Having worked as a perm for the past 6 years, I have decided to go into contracting.

I am finding it difficult to find opportunities in my particular field SQL Server/T-SQL development.
Ive uploaded my CV to all the websites including Jobsite, Jobserve, CWJobs, PlanetRecruit. I also refresh these websites at least twice a week. Ive also updated my LinkedIn Profile and added alll of my old colleagues and contacts as connections.
Ive also been in touch with all agents that I have previously spoken to advising of my immediate availability.
And I look at the websites every day for suitable contracts but cannot find many and neither am I getting many calls.
Could someone give me some tips on landing that first contract?
Also how is the contract market for SQL Server at the moment in London?
Also how

[Gentile]

I was made redundant last week. Having worked as a perm for the past 6 years, I have decided to go into contracting.

I am finding it difficult to find opportunities in my particular field SQL Server/T-SQL development.
Ive uploaded my CV to all the websites including Jobsite, Jobserve, CWJobs, PlanetRecruit. I also refresh these websites at least twice a week. Ive also updated my LinkedIn Profile and added alll of my old colleagues and contacts as connections.
Ive also been in touch with all agents that I have previously spoken to advising of my immediate availability.
And I look at the websites every day for suitable contracts but cannot find many and neither am I getting many calls.
Could someone give me some tips on landing that first contract?
Also how is the contract market for SQL Server at the moment in London?
Also how

Going by your forum name, I'm guessing you're located in the central belt of Scotland, like me. Like you, I have a background in SQL Server (and also in .Net), so I know that market and geographical area very well.

You're right, things are quiet right now - there's a recession on, and it's also the summer holidays which makes things quieter than usual. I got back to looking in June, and am still looking for my next gig. By contrast, when I was last looking in September 2011, I only had two weeks downtime before I had three offers on the table to choose from.

Sometimes the market can be like that: ups and downs. Just sit tight, keep doing all of the things you've been doing (which will ensure your CV is on the right desk when the right opportunity does come along), and keep calm. Downtime between gigs is part of contracting. You'll get used to it.

Good luck.

[Weegee]

Going by your forum name, I'm guessing you're located in the central belt of Scotland, like me. Like you, I have a background in SQL Server (and also in .Net), so I know that market and geographical area very well.

You're right, things are quiet right now - there's a recession on, and it's also the summer holidays which makes things quieter than usual. I got back to looking in June, and am still looking for my next gig. By contrast, when I was last looking in September 2011, I only had two weeks downtime before I had three offers on the table to choose from.

Sometimes the market can be like that: ups and downs. Just sit tight, keep doing all of the things you've been doing (which will ensure your CV is on the right desk when the right opportunity does come along), and keep calm. Downtime between gigs is part of contracting. You'll get used to it.

Good luck.

Im actually from and based in London!But thanks for the tips and advice Gentile.
Yes its going to be a quiet time with the summer holidas, recession and now the Olympics!
I have 14 years of experience and 6 of the past years have beeen in SQL Server and like yourself, i have a year of C#.So yes best to sit tight maybe till September.

[northernladuk]

You seem to have it covered. Looking for roles is very different than looking for a job. It could take awhile and could involve a lot of knock backs. that is just how it rolls. The difference now is that you sit it out and keep your confidence up. This could happen every 3 to 6 months so if you don't like it you are not cut out.

The biggest problem is you are new and an unknown quantity so big risk compared to experienced guys. That will work against you jugs t for the first time. Make ssure you use your time wisely and read the guys and understand how to be a contractor running a business not a permie looking for easy cash

[SueEllen]

Im actually from and based in London!But thanks for the tips and advice Gentile.
Yes its going to be a quiet time with the summer holidas, recession and now the Olympics!
I have 14 years of experience and 6 of the past years have beeen in SQL Server and like yourself, i have a year of C#.So yes best to sit tight maybe till September.

Keep up dating your CV on the sites and the other stuff you are doing.

However as you are new I suggest you widen your area as there are probably some home counties you can commute to with ease.

As a newbie, unless you are well known in your field, the rates will be lower than someone with experience anyway so having to work in say Herts instead of central London is no big deal. Just don't jump ship in the middle of your contract.

When the market picks up after the late August bank holiday you will be on the agents' radar.

I often have time off in the summer and while it's annoying having to talk to an agent on a day out, it's surprising how doing some ground work pays of in September when everyone comes back from holiday.

[Gentile]

Im actually from and based in London!But thanks for the tips and advice Gentile.
Yes its going to be a quiet time with the summer holidas, recession and now the Olympics!
I have 14 years of experience and 6 of the past years have beeen in SQL Server and like yourself, i have a year of C#.So yes best to sit tight maybe till September.

Yup, that combination of factors adequately explains things being quiet in your area right now.

There was a thread the other day where even some people that are in-contract right now in London were being asked not to come in during the Olympics: I guess things will come to a halt for much of London for the next few weeks.

The good news is you're doing all the right things, though, by using this time to make contacts with agents so they'll have your info for when things pick up again. Here's hoping you land a gig right after all the madness is over, and I'm sure you will.

[MadDawg]

Use the downtime to brush up on skills/get certifications. It may or may not help find a role, but will keep you focussed and positive.