accept contract without meeting face-to-face?

[darrenb]

Thanks for the replies. I notice the contract market is on the upswing. If your skills are in demand, I think it makes sense to look for situations that are favourable or at least not clearly unfavourable.

The story John gave of a contract where the project is doomed - that is an excellent example of where you wouldn't want to jump in after just a phone interview, but try to get a better sense of what's going on first. Isn't that one of the great things about being a contractor? - you get to pick and choose where you work.

By the way, the whole permie-vs-contractor aggro is a bit of a UK specialty. Any other contractors with international experience here? Particularly people who know Holland and Switzerland, as these seem to be increasingly popular work destinations.

D.

[Ardesco]

About half of the contracts I have had have been a phone interview followed by a start on Monday. I woudn't read bad things into it unless the interview seemed extremely didgy with a client who doesn't know what they want and can't provide you answers to any of the queries you raised.

[lukemg]

Had an ill advised phone interview with Norwich based insurance co... Pressured by an agent (I was young), in the day leading up I had lost virtually any interest in the role.
For 10 minutes the chap asked me about various software, hardware and methods of working. I professed little knowledge of anything he mentioned (heard of it, but never used it sorry).
Right he says - looks like you are just what we're looking for !!
Needless to say I declined...

[ratewhore]

It's normal. I've done it and had no problems...

[lukemg]

Adjust rate accordingly (upwards) and only sign up for 3 months (any contractor worth anything, can do 13 weeks virtually anywhere if the rate is right)
HTH

[SallyAnne]

Hi again,

Let's say you pass a phone interview with a company within 50 miles of you and they don't even want to meet in person. Do you

a) Grab the job, assuming the other terms are good?
b) Assume they're hiding something awful and look for another opportunity?
c) Insist on meeting the people you're going to work with before accepting?

Another question: what if you go to a face-to-face interview and pass, but the permies at the interview act like they hate contractors. Take it or look for something better?

D.

Hi Darren,

Cojak is right - dont be so sensitive. I've had a few jobs where they've just given me a very quick phone interview. One bloke met me for 5 minutes at an airport just to say "yes come and start on Monday" - that was it, no interview at all! It's not always a sign of something to hide - sometimes its a sign that they're very used to working with contractors and they know they can get rid of you with little notice if you suck, so why waste valuable time in the recruiting stage?

Obviously think about what notice period you have to give, but dont be put off by the lack of face-to-face interview.

Also, if the permies hate you....get used to it! They normally do...until you help them out in someway, or teach them something. Any good contractor can normally win permies over with their skills and their charm.

Good luck!

[cojak]

I agree up to a point with John, but I don't think you should be too sensitive.

I had a phone/website interview (walked him through my site to explain how I could help him) on Wednesday, turned up at reception of Swiss HQ on Monday.

Is this your 1st contract? I think you need to think carefully before jumping in as a contractor because you really need to be comfortable with the kind of situations you've described.

[theITcoach.biz]

Interview meeting

Darren,

What you do would depend on your situation and what you want. Also, I would follow my feelings on the matter.

One time I went for an interview for a "developer" type role. This was at a huge company which was moving from one technology to another. By the end of the interview, he wanted me to lead the project to bring this technology to the whole company!

I went away and felt something was seriously dodgy about the whole affair.

The agent ran me a week later and said the client really does want me to take the job. I said it doesn't feel right. He said, can I get the client to speak to you on the phone. I said ok.

After the phone call, the smell didn't get any better.

My feeling? That by getting someone in-experienced for that role, once it went belly-up with no support, he would say, "See, I told you we should have stayed with the old technology".

About a month later, the agent rang to say that my feelings had been proved right.

If it was me, I would like to meet with them first. That sounds completely reasonable.

It does seem a little bizarre not to meet given that you are so close. Unless all the other likely candidates are from abroad?

All the best,
John

Hi again,

Let's say you pass a phone interview with a company within 50 miles of you and they don't even want to meet in person. Do you

a) Grab the job, assuming the other terms are good?
b) Assume they're hiding something awful and look for another opportunity?
c) Insist on meeting the people you're going to work with before accepting?

Another question: what if you go to a face-to-face interview and pass, but the permies at the interview act like they hate contractors. Take it or look for something better?

D.

[VectraMan]

Is there a notice period? If you don't have to give notice at the start, I'd just go anyway.

[thunderlizard]

They don't know what you look like, so send somebody else in your place.

[darrenb]

Hi again,

Let's say you pass a phone interview with a company within 50 miles of you and they don't even want to meet in person. Do you

a) Grab the job, assuming the other terms are good?
b) Assume they're hiding something awful and look for another opportunity?
c) Insist on meeting the people you're going to work with before accepting?

Another question: what if you go to a face-to-face interview and pass, but the permies at the interview act like they hate contractors. Take it or look for something better?

D.