What's wrong with the market ?

[BiggieBig]

I was made redundant 7 weeks ago.

I have over 16 years experience half of which is in Banking.

I've been a Dev manager for the last couple of years for a major Investment Bank which basically means you do
team leading, PM and stakeholder management and architecture and hands on where required and even some BA.

I'm a .net c# developer but have been hands off now for a few years (though I've been reading up and getting skilled up so I can apply for more hands on roles.)

I know it seems like Jack of all trades but this is quite common in IB roles where you can be required to wear man hats.

May be there's no Dev management roles out there or maybe i'm jack of all trades or is the market really that bad.

I've not had a single interview I apply for what appears relevant jobs. Then if appropriate I chase the agent and eventually persuade them to put me forward (this is for 1 in 10 roles for which I apply online) but nothing back.

Also I chase the agents

am I doing something wrong or is it just the market ? I can do with contract or perm.

BTW I'm London based.

[TheFaQQer]

The problem is either with the market, you or your CV.

I'd guess it's probably the CV, but you never know.

[Brussels Slumdog]

It sounds like you have 16 years experience as a Permie and not a contactor which maybe the problem.
You are most likely competing with people with 16 years contracting experience.

[Dallas]

I got 1st interview and am being counter offered by 2 other banks. I am a hybrid but that is what they wanted. A few agencies recommend tailoring your cv per app or job type. Demonstrate you are a finisher not a faffer.

[BiggieBig]

It sounds like you have 16 years experience as a Permie and not a contactor which maybe the problem.
You are most likely competing with people with 16 years contracting experience.

But I'm applying for both roles.

Also was a contractor for a 2.5 years prior to my last Perm position.

[BiggieBig]

good points about the CV.

May be my CV is too general i'm writing what I actually do as a Dev manager.

may be I cut a few versions
Developer...
Lead
Architect
PM

[BlasterBates]

The problem is that you're in Investment Banking. Lots of contractors and permies have been laid off and rate cuts.

That market is not good.

I would advise looking at permie jobs, maybe consulting. I mean you can look around for contracts at the same time, but I don't think it will be easy.

[jamesbrown]

But I'm applying for both roles.

Also was a contractor for a 2.5 years prior to my last Perm position.

Are you applying for both with the same CV? You'll struggle to find contract roles without a history of contracting; that's just the reality, as contractors are expected to be able to hit the ground running and to be able to evidence that through past engagements. You will only exacerbate this with a CV that is targeted towards permie roles. Obviously, it isn't impossible to start contracting, as we all start somewhere (having been a permie), but it can take a while, especially if the market is flooded. Which leads to my second point: I don't work in IB, but it seems, from reading the news, that Barclays and others are scaling back their IB activities and making a lot of people redundant, so the market could be tough for a permie-to-contractor in IB anyway (?) On the positive side, you at least have a lot of experience, even if that isn't contracting experience (yet).

[Dallas]

The problem is that you're in Investment Banking. Lots of contractors and permies have been laid off and rate cuts.

That market is not good.

I would advise looking at permie jobs, maybe consulting. I mean you can look around for contracts at the same time, but I don't think it will be easy.

Change the record doom monger, the market is hot. Back to your permie desk!

[dty]

Are you applying for both with the same CV? You'll struggle to find contract roles without a history of contracting; that's just the reality, as contractors are expected to be able to hit the ground running and to be able to evidence that through past engagements. You will only exacerbate this with a CV that is targeted towards permie roles. Obviously, it isn't impossible to start contracting, as we all start somewhere (having been a permie), but it can take a while, especially if the market is flooded. Which leads to my second point: I don't work in IB, but it seems, from reading the news, that Barclays and others are scaling back their IB activities and making a lot of people redundant, so the market could be tough for a permie-to-contractor in IB anyway (?) On the positive side, you at least have a lot of experience, even if that isn't contracting experience (yet).

Ironically, I've just made the perm to contract jump and my first client is Barclays who waited 6 weeks for my perm notice!