Job Hunting
I've been looking for work for nearly a month now and been tooling around a friends offices for various reasons. Mostly so I don't get too soft mentally or habitually. It's been a learning experience trying to enter the contract software development market. There is a good chance I'll get this permanent job I've applied for so my hunt 'may' be coming to an end. But before it does I'll jot down a few notes...
Contracting Is Tricky
The higher rates invite a lot of competition. It's a little like lottery getting them. Employers try to avoid it for the same reason.
If you thought having the right acronyms on a resume was important for permanent jobs, it's doubly important for contractors.
So don't be picky if the pay and conditions are good, especially when there is no recruiter in the loop.
Know What You Want
It's important to establish quickly whether or not you'll work somewhere. Contractors should rarely say no after having an interview. It is much better to discover poorly fitting contracts on the phone.
Know exactly what rate you want. This may vary depending on the work but there is nothing worse that looking like you don't know your worth or are 'fishing'.
Four days per week is something to bring up when they ask about 'availability'.
Contracting Is Cold
Contractors are there to do a well defined job and not overhaul processes or 'rock the boat'. That's more like a consultant.
You're more than likely shovelling you-know-what. But you're being paid well so it's easier to do.
Finding Opportunities
It is rare these days to secure a contract with an unfamiliar employer without a recruiter. That's the way it works these days.
Cold calling doesn't work as receptionists and security guards are trained to stop you.
Networking is a good idea, especially if you can establish yourself as personable with someone who might hire you. User groups and conferences of like-minded people are the most promising.
Professionally speaking, I've learned a lot about what direction I want to take. Lately I've been focusing on technical excellence without being aware of the big picture. It's all about business. Seeking technical excellence to gain job satisfaction does NOT work. It needs to be about business value. I know this now. Maybe my next role will feel less frustrating as a result.
Contracting Is Tricky
The higher rates invite a lot of competition. It's a little like lottery getting them. Employers try to avoid it for the same reason.
If you thought having the right acronyms on a resume was important for permanent jobs, it's doubly important for contractors.
So don't be picky if the pay and conditions are good, especially when there is no recruiter in the loop.
Know What You Want
It's important to establish quickly whether or not you'll work somewhere. Contractors should rarely say no after having an interview. It is much better to discover poorly fitting contracts on the phone.
Know exactly what rate you want. This may vary depending on the work but there is nothing worse that looking like you don't know your worth or are 'fishing'.
Four days per week is something to bring up when they ask about 'availability'.
Contracting Is Cold
Contractors are there to do a well defined job and not overhaul processes or 'rock the boat'. That's more like a consultant.
You're more than likely shovelling you-know-what. But you're being paid well so it's easier to do.
Finding Opportunities
It is rare these days to secure a contract with an unfamiliar employer without a recruiter. That's the way it works these days.
Cold calling doesn't work as receptionists and security guards are trained to stop you.
Networking is a good idea, especially if you can establish yourself as personable with someone who might hire you. User groups and conferences of like-minded people are the most promising.
Professionally speaking, I've learned a lot about what direction I want to take. Lately I've been focusing on technical excellence without being aware of the big picture. It's all about business. Seeking technical excellence to gain job satisfaction does NOT work. It needs to be about business value. I know this now. Maybe my next role will feel less frustrating as a result.
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