First time - where to start searching

[BrizoH]

Thanks for all the info so far - CV is now on Monster, and I'll read through all the guides over the weekend

[pmeswani]

Hi,

First post so please be gentle

My (permie) company has gone into administration - seems to be more of a pre-pack job as a new company has been formed and they want to keep me on with some others.

However, as we are in a branch office, the expectation is that we will only be retained for as long as it takes to transfer knowledge/equipment elsewhere (this has been on the cards for a while to be honest)

So, while I know the market is not ideal, I might have to start looking for contracts.

If anyone can give any tips or experiences from their first time contracting that would be appreciated - particularly on which sites to search for gigs

Much appreciated

Keep your options open. Don't commit to being a contractor until you get a contract. Keep an eye out for permie roles as well. As you are already in this space, you will stand a better chance of getting another permie role.

Once you have landed a contract, you will need to decide whether you want to go via an umbrella company or Ltd. Search this site and forum for info and discussions regarding this. Don't make the same mistakes as some do... get an Accountant from the outset if you go down the route of Ltd. And remember, the cheapest isn't always the best. It's not always a good idea to go Ltd. It does depend on the rate and the length. For example, don't go Limited if you are on a 3 month contract on £100 a day.

Also get your contract checked for IR35 compliance. That way, it will make things easier.

Read all the articles on this site regarding to becoming a contractor. Don't rush into setting up a Ltd Company before you get the contract. And remember, just because your contract may be 3 or 6 months... you will learn to assume that your contract is as long as your notice period.

[DocP]

Run away

This is not a good time to start contracting. The market isn't functioning normally and isn't likely to do so for 2-3 years. I've you got some spare cash, I suggest you exchange it for holiday money and take a break.
There are tons of experienced people available to work for reduced rates, they will knock you out of the market. Best of luck, you're going to need it.

[KentPhilip]

http://www.jobserve.com to search for jobs.

Upload your CV to www.monster.co.uk filling in the questions and profile information. Set it to "viewable" and wait for the calls to come in.

If any agency asks for references, don't give them (unless you have been offered a role).

A million other things. Read the beginners guide on this site.

Welcome to the wild west of IT.

[BrizoH]

if the new job is only for a short period - see if you can get some redundancy pay now and take the work with the new company on a contract, then at least you have already got some experience as a contractor.

People will say IR35 this and that - but you still get 5% expense allowance with IR35 and it may still be worth investigating if there is a way of avoiding IR35 on this.

Thanks - still to be confirmed what the new employment offer is. Either way I won't be considering it a long term thing and want to get out ASAP

I'd been considering contracting for a while but I guess now that my hand is (almost) forced then I may as well jump in

[BrizoH]

We don't do gentle. Be prepared to have it rammed in, hard, from the rear.

hehe, well after todays announcement at least I'll be used to that!

I actually read your first reply (before you edited )

Is Monster pretty good for gigs, I never really liked it when looking for permie roles?

[MPwannadecentincome]

if the new job is only for a short period - see if you can get some redundancy pay now and take the work with the new company on a contract, then at least you have already got some experience as a contractor.

People will say IR35 this and that - but you still get 5% expense allowance with IR35 and it may still be worth investigating if there is a way of avoiding IR35 on this.

[KentPhilip]

We don't do gentle. Be prepared to have it rammed in, hard, from the rear.

[BrizoH]

Hi,

First post so please be gentle

My (permie) company has gone into administration - seems to be more of a pre-pack job as a new company has been formed and they want to keep me on with some others.

However, as we are in a branch office, the expectation is that we will only be retained for as long as it takes to transfer knowledge/equipment elsewhere (this has been on the cards for a while to be honest)

So, while I know the market is not ideal, I might have to start looking for contracts.

If anyone can give any tips or experiences from their first time contracting that would be appreciated - particularly on which sites to search for gigs

Much appreciated