Female contractors?

**SallyAnne** · 25 August 2007, 07:49

Originally posted by Imnotstopping View Post

how many female contractors are there and how do they get on

Contracting isn't a man's world, but neither is it a fair world. The jobs go to the ones who: -
a) have the skills
b) have the experience
c) can "talk the talk"
d) have the confidence to deal with agents
e) have great comuncation skills

If you want to stereotype - men tend to have better (c), but women tend to have better (e) (which companies are wanting more andmore these days). So I dont think it matters.

I've been contracting for 4 years or so, and have been offerred 95% of the gigs I have interviewed for. Being a lass has never even entered into it....its just not a factor.

Listen woman...if you want my honest advise...STOP FANNYING ABOUT AND GET OUT THERE AND DO IT!!

Its really scarey, but it's totally worth it. And if you're sure you have the skills, then you'll do great

**pisces** · 25 August 2007, 07:58

A nice pair of boobies will always help your cause

**cojak** · 25 August 2007, 08:21

And not being afraid to wear nice lingerie should the situation require it. (A accident flash of a nice bra strap rather than 'getting them oot for the lads')

And maybe skirt that hovers around the knee (they're not tarty but you can work them...)

And FMS/B's natch.

Oh - and being good at your job, obv...

**SandyDown** · 25 August 2007, 08:30

Originally posted by cojak View Post

And not being afraid to wear nice lingerie should the situation require it. (A accident flash of a nice bra strap rather than 'getting them oot for the lads')

And maybe skirt that hovers around the knee (they're not tarty but you can work them...)

And FMS/B's natch.

Oh - and being good at your job, obv...

**SandyDown** · 25 August 2007, 08:43

Imnotstopping
seriously you should be OK in the contracting market, about 10 years ago age played an important part, many of the IT staff then were around 18-25 max and were not willing to take on what they considered a father/mother figures old f@rts. Lucky that generation has now become Old f@arts themselves. Plus the age discrimination legislation has helped.

If you have the right skills for the role you should get it, I have interviewed for a role recently with a well known bank, was competing against 5 other men, and I really thought I had no chance as some of these guys seemed to talk the talk (old school ties etc) but when I went for the interview they realised I have done almost the exact project they are trying to do for another bank, the role was almost identical, therefore they hired me....

Anyway the real challenge is not in securing a contract, the real challenge is in keeping and renewing your contract, then keeping a good network of good relation with the staff after you leave just in case you may need to apply for another role with them again - but I supposed that applies to both men and female contractors.

**Beavis** · 25 August 2007, 08:57

Like the industry needs any more empty air headed females

**shoes** · 25 August 2007, 10:33

Originally posted by SallyAnne View Post

e) have great comuncation skills

If you want to stereotype - men tend to have better (c), but women tend to have better (e) (which companies are wanting more andmore these days). So I dont think it matters.

There's your answer right there.

Seriously, go for it. If your gender does make a difference it will only help if you are female due to the novelty value. Sad but true.

**Imnotstopping** · 25 August 2007, 14:51

Thanks

Thanks for that. I think you've just fed back my own thoughts so far but it's nice to hear back from other females. I don't think attempts to go on my looks is the option for me though, after two kids and being the wiser side of 40 I could have them running scared. I'll just stick to my stronger points - it's mostly c and d that are questionable hence I'm still just considering.

**threaded** · 26 August 2007, 06:24

Most of the contractors I know are girls. There again I don't tend to bother getting to know male contractors that well.

Female contractors?