Reply to: Is the Testing side of the contract market slow?

[software tester]

This was prevelent a few years ago, no ISEB, no interview! The approach is pathetic because it meant agents were submitting contractors with only a year's experience and ISEB for roles they were excluding contractors who had 10 years experience but no ISEB.

To pass the ISEB \ ISTQB exam you need to study the syllabus and its not a cake walk.

Yes, I remember interviewing for a tester and having an argument with my boss about whether we should insist on ISEB foundation. I won, we didn't and we found a really good candidate without the ISEB foundation. It was our gain as he had been turned down (after second interview) by better paying places. Mind you he failed first time when he took it.

[BolshieBastard]

I started to have a look but was then offered an extension for my current contract.

I spoke to a couple of agents who wouldn't consider anyone without ISEB. I've not seen it necessary to take this in the past and has never been an issue but am wondering if it is worth doing now just to get past the agents.

This was prevelent a few years ago, no ISEB, no interview! The approach is pathetic because it meant agents were submitting contractors with only a year's experience and ISEB for roles they were excluding contractors who had 10 years experience but no ISEB.

To pass the ISEB \ ISTQB exam you need to study the syllabus and its not a cake walk.

[Mich the Tester]

You’re right; if you have some testing experience then foundation should be a formality, but it’s about thinking as a company director; if that’s what it takes to get the customer’s interest, then do it. Personally I’m not keen on the whole ISEB/ISTQB thing even though I have the practitioner certificate; I think there’s to exploratory or context driven testing and no attention whatsoever to practical work.

However, it gets me in the door, time and time again, and that pays the bills.

Good luck with it (not that you’ll need much luck or brains to get the foundation).

[dropcliffsnotbombs]

Do your ISEB foundation exam; it’s not difficult, just read the book and tehn do the exam. If you know about testing you’ll pass. Practitioner level is a different kettle of fish, but worthwhile. Since I’ve had both certificates my CV always seems to go to the top of the pile. I don’t think the certificates are really all that great for proving your competence, but buyers like them, and they help you get contracts.

Its one of those things I've been meaning to do and I won't be wasting time/money on doing a course I'll just do the multi-choice test. I don't think t he foundationholds any particular value if you have experience apart from getting through the agencies.

[Mich the Tester]

I started to have a look but was then offered an extension for my current contract.

I spoke to a couple of agents who wouldn't consider anyone without ISEB. I've not seen it necessary to take this in the past and has never been an issue but am wondering if it is worth doing now just to get past the agents.

Do your ISEB foundation exam; it’s not difficult, just read the book and tehn do the exam. If you know about testing you’ll pass. Practitioner level is a different kettle of fish, but worthwhile. Since I’ve had both certificates my CV always seems to go to the top of the pile. I don’t think the certificates are really all that great for proving your competence, but buyers like them, and they help you get contracts.

[TheGaffer]

I started to have a look but was then offered an extension for my current contract.

I spoke to a couple of agents who wouldn't consider anyone without ISEB. I've not seen it necessary to take this in the past and has never been an issue but am wondering if it is worth doing now just to get past the agents.

It's well worth taking 2 or 3 days to do the ISEB foundation certificate, IMO. Got lucky myself - the client decided they wanted everyone in their testing department ISEB certified and as I was a key member of my team they sent me too (and paid for the lot!). Think I would have done it myself by now though, if that hadn't happened.

[dropcliffsnotbombs]

I started to have a look but was then offered an extension for my current contract.

I spoke to a couple of agents who wouldn't consider anyone without ISEB. I've not seen it necessary to take this in the past and has never been an issue but am wondering if it is worth doing now just to get past the agents.

[gadgetman]

Oh dear doesn't sound good.

I am in the last 4 weeks of a 3 month Test Manager contract so have started putting the feelers out. Been put forward for 3 roles so far.

Was on the bench for three weeks before I found the current gig so not too bad. Maybe the market has worsened.

yep, definately the same. Been benched now for 2 months.

[SueEllen]

I don't believe the DPA covers companies. Only individuals. However, I'm not anal enough to read the damn thing so could be wrong...

It covers individuals in those companies.

Small businesses don't necessarily need to be on the register but you have to abide by the Data Protection Act, so you are not allowed to give out the personal details of customers. You can be pedantic and interpret this as not being allowed to give out the person's actual name or a way to contact them.

(This is information I've gleamed from a lawyer who specialises in Data Protection.)

[ratewhore]

You could tell them that under the Data Protection Act, you are not permitted to reveal the names of current and future clients. I wonder what their comeback would be.

I don't believe the DPA covers companies. Only individuals. However, I'm not anal enough to read the damn thing so could be wrong...

[StuntManMike]

Is anyone having any luck with testing jobs yet? My CV has gone into around a dozen companies in the last 3 weeks - no response from any of them. Not a sniff of an interview. Is it me or is everyone finding the same?

yep, definately the same. Been benched now for 2 months.

[SillyMilly]

Is anyone having any luck with testing jobs yet? My CV has gone into around a dozen companies in the last 3 weeks - no response from any of them. Not a sniff of an interview. Is it me or is everyone finding the same?

[pmeswani]

QA Testing Rates are dropping fast. Apparently agents are getting about 80-100 applications per advertised role, and people willing to take £200-250 per day.

Got three emails yesterday, all similar to this - amusing eh!
The fact that i am submitting my CV means I'm looking for work, as for points 2 and 3...what ever happened to client confidentiality!
Discussed....never spoken to them before!

Dear ,

I hope this e-mail finds you well.

As you know I have been dealing with several applications for you over the course of the last 4 weeks.

We have discussed various roles in different locations, and the reason for my e-mail this morning is to catch up with you as to where you are with things so far.

As previously discussed, there are several opportunities I am working on in and around your desired areas within the sectors that suit your background.

Before I can proceed any further with things for you, I will need the following information to make sure I am not

a) Pursuing opportunities when you are no longer available
b) Duplicating any applications on your behalf that have progressed since we last spoke

With this in mind, please update me as to:

1) Your current situation at the moment
2) The applications you are waiting to hear back form
3) Companies to avoid approaching that may already have your CV

Please do not hesitate to reply to this e-mail, in order that I may begin to proceed with further applications for you.


Kind Regards,



Pathway
Phone: <removed>
Email:
Web: http://www.pathwayresourcing.com

You could tell them that under the Data Protection Act, you are not permitted to reveal the names of current and future clients. I wonder what their comeback would be.

[divine-elle]

QA Testing Rates are dropping fast. Apparently agents are getting about 80-100 applications per advertised role, and people willing to take £200-250 per day.

Got three emails yesterday, all similar to this - amusing eh!
The fact that i am submitting my CV means I'm looking for work, as for points 2 and 3...what ever happened to client confidentiality!
Discussed....never spoken to them before!

Dear ,

I hope this e-mail finds you well.

As you know I have been dealing with several applications for you over the course of the last 4 weeks.

We have discussed various roles in different locations, and the reason for my e-mail this morning is to catch up with you as to where you are with things so far.

As previously discussed, there are several opportunities I am working on in and around your desired areas within the sectors that suit your background.

Before I can proceed any further with things for you, I will need the following information to make sure I am not

a) Pursuing opportunities when you are no longer available
b) Duplicating any applications on your behalf that have progressed since we last spoke

With this in mind, please update me as to:

1) Your current situation at the moment
2) The applications you are waiting to hear back form
3) Companies to avoid approaching that may already have your CV

Please do not hesitate to reply to this e-mail, in order that I may begin to proceed with further applications for you.


Kind Regards,



Pathway
Phone: 020 7292 6888
Email:
Web: http://www.pathwayresourcing.com

[SillyMilly]

I worked for EDS as a permie, am not able to secure a contract with them.

I've done a couple of contracts with them; not keen of course, but their money is as good as anyone else's especially if there aren't any other options.

I was working for them on the9/11 when they wouldn't let us use the internet to follow the news from NY. Everyone was ringing out to find out what was going on then passing the news round the office, so it didn't improve productivity too much!