Where am I going wrong - help finding a new contract

[DaveB]

Specifically on the Capita point, dont limit yourself to them for PS roles. They dont have all of them or even the majority and in many cases they are not actively recruiting for the roles they have, they are just acting as the "front end" for other agencies to deal with when submitting candidates.

I have two public sector clients where I am working through an agency and have no dealings with Capita at all.

[pmeswani]

If it helps, I had been out of contract for nearly 2 years before landing my current gig. I had a couple of time wasting contracts that ended after a week, but I am not counting those. My advice is to review and revise your CV and find a productive hobby in the mean time.

[oscarose]

If it helps, I had been out of contract for nearly 2 years before landing my current gig. I had a couple of time wasting contracts that ended after a week, but I am not counting those. My advice is to review and revise your CV and find a productive hobby in the mean time.

WPS

+1

[Peter Loew]

I stopped reading at the point you said PMO / Project Management. Probably the time the agent bins your CV. If you honestly don't know why then go permie. HTH BIDI

This.

[ChimpMaster]

You have been contracting for 8 years but your last contract was over 4 years, you are a pseudo permie not a contractor. Do you have a lot of big names on your CV or does it look like a permies CV?

Another ridiculous assumption. How many times does it have to be said that continuity of business is good practice and can show that you are great at your job, good at selling yourself, in demand etc. Furthermore, some skills and disciplines are more suited to long term roles and projects.

You can have a dig at me if you like: I've had 3 contracts in 10 years - multiple renewals and varying rates, including both decreases and increases mid-client. I differentiate myself from permies in numerous ways, not only in that that I recently billed in 1 week what it takes many permies at this client 6 months to earn. Bah.

[SueEllen]

One thing you can do if you haven't done so is write all your CVs in the first person.

While it's acceptable to write CVs in the third person as well, depending on who and most importantly where the CV is being shifted, you will not get pass the gate keepers if it's written in the third person.

Recruitment consultants on average have lower qualification levels than the average IT bod, so you need to write your CV so they aren't put off.

Also don't try and squash your experience into two pages if you have a lot of it. Try different lengths and see which length picks up the most interest. So if agents ring you back more if you submit a 3 or 4 page CV in a slightly larger sized font then that's what you should stick with.

[TechRiskPartners]

Where am I going wrong - help finding a new contract

Not sure can be off topic so ignore if you want. Recently spoke to a potential new Client - 1-2 days / week role. Client liked the CV and good discussion. However client feedback came as I was over qualified, coming out of permanent job in July. What did I do wrong? What ticked that off? Also worth getting back to Client (directly or through Agent) just to explain more? I have couple of similar contracts roles (part time as what I am looking) already signed so wondering what went wrong. Desperately need the money.
Thanks in advance


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[Lance]

Not sure can be off topic so ignore if you want. Recently spoke to a potential new Client - 1-2 days / week role. Client liked the CV and good discussion. However client feedback came as I was over qualified, coming out of permanent job in July. What did I do wrong? What ticked that off? Also worth getting back to Client (directly or through Agent) just to explain more? I have couple of similar contracts roles (part time as what I am looking) already signed so wondering what went wrong. Desperately need the money.
Thanks in advance


Sent from my iPhone using Contractor UK Forum

If the feedback says you're overqualified it means they don't want you.

It's just an easy way to say that without feeling impolite.
It may be they've found someone else. They may have not decided if they want that role filling. They may not like the cut of your jib.

[zonkkk]

However client feedback came as I was over qualified... so wondering what went wrong.

Maybe you came across too confident or pushy; the "know it all" type that some people can't work with and/or get scared of?

Always read the interviewer, and tone it down/up depending on how they react to what you're saying.

[cojak]

And don't spam threads asking the same question or the Mods will give you the same answer that the interviewers gave you...