Page 2 | Consultant roles

Quitelikeacatslife · 2024-02-08T16:53:26+00:00

Absolutely bricking it. DH is senior programme manager consultant, 10 years plus experience at high level in financial services. Worked for the usual consulting firms. Has finished last project in summer and nothing has come up, it's really dire. Savings dwindling, he's not getting a sniff at all and he's telling me he will not get considered for permanent roles. It's so so worrying. People just not returning calls, nothing doing.He will try another field but does need to be at a decent level. I can't believe this is our reality. Any advice please?

HappiestSleeping · 14/03/2024 20:13

Quitelikeacatslife · 14/03/2024 19:09

I'm sorry to hear that. It's so hard and frustrating and scary

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Indeed. Savings are burning at an alarming rate, but at least I had savings. Can't get anything lower grade as apparently I am over qualified, so just have to sit tight and hope for the best.

BrightLightTonight · 14/03/2024 20:46

I know the market is tough atm, but all the contractors I know are getting new contracts within a month, and this is financial services.

I think your DH needs to spend time reviewing his CV and talking to good agents. Is he looking for too high a rate, maybe he needs to investigate what the going rate is and adjust his expectations.

Hope he gets sorted soon

Mumof3dogs · 15/03/2024 00:43

@Quitelikeacatslife I wish I had massive news but I don't ..
He has a contract for a 3 day audit and a few days around that which is enough to keep the wolf away for now..
however many rejections and associated grumps and stress .
I keep making suggestions which get shot down in flames as - that's not the way it's done you know ...
It's the complete lack of control that is killing me though...

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 15/03/2024 07:38

Mumof3dogs · 15/03/2024 00:43

@Quitelikeacatslife I wish I had massive news but I don't ..
He has a contract for a 3 day audit and a few days around that which is enough to keep the wolf away for now..
however many rejections and associated grumps and stress .
I keep making suggestions which get shot down in flames as - that's not the way it's done you know ...
It's the complete lack of control that is killing me though...

I sorry, but i know exactly what you mean. We are in a phase of both just being so sad about it. A recruitment agent stood him up yesterday, left him sat on a cafe. It's so difficult, we can't comfort each other because I am so worried. I don't know if he is doing everything right in his search but I can't question every little detail I know that. It has always worked before, for years.

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Bing123 · 15/03/2024 08:07

It really is different now though and has been for around a year, globally over a quarter of a million people in tech were laid off in 2023, as interest rates went higher employers put new projects on hold and outsourcing / off-shoring grew ever more popular, my LinkedIn feed is full of recruitment agents that are themselves out of work.

Most jobs advertised on LinkedIn will get well over 100 applicants, many of them unsuitable but agents will just short-list the first suitable half a dozen candidates and not even read the rest of the CV's, so having a great CV, LinkedIn profile and applying asap is important. Specific industry experience also seems important to agents more than it has done in the past.

Hopefully things will pick up with the start of the new financial year.

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 09/04/2024 18:50

I'm really sad today, DH missed out on a job, didn't get to the last round. Was a permanent job in a different sector so I suppose good reason. But he would have done the job well. He really wants to . it's such a kick in the teeth. We keep having to pick ourselves up and plough on tomorrow. It's bloomin tough

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HappiestSleeping · 09/04/2024 19:07

Quitelikeacatslife · 09/04/2024 18:50

I'm really sad today, DH missed out on a job, didn't get to the last round. Was a permanent job in a different sector so I suppose good reason. But he would have done the job well. He really wants to . it's such a kick in the teeth. We keep having to pick ourselves up and plough on tomorrow. It's bloomin tough

Sorry to hear that. It's a numbers game though, and the market is definitely moving again.

If you PM me, I'd happily share my Linked In profile in case any of my contacts can be of use?

Mumof3dogs · 09/04/2024 23:15

Quitelikeacatslife · 09/04/2024 18:50

I'm really sad today, DH missed out on a job, didn't get to the last round. Was a permanent job in a different sector so I suppose good reason. But he would have done the job well. He really wants to . it's such a kick in the teeth. We keep having to pick ourselves up and plough on tomorrow. It's bloomin tough

Sorry to hear that!
I was just thinking of you today to ask how you were doing ...
Still nothing big here - a few odd days work which will top up the business account a little .
However still need that big contract or perm job .
I'm looking for a job now as we need the extra income ..
It's the uncertainty that's killing me and the rows it's causing between us 🤦🏼‍♀️🥲

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 09/04/2024 23:22

It's rubbish isn't it. We aren't rowing , sorry that you are, but we are both v gloomy. Everything on hold. I just want him to catch a break soon.

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NightPuffins · 19/04/2024 14:36

Hello, can I join the thread? I have found myself in a similar position. I'm a consultant, though now in theory rather than practice as I haven't been able to get a new contract for almost a year. I work in communications and change, very experienced.
Contract consulting roles - they seem to be getting swamped with candidates and I'm not chosen.
Salaried roles - also not successful and a couple have given me feedback that I'm not an ideal candidate because I might leave quickly.
I'm actually approaching a panic as I'm almost out of savings and not sure what to do.
Sending solidarity to the consultants in need on this thread.

NightPuffins · 19/04/2024 14:42

Also, would anyone have suggestions of where to look for consultant roles? I tend to default to LinkedIn, Reed, Hays, but wonder if I'm missing a good alternative?

Bing123 · 19/04/2024 19:56

@NightPuffins you could try jobserve and you could also try civil service jobs e.g. Justice Digital for Ministry of Justice jobs, the civil service jobs website because for civil service jobs that are a good match then your application to just has to show that you meet the person spec and you should get an interview whether you've been perm or contract in the past.

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 20/04/2024 15:20

NightPuffins · 19/04/2024 14:36

Hello, can I join the thread? I have found myself in a similar position. I'm a consultant, though now in theory rather than practice as I haven't been able to get a new contract for almost a year. I work in communications and change, very experienced.
Contract consulting roles - they seem to be getting swamped with candidates and I'm not chosen.
Salaried roles - also not successful and a couple have given me feedback that I'm not an ideal candidate because I might leave quickly.
I'm actually approaching a panic as I'm almost out of savings and not sure what to do.
Sending solidarity to the consultants in need on this thread.

I can't offer advice but it is very hard and scary . I hope something comes up for you soon

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Mumof3dogs · 05/06/2024 14:34

Anyone got any positive news yet?

My DH has had a couple of short contracts but nothing longer than a couple of weeks .
Was offered one for 18 months but then they withdrew the offer and changed plans - it's shit!💩

NightPuffins · 19/06/2024 15:55

Last month I was offered a contract which was then withdrawn, just like your DH @Mumof3dogs After offering they straight away decided to re-structure it as an employed salaried role and offered to another candidate instead.
But just this week I have been offered a new contract! It's been 12 months in total since my last one ended. I only have money left to cover basic outgoings for another 1.5 months. So to say it's been stressful, and now a huge relief, is an understatement! It's 8 month with potential to go for a year.

HappiestSleeping · 19/06/2024 16:04

NightPuffins · 19/06/2024 15:55

Last month I was offered a contract which was then withdrawn, just like your DH @Mumof3dogs After offering they straight away decided to re-structure it as an employed salaried role and offered to another candidate instead.
But just this week I have been offered a new contract! It's been 12 months in total since my last one ended. I only have money left to cover basic outgoings for another 1.5 months. So to say it's been stressful, and now a huge relief, is an understatement! It's 8 month with potential to go for a year.

I've had this. I've even tried going for lower level roles, but they reject me as being over qualified.

It is a nightmare out there.

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 19/06/2024 23:03

NightPuffins · 19/06/2024 15:55

Last month I was offered a contract which was then withdrawn, just like your DH @Mumof3dogs After offering they straight away decided to re-structure it as an employed salaried role and offered to another candidate instead.
But just this week I have been offered a new contract! It's been 12 months in total since my last one ended. I only have money left to cover basic outgoings for another 1.5 months. So to say it's been stressful, and now a huge relief, is an understatement! It's 8 month with potential to go for a year.

I'm so very pleased for you. My DH is still out looking, every day on bloody LinkedIn, it's soul destroying. I'm at my wits end. It's been nearly a year for him too. You do give me hope though . What angle did the break /contract come from ?
We are just in disbelief that he hasn't landed anything.

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NightPuffins · 20/06/2024 00:54

@Quitelikeacatslife I was looking in the same places all year and not doing anything different really. I did notice an increase in contracts after the financial year started and after the election was announced, so that helped. But beyond that I think it was just luck. I interviewed in the same way as usual, I just seemed to click with this one more than I did with others previously.

Your DH is financial isn't he? What about this one, Bank of England www.publicsectorresourcing.co.uk/job/cd74c529-4317-4557-9c8c-2bfa1fa88e9e
I don't know the pay rate but I applied for a few roles through this agency and they were all quite well paying.

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 20/06/2024 06:56

NightPuffins · 20/06/2024 00:54

@Quitelikeacatslife I was looking in the same places all year and not doing anything different really. I did notice an increase in contracts after the financial year started and after the election was announced, so that helped. But beyond that I think it was just luck. I interviewed in the same way as usual, I just seemed to click with this one more than I did with others previously.

Your DH is financial isn't he? What about this one, Bank of England www.publicsectorresourcing.co.uk/job/cd74c529-4317-4557-9c8c-2bfa1fa88e9e
I don't know the pay rate but I applied for a few roles through this agency and they were all quite well paying.

Thank you I'll send it on, he's not an accountant , more business/change programme manager but I'll tell him to look at or contact that agency. Any more tips or info would be great. I imagine you'll be getting notifications for a while! I can only chip in so often though. He's going to sign on for JSA today, I'll glad because it's money but it's pride gone really. It might be a good thing. Oh I just hope hope hope something lands soon . And all those people who say just do something else. What does a 53 year old business consultant do? Over qualified for almost everything and all his contacts not hiring. I'd be open to genuine suggestions. I did suggest facilitating/ training roles but I don't know

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Mumof3dogs · 17/07/2024 07:03

Update from me ..
After many interviews for many roles , finally DH has secured a decent 6month contract!
Just in time too as bank account scarily low with tax and VAT bills upcoming!
Having sworn at the beginning that he would work away from home - he has been forced to do it 250 miles so will need to stay in hotels etc .
I frankly can't wait for the break from each other as it has been intensely difficult for me and it has left me questioning our relationship.
I'm about to start a job too - yet again I just got on with it applying to anything I thought might work .
For those wondering why I didn't before, I was trying to make him step and and face the reality of his lack of effort in the many previous months.
He can earn in 2 days what I can in a month.
My fingers are crossed that he sees this through to the end - he has form for not doing that or being let go early .
Hope other have had success in the elusive job hunt .
It's a jungle out there !

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 17/07/2024 07:22

Mumof3dogs · 17/07/2024 07:03

Update from me ..
After many interviews for many roles , finally DH has secured a decent 6month contract!
Just in time too as bank account scarily low with tax and VAT bills upcoming!
Having sworn at the beginning that he would work away from home - he has been forced to do it 250 miles so will need to stay in hotels etc .
I frankly can't wait for the break from each other as it has been intensely difficult for me and it has left me questioning our relationship.
I'm about to start a job too - yet again I just got on with it applying to anything I thought might work .
For those wondering why I didn't before, I was trying to make him step and and face the reality of his lack of effort in the many previous months.
He can earn in 2 days what I can in a month.
My fingers are crossed that he sees this through to the end - he has form for not doing that or being let go early .
Hope other have had success in the elusive job hunt .
It's a jungle out there !

Hi I'm really pleased for you. Still hoping that I will be able to post a similar update soon. Still very hard here, DH health not great and the strain of constant looking is a lot. Still my job is good, not enough money, but I think you'll get a lot out of your own job, good luck with that .

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Mumof3dogs · 18/07/2024 13:03

@Quitelikeacatslife
I will keep my fingers crossed for you both ..
Like I said it's a tough market out there - my youngest son found it hard to get a job as a new graduate- turned down by Tesco's even ..
And for me I've had many interviews and often pipped to the job by someone with more experience than me .
I am looking at admin jobs but often when you look at their wish list I felt like just going down a simpler route and going back to retail .
The impact on mental health is heavy also and that is of both people in the equation.
Here's to better times! ..

Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 23/10/2024 07:08

Mumof3dogs · 18/07/2024 13:03

@Quitelikeacatslife
I will keep my fingers crossed for you both ..
Like I said it's a tough market out there - my youngest son found it hard to get a job as a new graduate- turned down by Tesco's even ..
And for me I've had many interviews and often pipped to the job by someone with more experience than me .
I am looking at admin jobs but often when you look at their wish list I felt like just going down a simpler route and going back to retail .
The impact on mental health is heavy also and that is of both people in the equation.
Here's to better times! ..

Hi, DH has got a job! I know it seems so long ago when I posted , it's been such a tough time , but he has a permanent job in a different industry that he's excited about. It is good money and local. It's such a relief.
Only happened when someone did their own recruitment, taking time to meet humans, the linked in awful faceless regime has thrown up nothing in 15 months.
Thank you for your support along the way, and have hope to those still looking

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Original poster

Quitelikeacatslife · 23/10/2024 07:09

Mumof3dogs · 18/07/2024 13:03

@Quitelikeacatslife
I will keep my fingers crossed for you both ..
Like I said it's a tough market out there - my youngest son found it hard to get a job as a new graduate- turned down by Tesco's even ..
And for me I've had many interviews and often pipped to the job by someone with more experience than me .
I am looking at admin jobs but often when you look at their wish list I felt like just going down a simpler route and going back to retail .
The impact on mental health is heavy also and that is of both people in the equation.
Here's to better times! ..

Just posted an update

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Mumof3dogs · 23/10/2024 09:46

@Quitelikeacatslife great news !
I hope that your DH enjoys his new role and you get chance to relax now he has a job!
My DH is loving the job and there is potential for it to become a permanent role which a while ago he would have refused , but now is excited to consider.
Working away is not but beggars can't be choosers these days.
My job is going ok - been there nearly 3 months and it's hard going - so much to learn ( company systems and lingo ) and it's 4 on 4 off shifts which pays well but is tough . Also means though that a large chunk of my salary goes on dog walkers as I'm out of the house for at least 13 hours
I'm pining my hopes on him being made permanent, then maybe I can go part time which means another job hunt .
Huge luck all out there in the job market!