help please newbie

[jo99]

I don't mean this disrepectfully, but do you really think you have enough experience to become a contractor? If you've split your time between being a BA and a PM then you really don't have much experience of either...

I agree - you are one or the other. They are two different jobs!

[SimonD]

It's funny, as a perm it's always easier finding a job when you're already in one, as a contractor it's the other way around.

Rule of thumb for contracting is that they need someone quickly, having a 4 week notice period really won't cut it as there will always be someone who can fill that role quicker.

As a contractor I really wouldn't start looking for a new contract until I have perhaps 2 weeks to go, at that time you're in the area where you can start in a short period of time (two weeks or less), got to multiple interviews (some places actually require 2 or more interviews even for contractors) and still have a cv that's fresh enough not to concern people.

One bit of advice I would give, if you have prolonged periods of being out of work, put them down on the CV as training, travelling etc, better to have those gaps filled than not.

[FiveTimes]

That's what I do - I actually rew-wqreite my CV for every role I apply for but I have 4 templates I work from depending on whether the project is a system project or a business project and depending on whether the role is BA or PM

Can I do this re-write

[Bear]

Excellent idea, but if you are going to re-write then have at least 2 CV's that you can send out for either BA/PM roles.

That's what I do - I actually rew-wqreite my CV for every role I apply for but I have 4 templates I work from depending on whether the project is a system project or a business project and depending on whether the role is BA or PM

[FiveTimes]

maratheftis for a start you need to rewrite your CV. Make it look like you have been a BA for 2 years or a PM for 2 years not a mixture of both. Also be really flexible on location.

Excellent idea, but if you are going to re-write then have at least 2 CV's that you can send out for either BA/PM roles.

[syn]

I found I had the same problem switching over. You need to hand your notice in tomorrow, then start telling agencies when you're available from. Make it sound like you're currently on a contract as well if you can get away with it. The first one is always the hardest but once you're in.

I was out of work for 3 months in-between permanent and contract jobs. Make sure you've got a bit of cash put to one side to cover mortgage etc..

And finally don't sweat it!

[SueEllen]

maratheftis for a start you need to rewrite your CV. Make it look like you have been a BA for 2 years or a PM for 2 years not a mixture of both. Also be really flexible on location.

[Wilmslow]

You don't really say why you are struggling when using the job sites.

Clients hire contractors because they need a skill quickly - hence positions are filled quickly. A few days between advert and start is normal.

I assume you haven't handed in your notice and are hoping to land a contract, then hand in your notice. Won't work.

If you really want to go contracting then jump in, both feet first. Get yourself available, then assuming you have the skills, knowledge, experience etc you'll be fine.

Being a contractor you are running a business, sometimes you will need to think on your feet to get business through the door. If you are struggling at the first hurdle then think seriously about whether it is the right move for you.

Excellent sounding advice.

I am nervous about only two years experience - you normally need a lot more experience if anyone is going to entertain you, firms like people who are time served to roll up sleeves and crack on.....

[Bear]

You don't really say why you are struggling when using the job sites.

Clients hire contractors because they need a skill quickly - hence positions are filled quickly. A few days between advert and start is normal.

I assume you haven't handed in your notice and are hoping to land a contract, then hand in your notice. Won't work.

If you really want to go contracting then jump in, both feet first. Get yourself available, then assuming you have the skills, knowledge, experience etc you'll be fine.

Being a contractor you are running a business, sometimes you will need to think on your feet to get business through the door. If you are struggling at the first hurdle then think seriously about whether it is the right move for you.

[RandyW]

Hey people,,

nothign new i am new at contracting focusing on Business Analysis/Project Management i have been in perm positions for the last 2 years and to be honest i want to try the contracting side, the problem is finding work,
i have my cv's on all the job board's, to agent's etc, but gosh do positions get fileld up really quickly.
any alternatives?

I don't mean this disrepectfully, but do you really think you have enough experience to become a contractor? If you've split your time between being a BA and a PM then you really don't have much experience of either...

[maratheftis]

ok, i have doen that,,however not sure what will come from that since my contacts are previous colleques.
anyone else?

[poser]

use your existing network of people you know to start with, linked in also has a job search function but ive never used it.

HTH

[maratheftis]

Hey people,,

nothign new i am new at contracting focusing on Business Analysis/Project Management i have been in perm positions for the last 2 years and to be honest i want to try the contracting side, the problem is finding work,
i have my cv's on all the job board's, to agent's etc, but gosh do positions get fileld up really quickly.
any alternatives?