First contract - what am I doing wrong?

[Captain Jack]

Unixman, in the contracting game you have to go where the contracts are. They don't come to you. Look at it in a similar way to any other freelancer, a film director, say, or an oil rig engineer. They don't sit around saying "no one wants to make any films in Milton Keynes / drill for oil in Northamptonshire" and get all depressed about it. They go where the work is.

I'm afraid this is the contractor's life, my friend. You go where the work is and that may involve staying in hotels and being away from home for extended periods.

[MrsGoof]

Unix Systems Admin [Add this unix admin job to the job basket]
My client a major blue chip requires a Unix Administrator to provide systems administration functions and technical support to all users of my clients Unix based systems. You will also ensure that all SLA targets are met and all documentation is maintained to acceptable standards. Successful candidates will have Solaris (V8 +) admin experience. Hitatchi Data systems (HDS), HP XP512/HP XP 1024. Sun Storedge SE9980 and also proven configuration and administration experience on Sun Microsystems more ->
Type: Contract Location: Berkshire Country: England Start: ASAP Salary/Rate: Competitive Rates Posted: 28/06/2006 08:49:00 Reference: JSPCH/SUN/RD2806

any good ?

[kramer]

Contract Search >>>> CUK Navigation bar...
Make sure your CV is decent .... then phone and phone... Make sure the agents know you and know what you are about.
What is your price ... core skills...
Have you tried going direct to places you know have unix? If you don't want to go direct then phone some of the agencies and ask them to go fishing for you... chance is they may then offer the work to 10 oother CVs on their desk but you gotta start somewhere...

Get proacitve and make some waves in the big job ocean.. they don't fall out the tree unless you are shaking it...

[Xenophon]

It is much easier for me to get a contract in London so I do just that. The fact is we are a small country with only one, true big city. Hence the volume of contracts that you see advertised in London unixman.

I know people who commute from MK too - it is not that hard!

Get a PSP/DS/good book/pillow and get on the train!

[unixman]

Thanks Captain J. I wonder how many people on the forum are living in hotels right now, and how many stay at home.

[Xenophon]

Thanks Captain J. I wonder how many people on the forum are living in hotels right now, and how many stay at home.

Sounds like an idea for a poll...

[Sysman]

I have been in permanent employment for 15 years, working as a Unix sys admin.

What flavour(s) of Unix? You are better of searching for Solaris, if that is your skill. Also look for tools you have experience in; Legato if you have that for example.

Also don't exclude London. You might not like it, but it's a place where you can get contracting experience then pick and choose later.

[unixman]

Some good advice here.

Thanks Mrs Goof. As a matter of fact, that job is a perfect match. It's true that there are suitable unix jobs down the M4 corridor/Thames valley. Sadly, Berkshire is even harder than London for commuting, from here. All the same, I will add Berks to my search...

Kramer says:

Have you tried going direct to places you know have unix?

No. I will phone my previous employers, they are in the unix game. Will also call a coupla companies who I know have unix kit.

[paulb567]

What am I doing wrong ?

Maybe your CV sucks ass.

[wendigo100]

It's true that there are suitable unix jobs down the M4 corridor/Thames valley. Sadly, Berkshire is even harder than London for commuting, from here. All the same, I will add Berks to my search...

London is easy for commuting from MK, what are you on about? It has one of the better train services.