IT Agencies

Right, after careful consideration I have decided to volunteer for redundancy as the package the company has on offer is frankly ridiculous and while my wife continues to work it means I won't have to worry about an income for a while.

However I have decided that sitting at home watching daytime TV is definitely not for me so I want to try my hand at contracting (although I wouldn't turn down another permanent job). Having spoken to a few of the guys at work I have picked up a few pointers but wanted to spread the net a bit further. Of course I know the market isn't that hot at the moment but having looked around there does seem to be a few opportunities about

Can anyone recommend any decent agencies out there that will give me solid advice and not screw me around. I'd also be grateful for any advice you may be able to offer.

Miopyk[8D]

I'm finding it really hard to get agencies to work with me at the moment, They only appear interested when your CV could be a match for a placement.

What sort of role are you looking for?

[fozzyo]

My experience is that it is all down to the agent. I used a fantastic one in Birmingham a few times and used her rather then the company she worked for.

My only advice has always been to effectively interview prospective agents on the phone after they have your CV. then meet in person and just one or two to work with.

Good luck!
Mat

quote:Originally posted by Slipperman
I'm finding it really hard to get agencies to work with me at the moment, They only appear interested when your CV could be a match for a placement.

What sort of role are you looking for?


Looking to continue as a Test Manager preferably at Programme level.

Miopyk[8D]

quote:Originally posted by Slipperman
I'm finding it really hard to get agencies to work with me at the moment, They only appear interested when your CV could be a match for a placement.

Must say that's pretty much my experience in the current market [:(]

quote:Originally posted by miopyk
Looking to continue as a Test Manager preferably at Programme level

Well, if you find a decent agency, please let me know - am looking for a Test Analyst position with career progression...

Cheers
Michael

quote:Originally posted by mcuth
quote:Originally posted by Slipperman
I'm finding it really hard to get agencies to work with me at the moment, They only appear interested when your CV could be a match for a placement.

Must say that's pretty much my experience in the current market [:(]

quote:Originally posted by miopyk
Looking to continue as a Test Manager preferably at Programme level

Well, if you find a decent agency, please let me know - am looking for a Test Analyst position with career progression...

Cheers
Michael


What's your area of expertise?

Miopyk[8D]

quote:Originally posted by miopyk
What's your area of expertise?

Manual software testing at the moment (last 2 years), working on a product that processes smartcard transactions. Only been testing for the last couple of years (but have 10+ years of IT experience) and would like to progress to somewhere that has a good test automation toolset and established testing procedures, building my relatively new testing career [:)]

Cheers
Michael

Agencies are useless. The IT market is not particularly great right now.

The well-established ones are just CV libraries really... ugh.

S.

quote:Originally posted by miopyk
quote:Originally posted by Slipperman
I'm finding it really hard to get agencies to work with me at the moment, They only appear interested when your CV could be a match for a placement.

What sort of role are you looking for?


Looking to continue as a Test Manager preferably at Programme level.

Miopyk[8D]




I've seen a couple of those roles appear on the searches. I'm sure you have too. It's the next bit that is the pain. You apply and that's the last you hear of it.

I have only had one agency ring on a moderately regular basis a see how things are going and talk about what they can do. That agency is Skillsearch ( www.skillsearch.com )


Have you tried www.indeed.co.uk ? It does a search of the search engines, quite good for a quick search.

quote:Originally posted by VAFFPAX
Agencies are useless. The IT market is not particularly great right now.

The well-established ones are just CV libraries really... ugh.

S.



Agencies may be in a difficult spot at the moment, lots of farming, not much harvesting.

Some niches recruitment consultants however do have interesting and high profile roles, there is certainly movement in some parts of the industry depending on where you are looking - outsourcing is still hot but selective.

quote:Originally posted by mcuth
quote:Originally posted by miopyk
What's your area of expertise?

Manual software testing at the moment (last 2 years), working on a product that processes smartcard transactions. Only been testing for the last couple of years (but have 10+ years of IT experience) and would like to progress to somewhere that has a good test automation toolset and established testing procedures, building my relatively new testing career [:)]

Cheers
Michael


I'll keep my eyes open and let you know if anything comes up.

Thanks

Miopyk[8D]

quote:Originally posted by miopyk
I'll keep my eyes open and let you know if anything comes up.

Kewl, thanks [y]

Cheers
Michael