Reply to: HELP Market Rate - Senior Project Manager (Telecoms)?

[Mike Telecoms]

Yep I've worked that out now. I suppose it's common to get done on your 1st contract. I'll know better next time.

Still I'm unsure what my minimum rate should be. With the information I've provided is there a ball park someone can give me?

[errorista]

They are not showbiz style agents, are out solely for themselves and will not hesitate for one second to screw you over for an extra dollar.

The only showbiz agent I can think of is the one that Ive seen on 'Extras'.

[Lucifer Box]

Being new I gave them an indication of my min right away...was this a good thing to do?

Let me guess, your minimum was uncannily close to what the client was prepared to pay? Remember, the agent is not your friend. They are not showbiz style agents, are out solely for themselves and will not hesitate for one second to screw you over for an extra dollar.

[Mike Telecoms]

Yep on my next time around I'll be asking a few more questions I think...

[mcquiggd]

Being new I gave them an indication of my min right away...was this a good thing to do?

As I have to be up in the morning for work, im off now, but to answer one question - always try to avoid giving a rate away if you can. As an example I recently asked why the current contractor filling the position I was interested in was leaving, then how his level of experience compared to mine, then I had the agent quote what may, or may not be, his current rate... put together, I could estimate my possible worth to the client, and it's duration, based on the project description and the length of time served by the previous incumbent of that position.

Don't be afraid to ask questions.

[mcquiggd]

Kiwi then....

[Mike Telecoms]

Well you got the hemisphere correct...

[Mike Telecoms]

ummmm lets see...I'll try and answer with what I know...

Location - London (West)

Role - I am responsible for the structured cabling and infrastructure (e.g. fibre optics). I am unsure of the exact number of staff I'm responsible for but I'd say about 3-4.

Being new I gave them an indication of my min right away...was this a good thing to do?

I am unsure whether they are on a fixed % and when I asked what their rate was they phased over the question and I still do not know. Aparently they do not have to tell me if they don't want to.

Also I'm unsure whether they are a preferred supplier. Is this something I should have asked?

[mcquiggd]

P.S Yank, Safa, Australian, or Kiwi?

My guess - Aus.

[mcquiggd]

The next questions would be -

Location - London adds quite a high percentage, some other cities do as well

Role - Do you have Line Manager responsibility for X amount of staff, what are their numbers, and roles.

Industry - You say its Telecoms, so that answers one question. Is it a new technology project (presumably it is or else they normally wouldn't bother with contractors), and if so, how much industry specific experience do you have in that area? How much money is the client investing in the Project?

And most important of all... did you dodge the question when the Agency asked what your daily rate is, and wait for them to offer something so you could then bargain against? Are they on a PSL (Preferred Supplier List) with a fixed commission - if so, how much?

That's just for starters.

[Mike Telecoms]

yep I've agreed to a rate by signing a position acceptance. Still have to work through the official contract with the Agency etc...

I'm happy with the rate but reading some of the posts in this forum I'm wondering whether I have under sold myself by not really knowing for sure what I am worth.

If I can't do anything about it on this contract then I'll know the next time around.

[mcquiggd]

Well, the first question is, when you say 'accepted', have you signed and returned the contract, or agreed a rate over the phone? To be honest, they could be legally be considered the same thing - especialy if you turn up for work without clarifying the rate.

[mcquiggd]

Well, youve got off lightly.... most people who post first timer questions in General get horsewhipped...

I'll post a proper reply to you fancy dandy newcomer over in the relevant forum....

[Mike Telecoms]

point taken....will try and remove the tread off the General section. Can't promise anything about the twister though... :-)

[mcquiggd]

Best not to double post round these here parts.... you've posted the same in the Business and Contracts forum which is the correct place - in the 'General' forum, well... the best thing is to read some of the threads - that will give you an idea.... I would imagine you will be directed to the 'First Timers' section as advertised on the right hand menu... good luck...

P.S a word of advice... if you are on a work permit - don't admit to it... we don't like foreigners coming over here and taking our jobs and playing naked twister with our women.

PPS. Dont 'boast' about fancy city folk qualifications, neither... the majority of us around here are not dumb.. well, except cousin Helios... but he's a schizophrenic....

PPPS. I advise you accept around £5.50 an hour.