Reply to: Bottom fallen out of the contract market?

[flambo]

Does seem to be this time round in particular. In the past, if rung I have usually got interviews. I then usually got the role. At present I get rung, submitted and that's it. Have got a couple of interviews but not counting anything yet.

Exactly the same for me. Coming to the end of a 2 year gig and have my cv sent to god knows how many clients but so far have had one interview - and was called by the pimp just befpore to tell me the role had been filled. Splendid

[GB9]

Lol true. Usually if the agent comes back with a verbal contract offer after interview, it does translate into a paper contract, but this is my first. Something to learn, but it definitely does happen as you say!

Does seem to be this time round in particular. In the past, if rung I have usually got interviews. I then usually got the role. At present I get rung, submitted and that's it. Have got a couple of interviews but not counting anything yet.

[tranceporter]

Lol true. Usually if the agent comes back with a verbal contract offer after interview, it does translate into a paper contract, but this is my first. Something to learn, but it definitely does happen as you say!

[GB9]

Same here. Went for an interview last Thursday, agent calls Friday saying client is happy and wants to offer a contract. Come today, still no paperwork..lol. Apparently there is delay for sign-off from the client

Don't stop looking until you have a signed contract in your hands, and even then be wary. If I had a quid for every time I have been told that the client really liked me / my CV and nothing has come of it, I would have nearly a tenner.

[tranceporter]

Same here. Went for an interview last Thursday, agent calls Friday saying client is happy and wants to offer a contract. Come today, still no paperwork..lol. Apparently there is delay for sign-off from the client

[quackhandle]

Spoke to a few agents today as the market seems very quiet. A couple said they had no contract roles on the go and said lots of clients were only considering permies right now.

This. Have seen loads of permie work out there. Glad I went direct (thanks Linkedin) but that's only until Easter.

qh

[The Spartan]

Just shows, late yesterday spoke with an agent, being put forward for a role at 400 a day for a senior test manager. Under no illusion with it though. Competition will be tough even to make the cut as there's a glut of people available.

Ahh but it's about Quality BB and you are a Quality guy

[BolshieBastard]

Have seen a few BA jobs but not paying that well. And as usually happens in this sort of market there is a list of pre-reqs as long as your arm to get in.

Spoke to one agent yesterday who said there are no senior roles around and she is only placing the odd interim to cover long-term sick etc.

Having said that, I am currently submitted for 4 roles, although last week it was 5 and nothing came of any of them. Concern is that rates fall so low that there is no point me looking at the London / South ones any more. A return ticket to London is £260.

If I was prepared to consider London and the SE where the market is still lively, yes, I probably could get a contract pretty much straight away. But move further north (Im looking west midlands to central belt scotland at a push and, the place isnt awash.

People look at jobswerve and see lots of jobs advertised but in reality, its a mixture of duplication and phishing exercises.

Had an agent on the phone to me this morning. She'd clearly forgotten she left a message last week and when I returned her call, she wasnt 'available.' So she starts off about MS Dynamics but soon got round to asking who did I report to here, there and everywhere (told her sorry, confidential info).

The contract for 450 in early 2012 is now at 275. WTT?

Just shows, late yesterday spoke with an agent, being put forward for a role at 400 a day for a senior test manager. Under no illusion with it though. Competition will be tough even to make the cut as there's a glut of people available.

[mos]

The contract for 450 in early 2012 is now at 275. WTT?

[GB9]

Nope that's cheap. For Darlington to London to get into King's cross before 10:30 a full price return is £290.

I can virtually anywhere else in Europe via Amsterdam for the same amount.

Fully agree with that. Darlo is a couple of stops up dependent upon the train.

It is possible to get advance tickets, but in the rush hour you are still looking circa £200. Even going down the night before isn't much cheaper and you get the hotel cost too.

[eek]

You must live in the north of Scotland if you're paying that kinda price?!

Nope that's cheap. For Darlington to London to get into King's cross before 10:30 a full price return is £290.

I can virtually anywhere else in Europe via Amsterdam for the same amount.

[kingcook]

Have seen a few BA jobs but not paying that well. And as usually happens in this sort of market there is a list of pre-reqs as long as your arm to get in.

Spoke to one agent yesterday who said there are no senior roles around and she is only placing the odd interim to cover long-term sick etc.

Having said that, I am currently submitted for 4 roles, although last week it was 5 and nothing came of any of them. Concern is that rates fall so low that there is no point me looking at the London / South ones any more. A return ticket to London is £260.

You must live in the north of Scotland if you're paying that kinda price?!

[GB9]

Well if I was a BA I'd be able to name my price (almost). There are a tulipload of BA jobs going. But Im not. There arent plenty of roles out there in all specialisms.

Looks like I'll have to get cracking on plan b but I only intend staying in IT for another 4 years max.



Hmmmm, dya think I couldnt suss that one out if they were trying it? And if they all try and push one towards permie, that would support the theory that there's a dearth of contracts in some specialisms.

Still I did have one agent wanting to submit me for a 400 a day role so Im in.

Have seen a few BA jobs but not paying that well. And as usually happens in this sort of market there is a list of pre-reqs as long as your arm to get in.

Spoke to one agent yesterday who said there are no senior roles around and she is only placing the odd interim to cover long-term sick etc.

Having said that, I am currently submitted for 4 roles, although last week it was 5 and nothing came of any of them. Concern is that rates fall so low that there is no point me looking at the London / South ones any more. A return ticket to London is £260.

[The Spartan]

I hope it picks up, I don't want to be stuck out here past April

[snarfblat]

I suppose it depends on what role you are doing.

My phone has been ringing off the hook since about the 2nd week of Jan with work in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, US.

Too bad I can't do a multiplicity and clone myself.