How do you share your availability for work with prospects & recruiters?

[Judo]

Hi contractors out there!

I've been contracting for the last 2 years as a user researcher in London. One of the things I find more annoying & time consuming is having to deal with loads of Linkedin emails, phone calls, etc from recruiters asking for my current availability whilst already working on a contract. Then the conversation moves to when I'll be available for new projects etc. Feels like a waste of time for both sides.

I've looked for online solutions, widgets that I could embed on my linkedin profile so recruiters and prospects would have visibility to my "available for work" calendar (ala Airbnb) so we could avoid unnecessary calls & emails. So far, I haven't found anything. Any tips? Would appreciate to hear from others who have found a good way to manage this?

Cheers

Judo

[alreadypacked]

Like your idea, but have not seen anything like it.

Currently using the delete button, and a turned off agent phone.

[ladymuck]

I have tried putting in my LinkedIn headline and summary an indication of my availability but it gets ignored. When I am not looking for work, I do delete my entire profile on the job boards which cuts down the calls to just enquiries from agents I have previously dealt with and don't mind talking to.

[DaveB]

I dont do anything, it's a good gague of the market if I am getting calls or emails even when not activly looking, and you never know what might turn up. If I get anything really interesting I always go back with an offer for part time.

Given the way things are going with the T&S discussions and now the threat of making us all employees after a month having multiple clients is going to become crucial in proving you are in business and not just a bum on a seat.

If the restrictions on time kick in for real, clients may actually start looking at part time contractors as a way of avoiding that as well.

[TheCyclingProgrammer]

I put my availability on my website, e.g. "I'm currently booked up until XXX". I still get emails from potential clients asking what my availability is but often they will say "I see you aren't available until XXX but..." so I still get leads.

I also get emails from agents regardless of my website explicitly telling them not to bother contacting me, quite often for jobs that are outside of my skill set or are permanent jobs. These get ignored. Deleting my LinkedIn profile helped cut down on recruiter spam though. No regrets on that one.

[TheFaQQer]

I've looked for online solutions, widgets that I could embed on my linkedin profile so recruiters and prospects would have visibility to my "available for work" calendar (ala Airbnb) so we could avoid unnecessary calls & emails.

You imply that agents will (a) read this; and (b) care.

If they do one, I'd be astounded.

Get a burner phone for when you're looking, and ignore the emails.

[MrMarkyMark]

If they do one, I'd be astounded.

Exactly and good agent business sense.
People seem to forget, there are plenty people who will jump at the opportunity of more moolah.

[FatLazyContractor]

[MrMarkyMark]

Different approach for the Milan gig?

[FatLazyContractor]

Different approach for the Milan gig?

Sorry, that was in Bradford. This one below in Milan