Reply to: High Value Organisation to Contracting

[oracleslave]

Don't be silly...

[pmeswani]

Out of interest where you ever given a reason in these situations?

Only that the other candidates were a more closer fit. I came down to the conclusions that, where agencies were involved, they were harvesting CVs as cheaply as possible. Only realised that after the event. Am still yet to learn how to be selective on jobs that I apply for. I tend now only apply for jobs just to tell agencies that I am looking. I don't have any expectations on agencies any more. Direct contact... can't remember if they gave reasons or not.

[voodooflux]

There are a lot of jobs that I would have been best fit in (based on job descriptions alone), but have been told that I have been unsuccessful in being shortlisted, regardless of direct approach or via agencies.

Out of interest were you ever given a reason in these situations?

[pmeswani]

I agree with your other points, but while those names might not have been brought up in the interview themselves, how can you be sure that having those names on your CV hasn't been an influence on getting you onto a shortlist of candidates? Granted that would be a very shortsighted and naive approach to recruitment, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen

There are a lot of jobs that I would have been best fit in (based on job descriptions alone), but have been told that I have been unsuccessful in being shortlisted, regardless of direct approach or via agencies. I have to admit that my last 2 interviews have been based on my current contract and the fact that I have SC rather than best fit.

[voodooflux]

I haven't been given an interview just because IBM or EDS is on my CV.

I agree with your other points, but while those names might not have been brought up in the interview themselves, how can you be sure that having those names on your CV hasn't been an influence on getting you onto a shortlist of candidates? Granted that would be a very shortsighted and naive approach to recruitment, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen

[malvolio]

You mean it wan't his charm and personality shining through

Don't be silly...

[pmeswani]

For more money? Perhaps these employers are high-value on the C.V. but actually pretty tulipe to work for?

(and sorry to hear about the interview - looking forward to the thread )

I know what you mean in terms of CV value... but i don't consider any company high capital / value. It's a name on a CV... nothing special. If I cannot demonstrate competence, then it doesn't matter which company name is on the CV. I haven't been given an interview just because IBM or EDS is on my CV.

[oracleslave]

Perhaps it was your client list that brought your CV to the top of the pile and got you the interview.

You mean it wan't his charm and personality shining through

[voodooflux]

Reckon? My client list includes three major HMG departments and people like BP, Sky and Sun Microsystems plus a host of smaller engagements. I've often been asked about what I did, but who I was doing it for has never ever been raised.

Perhaps it was your client list that brought your CV to the top of the pile and got you the interview.

[malvolio]

Agree with voodooflux they are only high-value on CV, I worked for one of them and pay was really average, but having one of them on the CV sure helps in getting contracts

Reckon? My client list includes three major HMG departments and people like BP, Sky and Sun Microsystems plus a host of smaller engagements. I've often been asked about what I did, but who I was doing it for has never ever been raised.

[pat25]

Agree with voodooflux they are only high-value on CV, I worked for one of them and pay was really average, but having one of them on the CV sure helps in getting contracts

[voodooflux]

...but if these companies are such high value... why would anyone want to leave?

For more money? Perhaps these employers are high-value on the C.V. but actually pretty tulipe to work for?

(and sorry to hear about the interview - looking forward to the thread )

[pmeswani]

Hey, I am wondering if anyone has taken the step from a large 'high value' employer (ie an employer who everyone wants to work for Google, Microsoft, MI5, MI6) and moved in to the world of contracting?

What were your experiences?

Don't want to sound rude here (ok, had a bad interview today... but that's another thread altogether), but if these companies are such high value... why would anyone want to leave?

[jmo21]

yep..... i worked for one of those you mention in Ireland

moved back to the UK for personal reasons, got a perm job, then left that after 6 months to contract.

the "big" company sucked if I am really honest. lasted 2.5 years in it, and the work really was awful. too many politics, too many "movers and shakers" and i hate all that nonsense

i moved over there for that job too, so was really disappointed when it sucked so much - really was not all that i expected from a company that I had really thought would be a great place to work- maybe if it had been in a different part of the company it would have been better though.

[expat]

Hey, I am wondering if anyone has taken the step from a large 'high value' employer (ie an employer who everyone wants to work for Google, Microsoft, MI5, MI6) and moved in to the world of contracting?

What were your experiences?

I have never particularly wanted to work for any of those employers. What is this 'high value' that you mention? Do they pay especially well? Is there any other standard of value in a job?