Monday start of another without contract ....

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

No, 17 years experience in IT. Server/network/gateway background and then into InfoSec and InfoSec management. Can manage InfoSec for a large enterprise, and have done previously....

+But+ took a few years off and went travelling at the start of the recession ;-)

Had one 6 month long contract since back (at a FTSE 50) but hard to break down the perception that I'm not 'up to date'. Impossible to get past Agency/HR it seems. Confident if I can talk to the actual hiring manager things would be fine.

Also InfoSec jobs have gone mad for CISSP/CISM exams so booked into doing them later this year (even though they hold little value imho).

Looking UK, Europe, Asia, Pacific (have relevant passport), Middle East......

That's the reason for your difficulty then - few years off?! are you sure you are cut out for contracting? Go permie.

[northernladuk]

That's the reason for your difficulty then - few years off?! are you sure you are cut out for contracting? Go permie.

I would have thought the whole idea of contracting was to be able to take time off and travel?

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

I would have thought the whole idea of contracting was to be able to take time off and travel?

For a few years? Are you just annoyed cos I stole your line? Totally agree with travel idea but surely we are talking in months rather than years..... We are running "businesses" are we not and all businesses need to keep in the game or they get left behind.

[infosec]

and all businesses need to keep in the game or they get left behind.

What does that mean exactly?

I get similar expressions of indignation from others, but no real solid reason why I'm not worthy of at least interviewing. I'm the same (self declared) intelligent and personable contractor I've always been ;-) I can imagine people having reservations, but surprised that nobody will even talk to me - I have excellent previous experience and truckloads of initiative and all the other HR buzzwords ;-p (I wasn't sitting on the beach drinking cocktails - it was very adventurous travel with daily life balancing risk assessments ;-).

Maybe not in your case, but in others I clearly hear jealousy playing a part in it. 'Share the pain'..... That sheep got out of the flock, punish him, punish him!! ;-p

I guess there are plenty of people on the market who are better than me.... seeing what happens in the premie market...

Ironically the 6 month contract I had (in 2013) where they were worried about me being 'out of date' used Windows XP. Within a few months most of the team were coming to me for 2nd opinions...

Will live to fight another day....!

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

What does that mean exactly?

I get similar expressions of indignation from others, but no real solid reason why I'm not worthy of at least interviewing. I'm the same (self declared) intelligent and personable contractor I've always been ;-) I can imagine people having reservations, but surprised that nobody will even talk to me - I have excellent previous experience and truckloads of initiative and all the other HR buzzwords ;-p (I wasn't sitting on the beach drinking cocktails - it was very adventurous travel with daily life balancing risk assessments ;-).

Maybe not in your case, but in others I clearly hear jealousy playing a part in it. 'Share the pain'..... That sheep got out of the flock, punish him, punish him!! ;-p

I guess there are plenty of people on the market who are better than me.... seeing what happens in the premie market...

Ironically the 6 month contract I had (in 2013) where they were worried about me being 'out of date' used Windows XP. Within a few months most of the team were coming to me for 2nd opinions...

Will live to fight another day....!

I'm not debating how good or bad you are, just that companies would prefer people who have been continuously in work rather those who have taken a break and it's not like that doesn't make any sense? Look at EPL players for example, if they don't get into a squad it doesn't mean they are not any good - you can only tell their form when they are playing actual games.

Perhaps having constant work is a sign to companies that you are an in demand contractor and that is what they are after? They might view gaps as your inability to get work rather than the reality of you taking a break.....

its not fair but that's life.

[northernladuk]

For a few years? Are you just annoyed cos I stole your line? Totally agree with travel idea but surely we are talking in months rather than years..... We are running "businesses" are we not and all businesses need to keep in the game or they get left behind.

Yep, can't argue with that really.

[infosec]

I'm not debating how good or bad you are, just that companies would prefer people who have been continuously in work rather those who have taken a break and it's not like that doesn't make any sense? Look at EPL players for example, if they don't get into a squad it doesn't mean they are not any good - you can only tell their form when they are playing actual games.

Perhaps having constant work is a sign to companies that you are an in demand contractor and that is what they are after? They might view gaps as your inability to get work rather than the reality of you taking a break.....

its not fair but that's life.

Companies seem to increasingly want 'corporate robot people'. I come across as 'different' if not unstable I guess....

EPL players can at least drop down to the Championship or lower to get a game, I'm applying for Conference League contracts and getting no reply! ;-p

Time out also recharges the batteries, gives you fresh perspectives, grows you as a person etc etc. I didn't come back expecting to pick up where I left off (£600+pd) but am surprised at the complete lack of interest... (I only got the 6 month contract last year from an old colleague).

My time out was chosen, explained on my CV with multiple websites proving what I did etc.

Yip, used to unfairness in life - thanks for allowing me to get it off my chest... frustrating times ;-)

[Antman]

Yep, can't argue with that really.

NLUK in egg-sucking mode!

[redgiant]

For the OP:

IME most SharePoint projects are rarely done in isolation just by independent contractors so try to get in contact with some SharePoint Consultancies/MS Gold Partners and get on their preferred supplier/associate list to get used on their engagements.