LinkedIn

[CheeseSlice]

Got one contract offer via LinkedIn so far. I know a couple of good contractor PMs who I've worked for before, and they're often on Linkedin networking and trying to market themselves. Just put an update on there when you're about to finish a gig or when you're on the bench. "will be available for new contracts in May", "currently available for work" or something like that.

One downside to doing this is when you get a prat of a permie PM or manager who hired you into current clientco, you happened to add him to Linkedin and he takes offence to you putting yourself on the market. Some of them like to think they own you and take it the wrong way. Doesn't bother me though, I just say they'll get first dibs if they get an extension in early

[norrahe]

Lots of offers via LinkedIn, unfortunately in the wrong country though have got contacted about gigs.

It is useful, use the groups post interesting articles, comment on other peoples posts and it will raise your profile.

You need to have plenty of contacts to make it worth your while.

Like everything you need to work at it.

With reference to what CheeseSlice said, the permies do take offence if you post that you are looking for your next gig. I pointed out I'm self employed and if clientco takes too long to sort out the extension then I have to advertised my availability.

Needless to say the paperwork gets sorted out pretty quickly when they see it

[v8gaz]

Yep, all my work for the last 4 years has come from Linkedin. I think I may have to set up a training course, as none of you seem to have a clue how to use it.

[CheeseSlice]

and what is with all of those people who upload profile pics that belong on facebook or an online dating site?
e.g. Guys wearing an open shirt in a dark room looking drunk.
Women looking all sleazy like the people who try to send you xxx links on MSN or twitter.

[tractor]

....

Got one contract offer via LinkedIn so far. I know a couple of good contractor PMs who I've worked for before, and they're often on Linkedin networking and trying to market themselves. Just put an update on there when you're about to finish a gig or when you're on the bench. "will be available for new contracts in May", "currently available for work" or something like that.

One downside to doing this is when you get a prat of a permie PM or manager who hired you into current clientco, you happened to add him to Linkedin and he takes offence to you putting yourself on the market. Some of them like to think they own you and take it the wrong way. Doesn't bother me though, I just say they'll get first dibs if they get an extension in early

One way to deal with this is to remove links to those members that you don't want to see what you are posting currently. Then, when current role is finished, just add them back in. They aren't informed that you have removed the link unless they actually try to contact you via LI and they are unlikely to do that while you are working for them.

[tractor]

...

Yep, all my work for the last 4 years has come from Linkedin. I think I may have to set up a training course, as none of you seem to have a clue how to use it.

Not specific enough I'm afraid. We need to know how many zeroes or it could have been a 2 day doc review job

[v8gaz]

Not specific enough I'm afraid. We need to know how many zeroes or it could have been a 2 day doc review job

Ok, in the last 4 years I have had breaks totaling 8 weeks and constant work at very good rates.

Happy?