Getting my first contract

[LKK]

The market is really quiet atm. It's not your fault.

[kaiser78]

You reckon? But what if I do not get a contract role after all and I have to settle for a perm? It would be all in vain.

Thanks will keep you folks updated

Well, depends how committed you are to move into contracting. I know what I would do.

[farout117]

Never trust anything an agent says - they are not necessarily bad people it is just that it is often in their interest to tell you what they want you to believe rather than what might be true

e.g. they might have 5 live vacancies but are pretty sure you would not get them. If they told you then you might be on their backs nagging and moaning at the to put you through even though they think you have no chance, much easier to tell you there is nothing.

Is there a specific sector you are aiming for (please do not say finance)?

At the current moment, there is no particular sector. My main skills are .NET, so anything which concerns that area would be fine. I know there's a big bob competition in the area who are willing to work for peanuts

[BlasterBates]

The market is dreadful, it really is.

Just grab anything you can.

[The Spartan]

There seems to be lots for mobile developers judging by the emails I've received lately, perhaps it's something you should think about getting into. I'm not sure how difficult it is to transition as I'm a tester

[Kelstar]

Consider travelling for your first contract. If you are a bit flexible there is more chance in you getting a contract, that perhaps the more seasoned contractors have turned down for whatever factors.

Agents and clients like a safe pair of hands, and you have a hurdle to initially demonstrate that.

[The Spartan]

Consider travelling for your first contract. If you are a bit flexible there is more chance in you getting a contract, that perhaps the more seasoned contractors have turned down for whatever factors.

Agents and clients like a safe pair of hands, and you have a hurdle to initially demonstrate that.

Spot on there for my first gig at the interview they were concerned that commuting for 4 hours a day (round trip) would affect my ability to do my job.

I smiled and told them I would be staying 10 mins walk from the office Mon-Fri if the position was offered to me

[northernladuk]

It's not only a bad time but you are risk being new that you won't cut it or understand what is expected of you and you will leave when you fancy. There are also a lot of experienced contractors ahead of you that would be much more attractive.

It isn't going to be the best ride for you I am afraid.

[jmo21]

Never trust anything an agent says - they are not necessarily bad people it is just that it is often in their interest to tell you what they want you to believe rather than what might be true

e.g. they might have 5 live vacancies but are pretty sure you would not get them. If they told you then you might be on their backs nagging and moaning at the to put you through even though they think you have no chance, much easier to tell you there is nothing.

They also might see you as a prime candidate to decide contracting isn't for you, and that you might well take one of the permie jobs they have on offer

[farout117]

Cheers for your advise guys.

I will keep on hitting the job boards then, hoping something will turn up eventually.