Newbie

[NickNick]

I am new to this forum and potentially new to contracting and would appreciate any advice that people can give me. I am an experienced IT Project and Programme Manager in a relatively senior position so I am on 3 months notice. As contract roles usually need someone immediately I will need to give up my current job without any contract job to go to. So…..
1. How long does it usually take to get a new contract position?
2. How much do IT Project Management Contract Positions usually pay?
3. Where do you go to find new jobs (is there a recommended website or agency)?
4. Do you find that you have to work away from home (I live near Leeds in Yorkshire) or are there plenty of jobs always coming up?
5. Do employees look for previous contracting experience?
And the million dollar question…….
would you recommend contracting as a job choice?
I appreciate any help or advice that you can give me.

All from my personal experience:
1. The first took me 3 months, the last only a day or two.
2. I've worked with people on £250 and people on £1000pd. Current Client pays around £500
3. Personal Network of ex-colleagues.
4. Never had to stay away from home in ten years. But then this is my choice, and on occasion I've had to drop the rate a bit.
5. Not really sure what you mean by employees here. When i was looking for employees, it wasn't a concern. But when Clients are considering doing business with my firm then I have to say that yes it will be a concern.
6. No.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

There are so many variables that it is hard to give you good answers, it is like physical training - my program would probably not suit you as I have specific considerations which would differ to yours.

My first contract (almost 2 years ago)was at £500pd - but I had C++, Investment banking knowledge and years of MFC (which is an older tech so slightly harder to find people for). Even more importantly I realised in the interview that I knew someone on the team so I suggested the interviewer talk to them too, he did and I was recommended.

Previously, I almost got a position paying £650, I got the offer but it was withdrawn when someone better popped up at the last minute - it sucks but that is the way it goes.

I am on a lower rate at my current gig but I am getting to play with the latest version of C++ and it is close to home with good hours (I start at 9, pretty much always home by 6 and take an hour at lunch - try pulling that at Bloomberg!).

So your skills, background, requirements, contacts, interview skill etc. are all going to factor into what you will get and only you know the balance that would make you happy.

Well played

[northernladuk]

I have a feeling quoting numbers at £500 per day isn't really giving the OP the full picture and instead will have him frothing at the mouth at the thought......

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

I have a feeling quoting numbers at £500 per day isn't really giving the OP the full picture and instead will have him frothing at the mouth at the thought......

Only IBs pay those kind of rates really and they are all based in London anyway.

[TheFaQQer]

Blimey, you've must work for some rich clients.

They are until I turn up

[TheFaQQer]

Only IBs pay those kind of rates really and they are all based in London anyway.

It's not only IBs by a long shot.

Nor is it a London-based phenomenon.

[GazCol]

Only IBs pay those kind of rates really and they are all based in London anyway.

I can't agree with that; energy, retail, finance, defence spring to mind straight away.

[TheFaQQer]

I can't agree with that; energy, retail, finance, defence spring to mind straight away.

+ consultancy, insurance

Previously, public sector as well

[GazCol]

+ consultancy, insurance

Previously, public sector as well

+ Law, private health - none of which in London - infact I've never done a contract in the SE before.

I think many people mistakingly use the likes of Jobserve to gage what an average rate is without taking into consideration that many, perhaps even most, contracts don't get as far as the recruitment boards as an agency (and sometimes even the client co) have a good idea who to place a contract with without needing to put it out to the rest of the field. I think this is especially true in niche sectors and/or where the rate is towards the top-end.

[Old Greg]

I am new to this forum and potentially new to contracting and would appreciate any advice that people can give me. I am an experienced IT Project and Programme Manager in a relatively senior position so I am on 3 months notice. As contract roles usually need someone immediately I will need to give up my current job without any contract job to go to. So…..
1. How long does it usually take to get a new contract position?
2. How much do IT Project Management Contract Positions usually pay?
3. Where do you go to find new jobs (is there a recommended website or agency)?
4. Do you find that you have to work away from home (I live near Leeds in Yorkshire) or are there plenty of jobs always coming up?
5. Do employees look for previous contracting experience?
And the million dollar question…….
would you recommend contracting as a job choice?
I appreciate any help or advice that you can give me.

In which industry and sector do you have most recent experience?