Reply to: As a new contractor, what am I worth?

[The Spartan]

I wouldn't say it makes you less valuable either, but another thing you have to remember is you'll be up against competition for the roles you're applying for.

[roadsidetree]

IMO being your first contract doesn't make you any less valuable i.e. as long as you have the skills and years of experience. For my first contract which was in Spain, I looked at the going rate in job boards; discussed with few good mates and came to a figure which is what I proposed and I got.

After few months in the contract, I found out the mark-up of the agency which was ridiculously high. I negotiated with them and got 50 quid a day more.

[cluffy]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Plenty to ponder here.

[Star69]

From my perspective, I had 15 years experience as a permie, all the skills and qualifications for my chosen role in Project Management.

Therefore, I felt to go in at a lower rate would de-value me as a supplier of a specific service. I then persuaded the agencies to give me average rates in that role in the sector I was aiming and that's where I pitched myself.

I figured I valued myself and I wanted my future clients to value me, therefore, I asked for what I was worth and ignored the fact that I was a first time contractor 2 contracts ago.

I got what I asked for and negotiated a rate rise on my 3rd renewal too to keep me in line with the Market and as evidence of the value for the projects delivered.

If you have the experience, go for what you deserve, you will get it if you're worth it. If relatively inexperienced, then yes, you may have to start a little lower.

Good luck!

[v8gaz]

I don't doubt it, I'm not looking forward to looking for my second. Still I might get a renewal who knows but I never taken anything as given in this world

In which case, it's still your first contract

[The Spartan]

I don't doubt it, I'm not looking forward to looking for my second. Still I might get a renewal who knows but I never taken anything as given in this world

[TheFaQQer]

It is still a lot more than I was on and this is only my first contract, I can ask for more next time.

And therein lies the rub. People say that the first contract is the hardest. They're wrong - it's the second contract that is the hardest.

[The Spartan]

I don't think it's a case of First time contractor = lower rate
I'm sure it's just eagerness to get into the game, once you're in the game then it's time to become a PLAYER!!! Let the dice roll lol

[MyUserName]

This is my first contract and I simply asked for the lower end of the range i.e. they offered x-y per day and I asked for x and got it. It is still a lot more than I was on and this is only my first contract, I can ask for more next time.

However, when the investment market has bombed and everyone got a rate cut except me, I suspect that it may be because I was on the lowest rate or something. I did not ask any questions!

[v8gaz]

Must admit I've never noticed this first time contractor = less rate thing.

Still on that crappy beginner rate then Psycho?

[psychocandy]

Must admit I've never noticed this first time contractor = less rate thing.

[northernladuk]

I know, I know...

...but please appreciate this will be a big change for me. All my interviews for the last few years have been for internal promotion and I've been free to take in examples of my work. I'd like to know what's expected of contractors, so as to avoid the interviewer resorting to similar body language.

You could try doing a search on the site. We have many questions about new guys and interviews. Try this link for starters. Might be lot of gumpf but you can work on it using info about searching in the Welcome forums..

interview site:forums.contractoruk.com - Google Search

or

do interview site:forums.contractoruk.com in google

[cluffy]

I know, I know...

...but please appreciate this will be a big change for me. All my interviews for the last few years have been for internal promotion and I've been free to take in examples of my work. I'd like to know what's expected of contractors, so as to avoid the interviewer resorting to similar body language.

[Ruprect]

I'd also welcome some advice on what, if anything, I should take to an interview. Clearly I can't go armed with the latest Visio maps etc I've knocked up for my current employer...

[MrMark]

Whatever you can get away with! - seriously if you become known to the agents as a £200 - £300 @day contractor you'll find it hard to break out of that rate range

Whs. In fact it's not unknown for a smarmy agent (annual £70k) to try and get your rate down so he/she can have a bigger commision for doing bludder-all.