Reply to: New for contracting.. pls help!

[weemster]

2008 has the potential to be a bad year for contracting in general. Still at least we aren't prepared to bribe a pimp for an interview (well thats what somepeople would have us believe anyway ).

[max]

competition is tough with seasoned contractors getting the best gigs.

Agreed, and with UBS and ML putting off contractors(story going round last week), there's going to be some seasoned ones floating about for a while, until they're soaked up as the credit crunch plays out.

2008 has the potential to be a nasty year for London contractors.

[backgetyou]

I disagree strongly - I have never resorted to such tactics and probably never will. But what a great way of incenticiving a pimp!

Ok so now you are paying them for the opportunity of an interview what a joke. There has been much good advice in this thread, but without knowing how you are punting and what rate you are asking its difficult to answer.

You will probably find that the issue is your CV if you are not getting through to interview assuming you have UK work permit etc and there is no other issues (such as sacked or lots of short term permie work). I would follow the advice before be selective as to what you apply for and always call afterwards to discuss role when submitting your CV. Do you not have any friends that can put your name forward to an end client? and then you can always ask why you werent put forward to the agent.

As for the comment you quit a permie job to become a contractor with no contract to go to, well thats often the case is it not? remember a contract can end anytime and you can always spend time on the bench if you cant afford to do this then maybe staying permie is better for you.

[BrilloPad]

Oh for gods sake....

If you have to pay somebody to give you a gig you really can't be very good and as a result are probably not cut out for contracting....

I disagree strongly - I have never resorted to such tactics and probably never will. But what a great way of incenticiving a pimp!

[mailric]

stop worrying

you've done the right thing. i'm new to the game and learnt some things the hard way.

the work is out there. competition is tough with seasoned contractors getting the best gigs. but don't believe a word agents tell you and only send your cv over to jobs you want, not whatever the agent tells you too. be open and honest with agents and say you really need to get into the game so you'll take a hit on the rate - they'll still charge the client the same so will get more commission for doing bugger all. also, maybe take a hit on the location too. travel further for that first contract and be more picky about the next.

good luck fella.

[javalad]

Oh no..

Even I read this as one of the tips for contracting.. But I feel this is the not the right way... it means that we lost our confidence in ourself.. i will never retort to such things...

[weemster]

Such youngsters !!

[El_Diablo]

Also I know its a little unethical but I read somewhere on this board about brown envelopes to agents ensuring interviews etc. - Hopefully 2008 will be a good year for all and no need to resort to such tactics.

Oh dear.

[weemster]

Ardesco, I agree whole heartedly but I think this is a useful point to anyone considering contracting, so they can see the sort of thing they may be up against. I have known good and bad times (as no doubt you have) - when the bills need paying and the food needs putting on the table I don't know that I could honestly say I wouldn't. Ok I have only been contracting 5 years (but have never been out of work and never resorted to such underhand tactics).

[Ardesco]

Oh for gods sake....

If you have to pay somebody to give you a gig you really can't be very good and as a result are probably not cut out for contracting....

[weemster]

Also I know its a little unethical but I read somewhere on this board about brown envelopes to agents ensuring interviews etc. - Hopefully 2008 will be a good year for all and no need to resort to such tactics.

[javalad]

Javalad,

My advice would be not to punt your CV around willy nilly - select the jobs that suit you and apply (and follow up everyday until you get a response).

You get a feeling very quickly (with experience) which agents are good and these are the ones to build up a rapport with.

You have entered into a very tough competitive game although things have eased somewhat over the last few years.

But Well Done - At least you did it and the best of luck (in the contracting market you will need plenty of that too).

Thx Weemster... Yes now i have list of agents... I know it is a very risky one.. but i am prepared for the risk..

[weemster]

Javalad,

My advice would be not to punt your CV around willy nilly - select the jobs that suit you and apply (and follow up everyday until you get a response).

You get a feeling very quickly (with experience) which agents are good and these are the ones to build up a rapport with.

You have entered into a very tough competitive game although things have eased somewhat over the last few years.

But Well Done - At least you did it and the best of luck (in the contracting market you will need plenty of that too).

[javalad]

Stop picking on him guys - no doubt many people find themselves in this position. And having to resign your permie job before going contracting is not unusual now is it?

JavaMan - just keep plugging away. It is quiet at this time of the year, so things will hopefully pick up towards Jan/Feb (depending on how badly the economy fares eh). You don't exactly have skills that are hard to find so it is possible that you are in competition with a large number of similar consultants.

Perhaps try reducing your rate to make yourself more competitive so that both agencies and clients look at your CV seriously. As this is your first contract a lower rate is often implied anyway unless you have very specific targeted skills.

When you send in CVs, chase up the agencies as and when you feel comfortable - but don't hound them. If they don't get back to you it usually means No, but there's no harm in satisying your own curiosity.

Is there any negative message you're putting out there to agents/clients? For example, are you ready to start ASAP, with your Ltd Co/Umbrella all set up already? Will there be Visa issues for agencies/clients to have to deal with?

Think about how you compare to a local consultant - why should the agency look at you as opposed to the next man?

Alternatively try looking for a good permie job in a solid UK company, perhaps a bank. It'll be a good stepping stone for you.

You've taken a huge risk, but you really should have investigated demand for your skillset before resigning. Good luck.

Thx Tazman, for ur valuable advice...
I have good experience with spring, hibernate struts EJB js etc., with some big clients.. i will try my best.. I hope to get one before end of jan 2008..

[ChimpMaster]

Stop picking on him guys - no doubt many people find themselves in this position. And having to resign your permie job before going contracting is not unusual now is it?

JavaMan - just keep plugging away. It is quiet at this time of the year, so things will hopefully pick up towards Jan/Feb (depending on how badly the economy fares eh). You don't exactly have skills that are hard to find so it is possible that you are in competition with a large number of similar consultants.

Perhaps try reducing your rate to make yourself more competitive so that both agencies and clients look at your CV seriously. As this is your first contract a lower rate is often implied anyway unless you have very specific targeted skills.

When you send in CVs, chase up the agencies as and when you feel comfortable - but don't hound them. If they don't get back to you it usually means No, but there's no harm in satisying your own curiosity.

Is there any negative message you're putting out there to agents/clients? For example, are you ready to start ASAP, with your Ltd Co/Umbrella all set up already? Will there be Visa issues for agencies/clients to have to deal with?

Think about how you compare to a local consultant - why should the agency look at you as opposed to the next man?

Alternatively try looking for a good permie job in a solid UK company, perhaps a bank. It'll be a good stepping stone for you.

You've taken a huge risk, but you really should have investigated demand for your skillset before resigning. Good luck.