I'm new to this game but with a load of experience!!

May 21, 2012 6:03 AM

Tips for getting that next contract. I'm an IT contractor in the UK and have been for about 12 years. I'm pretty lucky to have not been out of work in that time. Unfortunately, current contract ends shortly and as yet, I'm not managed to find anything else. Every contract I've ever had has been based on someone recommending me into a new role, so I've never had to do the whole contract search thing. With my network currently failing me, where do I look for those roles I'd be great for? Do I register with an agency? Which Agency? Help!!!!
posted by lloyder to Work & Money (7 answers total)

Are you on linkedin.com?
posted by TrinsicWS at 6:07 AM on May 21, 2012

Have a look at WorkFu.
posted by ZipRibbons at 6:08 AM on May 21, 2012

Hi. I'm on Linkedin but mainly as Facebooky kind of way to keep track of old colleagues, guessing I should update my profile.

Wasn't on WorkFu, giving it a try now
posted by lloyder at 6:30 AM on May 21, 2012

Do a search on JobServe, and CWJobs. Find some suitable roles, and send off your CV. The agencies will take care of it from there.
posted by veedubya at 7:24 AM on May 21, 2012

Have you considered taking the new job roles you've been presented with? IT isn't the same as it was 12 years ago, so now might be the time to pick up some new skills. Plus, your new contract won't be permanent, so you can always go back to traditional IT after you finish.
posted by nikkorizz at 8:08 AM on May 21, 2012

The human connection is the best connection. Phone up a couple of people who have recommended you in the past, explain that you're free, and see if they know of any projects that are going on.

At the very least, get a couple of names from each, repeat, repeat.

Getting on the phone is the quickest way to get another contract.
posted by KokuRyu at 1:06 PM on May 21, 2012

I (an IT contractor in the UK) usually send my CV to as many agencies as I can find, I know there's the argument that you should limit the number of agents that you use by I find that self-defeating. As far as I'm concerned the more exposure I get the better, and any agency that sends my CV to a client without asking me (hence putting my CV before a client that another agency is already representing with) is not an agency I ever want to deal with.

I'd update LinkedIn to state that you're looking for a new contract, mass email your CV to a list of agencies, add your CV to JobServe, Monster and CWJobs and then do a daily search of those site.
posted by hardcode at 5:36 AM on May 22, 2012