Reply to: "How are you finding the market?"

[pzz76077]

I'm not finding that at all, but it depends on skills I suppose. My skills put me in for big expensive projects, especially new implementations. They're not going so well ATM.

You need to think about moving to India then.

PZZ

[pzz76077]

My local market is really good at the moment, picked up some fine apricots and cherries at a bargain price earlier in the week- should easily see us through the weekend.

PZZ

[vetran]

Me - OK had a few enquiries.

RA - So tell me about them.

Me - You got my CV there?

RA - Yes

Me - What's the Date of birth say?

RA - shuffle shuffle oh yes - 1 of XX , XXXX

Me - thank goodness for that I thought I'd put down yesterday.

RA - chuckle. Have a good weekend.

[weemster]

I agree with Nomadd and I tend to take that approach. You can always tell the agents who have an unsuitable role on a poor rate as they tend to get off the phone pretty quick sharpish once they find out you have enough money to really no be to bothered taking a poor contract.

I must admit though I have been lucky in that the current contract has lasted a year and I have just had a renewal for three months, so thats another three months into the 'recovery'

[RichardCranium]

"How are you finding the market?"

"I turned over an ad for a shelf stacker, and there it was."

[expat]

Im not finding the market any worse than it usually is - about the same number of contracts for skilled people, but a whole load of unskilled folk in the market that have no chance by all accounts.

PZZ

I'm not finding that at all, but it depends on skills I suppose. My skills put me in for big expensive projects, especially new implementations. They're not going so well ATM.

[EddieNambulous]

Im not finding the market any worse than it usually is - about the same number of contracts for skilled people

So what are you skilled in?

[EddieNambulous]

It's an invitation to you to acknowledge that you're finding the market tough so as to soften you up for any subsequent rate discussions that may arise.

Hmmm...yeah....that certainly makes sense when I think about the discussions that have followed.

[pzz76077]

Im not finding the market any worse than it usually is - about the same number of contracts for skilled people, but a whole load of unskilled folk in the market that have no chance by all accounts.

PZZ

[nomadd]

I'm never quite sure how to respond to this one, when agents ask.

Is there an ulterior motive here?

Given the current recession, there are not a lot of opportunities out there so are they asking because they genuinely want another perspective on the market, or some other reason?

I sometimes get the feeling they are trying to find out how "in-demand" you are to confirm whether you are worth the effort.

I tell them: "I'm looking, but I'm in no panic. If you consult my CV, you'll notice my last contract went on for quite some time, and I've left enough money in the company account to keep me going for 2-3 years."

This way you are not shooting yourself in the foot - i.e. missing out on a decent contract they actually may have, but also getting rid of those agents who want you to discuss a job miles from home on a poor rate.

I've always found it a win-win reply. Mind you, it is actually true in my case!

Nomadd

[Fred Bloggs]

...and you tell them in a round about way to get stuffed.

Yep

[PM-Junkie]

And if you say- "I'm having loads of inquiries" they'll then want to know where from, names etc...

...and you tell them in a round about way to get stuffed.

[BolshieBastard]

I just tell them Im not looking for work as my contract lasts to the new year then hang up on them.

[Fred Bloggs]

And if you say- "I'm having loads of inquiries" they'll then want to know where from, names etc...

[HeadOfTesting]

It's an invitation to you to acknowledge that you're finding the market tough so as to soften you up for any subsequent rate discussions that may arise.

All very tedious but part of the game.

HeadOfTesting