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Getting that first contract

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    Getting that first contract

    Looking for some serious help here, I've been looking for my first contract for over 2 months since finishing my perm job... and still nothing. Lost count of how many I've applied for, currently having to use excel to keep track of all the applications. I'm spending 5-6 hours per day searching, applying and phoning agencies.

    Still nothing.

    I've lowered my rate, modified my CV a few times, explained in plain english that I will do what it takes to get that first contract in terms of rates, location. I've got fantastic references and bosses from my previous job are offering to give references for me everytime i speak to them. I know more IT contractors than permies and yes, they have all been pestered for advice - and they're concerned too as having worked with me they know I'm contractor stock.

    But still nothing is coming through.

    Even the agencies are very friendly and helpful to me, i've called a few asking advice... they've even called back when i've sent my CV. The amount of interest I get and the amount of time that agents I don't know and don't even have a job for me spend talking to me answering my questions shows that my CV is good (I think) and they want a piece of that action.

    I only got my first interview for a contract yesterday and even though the interview went very well (technical question answered flawlessly) I've got a very bad feeling that I won't get it.

    I know theres no magic wand for getting in to contracting, but the hard work should be paying off and its not

    Any tips? or is it simply a case of grin and bear it and keep it up till I do get something? Cause I'm starting to feel that the longer it goes on the more desperate I'll get and the less my chances of getting something are.
    Coffee's for closers

    #2
    It appears many contractors worry about the 'next gig' when they're on the bench. Don't worry about it.
    Insanity: repeating the same actions, but expecting different results.
    threadeds website, and here's my blog.

    Comment


      #3
      Are these "agents you're talking to" just scamming you for leads??

      Seriously though, welcome to contracting. I've just spent seven months out and got off the bench two months ago. All those hundreds of pounds a day seemed a lot, until you're not working and have to live off your savings, and you think "Thank Christ I put a few quid away".
      We must strike at the lies that have spread like disease through our minds

      Comment


        #4
        Thats just it - Cash is starting to become an issue... leaving my last job wasn't voluntary so i wasn't exactly prepared for it.

        Agents, not really scamming for leads... having dealt with a lot of agencies I can tell when they're after info but lately they've just been helpful. No questions about which companies i've been put forward to or anything like that.
        Coffee's for closers

        Comment


          #5
          Try learning .NET

          HTH

          Comment


            #6
            Make sure you're registered on CW Jobs and Jobsite. Most of the calls I've been getting recently (15-20 a week) are as a result of my details on these two. Agencies seem to be using Jobswerve less and less these days. What is your skillset area? The market is better than it's been for years, I'm surprised you're having so little luck.
            His heart is in the right place - shame we can't say the same about his brain...

            Comment


              #7
              I seem to be in the same position as yourself - except I'm still at a permie job - I'm not being as flexible as you tho ... I won't drop rates / work somewhere where I'll end up out of pocket - don't see the point... there seems to be plenty or work around and if I have to wait another week or so to get a better deal then so be it ...

              I was initially looking at contract + anything permanent that was really interesting - that got me some permanent interviews - which I did well at apparently , but the more I thought about it the more I really didn't want to stay permie ... hence only looking at contract now...

              I'm wondering if I should just stick where I am for the next 6 months - get a bit more .net experience - only have 18months .net - not sure the ~8/9 years of other experience - java/vb/etc - is counting much at the moment...

              I must stop ending sentences like this ...

              Comment


                #8
                Grin and bear it. It took me a week to find my first contract back in September, so that wasn't too painful, but now I've been looking for the second one for 4 weeks and not getting anywhere. I'm starting to think I'm not specialised enough; you think generic skills would be good but then maybe those roles are easy to fill with permies.

                Don't believe anything agents say, or that the jobs they advertise are even real.
                Will work inside IR35. Or for food.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by Mordac
                  Make sure you're registered on CW Jobs and Jobsite. Most of the calls I've been getting recently (15-20 a week) are as a result of my details on these two. Agencies seem to be using Jobswerve less and less these days. What is your skillset area? The market is better than it's been for years, I'm surprised you're having so little luck.
                  SQL server DBA, plus lots of SQL Server development and Oracle PL/SQL Development. My SQL is actually s*** hot, nothing I can't do I even ended up having to mentor the reporting contractors at my last job. Also got plenty of windows server admin experience, some .NET, IIS and systems and network architecture.
                  Coffee's for closers

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by VectraMan
                    Don't believe anything agents say, or that the jobs they advertise are even real.
                    I'm well aware of how the agents (on commision no doubt) operate, but how much time can they waste?

                    Thanks for all the replies so far
                    Last edited by Spacecadet; 22 March 2006, 13:33.
                    Coffee's for closers

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