Not another Redundancy/Contracting thread...
 

Only this one is a bit different.

I've just been made redundant from my job in Toronto and am weighing up my options.

Top of my list of options is to go IT Contracting in London - preferably the City. Time is of the essence as I worked for a not-for-profit and the pay out is derisory. To make matters worse, my gf is also between jobs (ain't timing great?!).

What I would like from the SN Oracle, is a genuine feel for how bouyant the contracting market is right now. If my research is correct, even the lowest rates on offer would be more than acceptable (especially when converted into Canadian dollars).

I've also heard some horror stories about nigh on impossible technical tests in interviews for contract jobs. When I last contracted over 10 years ago, contract jobs didn't involve any tests. I don't mind being taxed in a technical test, but I really don't want to waste my time interviewing for Superman's job. Are these nightmare tests the norm these days?

I'm also planning on taking an Microsoft exam to get MCP status (70-229). Are MS certifications well regarded in the UK anymore?

For the record I'm British and my main areas of expertise are VB6 and SQL Server.

I really hope it doesn't come to going back to Iraq, albeit this time as a civvie security guard (if the gf sees this, insurgents are the least of my worries... ;) )

Ad you can't get an IT contract in Toronto?

Jerome - really depends on what area you're in to be honest. My firm does have a small specialist recruiting arm - mainly dealing with IT security and they are pretty busy at the moment. We do recruit all sorts for our customers though so send me a PM with your details / CV and I'll let them have a look.

Chris

Different areas of expertise, but I'm contracting (telco s/w), didn't have too much problem last time, current one up in a month or so...

You'll also struggle with VB6, most City firms will be using a .NET language or the darkside (Java etc)

Take a look here

http://www.theitjobboard.com/

or try www.cwjobs.co.uk

Market is hot at the moment - NHS have a huge programme on the go

Jerome,
****, sorry to hear this matey. Are you deffo going back to the UK?

Thanks for the info chaps. My area of expertise includes Financial/accounting and Trading systems and their SQL Server backends. I also have a fair amount of web development experience.

Kiwi,

The Canadian IT Contracting market is very different to the UK. Also, 75% of all jobs in Canada are sourced through personal contacts, including contracting. I have a few contacts, but mostly for permie type jobs. It also seems to be an employers market at the moment and it can take months from first hearing about a job, to actually starting. I do not have the luxury of waiting months.

Chris,

Cheers mate. I'll PM you a CV as soon as I've finished adding my last job.

Markus,

It looks like I will be going back for up to a year. I haven't given up on Canada yet though. I just want a healthy nest egg behind me so, if I end up in this situation again, there isn't a sense of urgency to getting a new job. We'll have to have another curry before (if) I go.

Jerome,
OK, well, we shall deffo have a few beers and a curry before/if you go.