Reply to: Is there a way into contracting for me?

[billybiro]

something that requires no Skills (or ones you can pick up in a few days)

Test Manager
Java programmer
any others?

IT Recruitment Agent?

[engsnayl]

Thanks everybody for the advice and replies. I'll definitely look closer into some of the suggestions.

[VirtualMonkey]

No.

You are asking the wrong question. You need a way in to a skill. When you have that skill THEN you can think about contracting. Contracting is a method of you selling that skill rather than being employed to deliver it.

You cannot get in to contracting if you don't have a skill to sell. Your question should be 'Is there a way in to IT for me?' and then come ask us a question about contracting in about 5+ years time.

Really like the way you put that

[uk contractor]

OP your chances are really slim the IT market is over saturated with highly qualified contractors at most levels. You could try to leverage your way into a commission based IT software sales role then try to learn the product & could from there get hired by one of the end clients at some time. You will need an exceptional communication skillset though as your be expected to sell the product direct to the senior management.

I am not taking the mick here but another long winded route is join an IT recruitment agency as that is sales based (people like us are your products!). If you do perhaps you could come back here & let us know all the dirty tricks they get up to!!

Good luck but its not going to be easy or happen overnight.

[BR14]

something that requires no Skills (or ones you can pick up in a few days)

Test Manager
Java programmer
any others?

PM

[meridian]

something that requires no Skills (or ones you can pick up in a few days)

Test Manager
Java programmer
any others?

Wipro consultant

[northernladuk]

something that requires no Skills (or ones you can pick up in a few days)

Test Manager
Java programmer
any others?

Moderator?

[northernladuk]

Leverage your 16 years of sales experience, and apply for a full-time position with Salesforce (the leading CRM software company). Hang in there for a few years, and learn as much as you can about the product, and the implementation process. Get involved in actual client implementation projects (probably as a product specialist or business analyst, or wherever else your strengths lie). Build yourself a good reputation and a marketable skillset.

This will open the door to the far more lucrative Salesforce contract market.

Unless you've been working for MarillionFan selling sledges and other tat.

[tarbera]

How about

something that requires no Skills (or ones you can pick up in a few days)

Test Manager
Java programmer
any others?

[Glencky]

NLUK and others are absolutely right and GREENLAKE has given you a very helpful start point for a way into it. given what you've said about your experience so far. You really are asking the wrong question. 'Contracting' is not a career, it's a way of selling skills. Get the skills and the world is your oyster (well, with appropriate effort put into networking and marketing your skills).

You say you're sensible and realistic which is good, but the fact you're asking this question makes me worry you're hanging out for some kind of 'contractor nirvana' which is unlikely to be as you believe it is. Read these fora and think hard about the difference between being a permie and a contractor - the lack of sick pay, holiday pay, no employment rights (because you're not an employee, even if you're operating inside IR35) - for that matter understand IR35. Consider the 'real' overheads and think properly about whether it is the choice for you. And whilst you're doing this, if you're following GREENLAKE's suggestion (or something like it) then at least you're getting other strings to your bow which will always stand you in good stead.

Sales skills are always going to be help you are a contractor but they are a rather minor part of it. You need a skillset to sell, and sales can't be all you have (no matter how good you are at it).

[greenlake]

I’m sensible and realistic I know this is not an overnight fix but any help or advice would be great.

Leverage your 16 years of sales experience, and apply for a full-time position with Salesforce (the leading CRM software company). Hang in there for a few years, and learn as much as you can about the product, and the implementation process. Get involved in actual client implementation projects (probably as a product specialist or business analyst, or wherever else your strengths lie). Build yourself a good reputation and a marketable skillset.

This will open the door to the far more lucrative Salesforce contract market.

[quackhandle]

You need a change but contracting might not be the change you want/need.

You may get lucky and get a great gig on a great rate for your first one, but it's rare.

Change your job and get some new hobbies.

qh

[northernladuk]

No.

You are asking the wrong question. You need a way in to a skill. When you have that skill THEN you can think about contracting. Contracting is a method of you selling that skill rather than being employed to deliver it.

You cannot get in to contracting if you don't have a skill to sell. Your question should be 'Is there a way in to IT for me?' and then come ask us a question about contracting in about 5+ years time.

[jmo21]

Can you do it? Maybe.

Will it be difficult? Probably.

The usual route would be to work permie jobs first for a number of years building experience before contracting (and also a war chest to cover lean times).

You'll be up against people with way more experience than you, and IR35 is a looming issue in the private sector.

If I'm honest with myself, I couldn't have switched careers 16 years in, but many have I'm sure.

[fullyautomatix]

No