Would it be possible to get IT Contracts without taking or making calls?

[VectraMan]

I suffer pretty bad claustrophobia, so won't go anywhere near a client that requires the use of a lift.

WHS. I had an agent call me about a possible city role with Barclays a few months back, and one of the rare ones that didn't require banking experience. All I could think of was working on the 50th floor, crowds, packed trains, underground.. all of which fill me with total dread. It may well have been financial suicide, but I said I wasn't interested.

I used to panic when having to talk in front of even a couple of people, and that would cause a bit of a stammer, but I've largely overcome it with age and having the confidence in what you're saying that comes from experience. The same to some extent on the phone, though what I find is I need to pace up and down during calls with agents or phone interviews, so for that reason a mobile is much better than using a fixed phone.

Unfortunately agents are sales people, and generally they won't tell you anything in emails or messages and insist on having a conversation. Even if it's to say "haven't heard anything yet", they always want to talk to you.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

Good Luck mate, hope you manage to overcome it and I am sure you will..

[gamble1234]

get someone else to do the calls??

[nomadd]

Hi, I'm a software engineer with 10 years experience.

Would it be possible to get IT Contracts without taking or making calls?

Unfortunately, I have a serious phone phobia I think which is influenced by my stammer

Thanks,

Yes, you will be able to get contracts, as long as your skillset is good. I suffer pretty bad claustrophobia, so won't go anywhere near a client that requires the use of a lift. I've actually found that most agents and clients are pretty understanding about it, now that I mention it up-front. It hasn't turned out to be as big a problem as I feared (no pun intended.) Best of luck.

[Wanderer]

I've started practicing 30minutes a day to improve my ability to speak on the phone. I wish I had started when I was a child rather than postponing it until now that I'm 30! Glad most people have got it for granted and don't suffer what I do...

Good on you. Face your fear, build your confidence and overcome it.

[thunderlizard]

I used to have something like that, until basic skintness forced me to overcome it age 21. If your CV's good you can get yourself in front of the client after just one basic phone chat. I still tend to plan out and almost script important calls in advance.

[Fred Bloggs]

Good on you, all the best, I wish you well!

[Dynamic]

Thank you all for your replies.

I'm very good at interviews; I've almost always been offered with my first interview!

Just getting an interview is the most difficult part as I'd have to speak on the phone most of the time.

I've started practicing 30minutes a day to improve my ability to speak on the phone. I wish I had started when I was a child rather than postponing it until now that I'm 30! Glad most people have got it for granted and don't suffer what I do...

[SueEllen]

I strongly doubt it.

Even the direct contacts I've had I've had to speak to the client-management on the phone.

With agents the most important thing they want is the ability for you to sell yourself so if you can't do it over the phone they won't put you forward, as lots of clients do phone interviews.

BTW It doesn't matter if you stammer. What matters is that you don't ramble on about random stuff.

[SimonMac]

I think it would be very difficult, but not impossible, you may need to go to a select few agents and advise them of the situation, maybe meet them face to face if that is more comfortable than on the phone.

How would you cope with client interviews?

[jmo21]

To be honest, unless you pick contracts with people you already know, I think you may find it pretty difficult.

Persuading agents to put you forward can be difficult enough, they speak to a lot of candidates and I would imagine many would be put off if they can't even have a chat to you.

I could be wrong, but that's my gut reaction.

[Dynamic]

Hi, I'm a software engineer with 10 years experience.

Would it be possible to get IT Contracts without taking or making calls?

Unfortunately, I have a serious phone phobia I think which is influenced by my stammer

Thanks,