Reply to: Banking and Finance what is the big deal ?

[marple]

They are one of the more efficient agencies to deal with apparently.

I found them to be very pleasant to deal with, they have been established many years - one of the original big agencies - you don't get on a banking framework if you a fly by night organization. They are desperate to fill vacancies - they can't understand why they can't fill given the current climate.

J

[kaiser78]

Call Rullion in Manchester - currently hiring for Barclays Knutsford its worth a punt tel 0161 601 3363

They are one of the more efficient agencies to deal with apparently.

[marple]

What is the big deal with finance & banking PM jobs, the market is awash with requirements for infrastructure PM's usual skills Data Center, LAN & WAN, systems role out then it says Must have worked in banking and finance - bl__dy frustrating I have 23 years experience - superb references and no gaps in my CV



John

Call Rullion in Manchester - currently hiring for Barclays Knutsford its worth a punt tel 0161 601 3363

[ChimpMaster]

...
now working back in the city as a director level (contractor), I will do what I can to try attract the very best people and if picking from that pool of 80%ers is what it takes, then i'll do that.

...

Canary Wharf? Integration?

[Boo]

no gaps in my CV

why is that important

Because I currently havn't got any and i don't want any

Why is it important to you not to have gaps in your CV ?

Boo

[northernladuk]

What is the big deal with finance & banking PM jobs, the market is awash with requirements for infrastructure PM's usual skills Data Center, LAN & WAN, systems role out then it says Must have worked in banking and finance - bl__dy frustrating I have 23 years experience - superb references and no gaps in my CV

John

You forget to mention that you have 23 years public sector experience as you indicated in a different thread. This is very important when discussing the difference between public sector and private sector work let alone different elements in private sector. The culture differences are very different between the two and can lead to a lot of frustration and mis-understandings if you are not used to them. The approach to interview and work styles can be worlds appart so they tend to look for people that are proven in each area rather than have to take a gamble with someone that isn't used to it.

[Old Greg]

The difficulty is that your 23 year's solid experience is in the public sector: http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...l-service.html

I have only worked within the NHS, so I would not expect to get a contract where that expereince was not relevant to the sector, so:

NHS
Health regulatory body
NHS IT supplier
Private healthcare
Possibly local government in adult or children's services

As contractors, we are expected to hit the ground running and start adding value on day one. If I wanted to change sectors, I would do so through a permie role (hissss!) where an employere might be more likely to invest in my development to realise my transferable skills.

I've tried to recruit contractors for rolws which require direct exposure to doctors etc. and I don't have confidence that those who have no experience can do it, not when up at interview against someone with experience. I am sure it is the same or perceived to be the same) in other sectors.

[marple]

i think banking is attractive because of the rates on offer, i've only been in the contracting PM game for a couple of years and speaking to colleagues who have worked in banking, it definately seems to be one of the most challenging environments to work in, and somewhere i personnally would like to test/develop my skills.

problem lies is that banks not only look for previous industry experience but if that experience hasn't been in the last 2 years then you're not even considered

so unless you can get in via a recommendation the only other way would be to drop your skill level, or if they don't find the right candidate and widen the net

but if you've managed to stay in contract for 23 years i wouldn't worry so much about banking at that stage in my career, i'd be looking for the nearest beach and a thai bride

I have a 15 year old daughter who I will probably have to keep in dresses and make up for the next 10 years - little chance of her getting a job

[marple]

Why is that important ?

Boo

Because I currently havn't got any and i don't want any

[filthy1980]

i think banking is attractive because of the rates on offer, i've only been in the contracting PM game for a couple of years and speaking to colleagues who have worked in banking, it definately seems to be one of the most challenging environments to work in, and somewhere i personnally would like to test/develop my skills.

problem lies is that banks not only look for previous industry experience but if that experience hasn't been in the last 2 years then you're not even considered

so unless you can get in via a recommendation the only other way would be to drop your skill level, or if they don't find the right candidate and widen the net

but if you've managed to stay in contract for 23 years i wouldn't worry so much about banking at that stage in my career, i'd be looking for the nearest beach and a thai bride

[Scary]

What is the big deal with finance & banking PM jobs

The fine people at these institutions are the elite, the chosen few, the best of the best, the Masters of the Universe. These geniuses create wealth beyond comprehension. Being a mere Mort I wouldn't expect you to understand.

[Boo]

no gaps in my CV

Why is that important ?

Boo

[Scrag Meister]

Lets face it most contract adverts say that they need expertise in the clientco's field. Whatever that is, oil, banking, etc...

But if you know where you want to be and are willing to persue it then I personally reckon you can get wherever you want to be.

I left my last perm role to go contracting without a contract to go to, I knew I wanted to get into banking as there are usually pretty good rates to be had. I could have accepted perm/contract jobs in a solicitors office, a retail chain and a couple of others but that wasn't what was required. It took me 3 months but I landed where I wanted to be and was there for 3 years, now on my second banking contract.

Whats needed is patience, motivation and the funds to stick to your plan.

[malvolio]

Ultimately, if you want to change sectors it's up to you to explain your understanding of the needs of the organisation and sector, how you can fulfil their needs, the roles within organisations and how your experience in other areas will bring something to the party.

.

Minor problem. Given the ineptitude of most Human Remains departments and the total disinterest of the agencies in having anything other than a quiet life, just how are you going to do this? The agency won't listen and you won't get in front of anyone in the client organisation to talk to anyway. I do Service Management, which is about as industry non-specific as you can get and I've got finance, manufacturing, defence and telecomms on my CV, but the last gig was with the Police so that's all I know how to do.


<Edit> Just noticed that this is my 5000th post, and it's a moan. Heigh Ho, at least I'm consistent!

[Gun4Hire]

What is the big deal with finance & banking PM jobs, the market is awash with requirements for infrastructure PM's usual skills Data Center, LAN & WAN, systems role out then it says Must have worked in banking and finance - bl__dy frustrating I have 23 years experience - superb references and no gaps in my CV

John

It makes no difference whether you have experience in about half of the contract positions in the IB sector. I moved into IB with experience from the defence, robotics and teleco industries. As long as if you've worked on very mission critical large low latency systems. The thing is if your experience is on bigger faster systems than theirs, then you have to play it cool at interview time because they like to think of themselves as being the best even if the truth is a little different. The average rate is around £550, generally you can go for these without IB experience (but you might want to drop to £450), £750 is for those experienced IB contractors. I started on £450 for a gig advertised at £550 and worked up to £650 in a little over a year. But when you start you'll probably be surprised that they aren't that good for very good money, banking knowledge is a cake walk.

The other thing is that they like one trick ponys, narrowly focused specialists, being good at a good range of technologies doesn't interest them and it shows because most people in IB would never make a living as an ISV (Independent Software Vendor) where you need a wide range of skills.

Also when I look across the floor nowadays, more than three quarters are from India as many of the banks have set up offices in Bangalore and just perform intra-company transfers (immigration cap is meaningless in this regard).

Ah yes and you are often expected (but don't have to) work long hours, so the rates aren't always as good as other industries when you have lots of overtime. A day rate of £550 isn't great for a twelve hour day.