Reply to: Mind the gap

[OrangeHopper]

I would tend to agree. I generally only usually stick around for at most a couple of years. However, when you have experienced a longish period on the bench, you may be tempted to stick with something longer thereafter. Particularly if the work is sufficiently varied. Oh, plus I was able to work from home for three days of the week!

[Spacecadet]

5 year gig!
I get bored after 5 months!

WSS

One of the joys of contracting for me was an escape from the crushing tedium of working at the same company doing the same crap day in day out with no end in sight.
The thought of it still gives me the shivers

[Pinto]

5 year gig!
I get bored after 5 months!

My current contract is in its 14th year. Admittedly, the last 5 years have been a tad dull.

[Pogle]

A five year gig can easily become a six year gig.

By the way, some places do check references. I have just completed a couple for past colleagues.

5 year gig!
I get bored after 5 months!

[OrangeHopper]

A five year gig can easily become a six year gig.

By the way, some places do check references. I have just completed a couple for past colleagues.

[Sysman]

I've had the one where I've been put forward for a gig at a client I've worked at before. They've invited me in, and then been faced with some smart-arse who tries to say I've not worked their before. OK I may be on CUK a lot, so maybe should say 'billed' instead on 'worked'.

It worked the other way once for me. Just because a salesman dragged me into a customer on the way to lunch one day, a year later that customer was convinced I was responsible for supplying the system which he wasn't happy with. I'd had absolutely nowt to do with it, but that didn't convince him.

[threaded]

I've had the one where I've been put forward for a gig at a client I've worked at before. They've invited me in, and then been faced with some smart-arse who tries to say I've not worked their before. OK I may be on CUK a lot, so maybe should say 'billed' instead on 'worked'.

[rootsnall]

Anyone got any decent CV gap-filling tips?

Expand gig by 1 month either side. Add an extra month ( or two ! ) on each CV rewrite or as it tickles your fancy. Eventually all gaps are gone !

If applying for role at previous client then recheck you haven't over expanded that particular gig and reinsert gap as necessary.

[Sysman]

No gaps, but what I have been asked, only once, is "why did you have two short contracts one after the other ? (short being 3 months)"

Well, let's see: the work was completed, nothing left to do, that's what a contractor does.

I used to enjoy the short term nature of some gigs.

Go in. Sort problem. Leave with the feeling of mission accomplished.

[conned tractor]

No gaps, but what I have been asked, only once, is "why did you have two short contracts one after the other ? (short being 3 months)"

Well, let's see: the work was completed, nothing left to do, that's what a contractor does.

Thats my contracting history also, albeit short. One 5 monther, one 6 monther, 4 months working on something else, about to be benched end of the week and have been offered an interview for a 1 month gig (everything else going for it - rate, task, etc).

Also CV gone forward to a fantastic 6 month roller, local, good rate, interesting job, but apart from pimp telling me CV gone forward, havien't heard anything back yet - but it has only been two days.

The 6 monther was initially a 2 monther but they wanted me to do some other tasks afterwards. So a couple of extensions - of sorts.

I am a bit worried about how the CV looks, but as you said, on all of the contracts I have been bought in to do a specific task, completed it and buggered off - but will prospective clients see it like that. I think I could do with that 6 month roller to perk up the CV a bit - and keep some steady money coming in.

[Pogle]

I have gaps on my CV - and it does not seem to have hindered my ability to get other contracts.

I have posted before about a chap whose CV showed up at my current role and I was asked to look over his CV as we had both worked for the same customer.
He worked for them for 6 weeks, but had 6 MONTHS on his CV. They were not impressed and his CV went into the bin.

[bobhope]

No gaps, but what I have been asked, only once, is "why did you have two short contracts one after the other ? (short being 3 months)"

Well, let's see: the work was completed, nothing left to do, that's what a contractor does.

[chef]

Its the actual truth but it also wouldnt harm if it is a lie.

I took 18 months off during the 2001 dotcom bust and if questioned (which has only happened once and yes I got the gig) I simply state that I really enjoy travelling and seeing more of the world and like to fit that in around contracts as I never take time off during a contract always making sure Im upskilled for when I return.

That then followed with an "oh, where did you go?" followed by "oo, aaah, sounds great, i'd love to do that, your lucky being able to take large amounts of time off"


before you suggest it, no I wasnt in prison..

[NickFitz]

I've never had a problem stating that I was working on projects of my own, or taking time to work on developing my skills in up-and-coming areas.

One interviewer commented "Aah, you can never have too many side-projects!"

"That's what yours is to me" I replied.

Instant hire

[RichardCranium]

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couldn't resist