Reply to: # of contracts on Jobswerve dwindling?

[chicane]

> 100% shirley?

Maybe after 2-3 years although I don't suppose a new contractor would get away with it. Track record (as a contractor rather than permie) counts for a lot.

[beaker]

This says it all ... http://www.contractoruk.com/news/003797.html

"His advice to new contractors in his sectors pondering how much to charge is the same today as it was before the credit crunch started in August last year: add between 20-30% onto the permanent pay rate."

> 100% shirley?

[Lewis]

Blimey.

I just searched "C# and Banking" with London and Contract. Went back 2 days. I expected maybe 10-20 pages of jobs. Search returned 1 page!

11 jobs of which there are clearly a few duplicates. So we're talking a tiny handful of roles. I agree there are more out there that aren't on jobserve but last time I saw a results page that bad was 5-6 years ago when times were VERY bad. That is quite scarey!

This says it all ... http://www.contractoruk.com/news/003797.html

[gadgetman]

You can't generalise; Dev, support, test, PM - they are all very different markets.

[Flubster]

Perhaps it's a case now that agent's aren't posting the roles on t'internet so much. It tends to be obvious from the advert who the end client is which gives other agencies a change to move in on the same job (as well as the savvy contractor who could try and go in direct ).

Also, with networking sites such as LinkedIn, agencies can be a little more proactive when searching for people wth the necessary skills and not rely so much on submitted CVs which can be out of date as soon as they are received.

I've certainly not got a gig through any job boards in the last 3 years but rather been contacted by agencies via LinkedIn or direct by clients.

[BrilloPad]

Doomed. Perhaps Wilmslooooooooooow is doing the right thing.

[oracleslave]

There's always a market for tape changers.

HTH

Thanks BB. Unfortunately that is far too technical for me so of little use.

[BlasterBates]

Plenty of jobs for me, all on a reduced rate compared to the last few years though. Europe might be the answer, strong Euro etc makes it look more favourable.

There's always a market for tape changers.

HTH

[Cheshire Cat]

I'm finding genuine contract ads thin on the ground

[Lewis]

Blimey.

I just searched "C# and Banking" with London and Contract. Went back 2 days. I expected maybe 10-20 pages of jobs. Search returned 1 page!

11 jobs of which there are clearly a few duplicates. So we're talking a tiny handful of roles. I agree there are more out there that aren't on jobserve but last time I saw a results page that bad was 5-6 years ago when times were VERY bad. That is quite scarey!

[oracleslave]

Plenty of jobs for me, all on a reduced rate compared to the last few years though. Europe might be the answer, strong Euro etc makes it look more favourable.

[Badger]

Ditto

[BlasterBates]

Same here, my searches look like an arid desert at the moment.

[ChimpMaster]

All the contracts available for me are now only in Europe. And I HATE to travel or work away after doing it so much in my past permie life.

[chicane]

The number of available contracts within 50 miles for my skillset hovers around the 2-3 mark, two of which are usually the same contract. And the rates are around half of what I'm currently on.

Doomed. Perhaps Wilmslooooooooooow is doing the right thing.