Testimonials

"I have  worked as a contractor for over 15 years but never has the recruitment process been made so simple. Bowers provided so much support throughout the hiring process, I felt guided and reassured at every step and this continued after my successful recruitment placement.  Bowers are professional,  transparent and knowledgeable in the IT Field and I am so happy with my new position and to be part of the Team."

We grabbed our popcorn and pulled up a comfy seat, but today's budget announcement felt more like a party-political broadcast than a fiscal statement! And as we predicted in January (unless we missed it) a big fat ZERO on IR35.

VAT Victory: From 85k to 90k

First up, the VAT threshold lifting from 85k to 90k - music to the ears of any admin-shy Limited Company Contractors. Less paperwork, more time for the good stuff!

Tax Tango: 2p National Insurance Cut (again!)

And let's not forget the latest 2p National Insurance cut - a victory dance moment for over 100,000 Brolly Contractors caught by IR35 and paying double pay NI

NHS Tech Bonanza: £3.4bn for Digital Overhaul

Now, onto the main event: £3.4bn earmarked for a new NHS IT system. Cue the confetti for Developers, Testers, Business Analysts, and Project Managers - especially those with a penchant for the NHS sector. Get ready to dive into a bonanza of opportunities.

Cheers to Frozen Taxes: Alcohol Duty on Ice Until 2025

A freeze on Alcohol Duty until 2025, because let's face it, sometimes you need a little extra something to toast those successful projects.

Village Hall revival: £5m for Community Comedy Relief

And last but certainly not least, the real showstopper: £5m allocated for renovating your local village hall. Because it couldn’t be a budget without at least one good gag.

Forget curveballs, it’s these standard IT contractor interview questions you’ll likely slip on

We all know that tricky IT contractor interview questions exist only to trip us up but more often than not, it’s standard questions at your ‘B2B meeting’ as a contractor you’ll slip on.

So in no particular order, writes Natalie Bowers of boutique IT recruitment firm Bowers Partnership, the regular but nonetheless dangerous banana skins are:

1. ‘Describe a situation where you had to juggle multiple projects simultaneously.’

This question is designed to find out if you’re the unruly stallion of multitasking!

So giddy up. It's like herding cats, but instead of fluffy felines, you're wrangling unruly projects – or should have done to ace this interview.

A good answer is to showcase your time-management skills, agility, and ability to keep all projects in line, no matter how loud the neighing sounds get!

2. ‘How do you integrate DevOps principles into your workflow, and can you share an instance where this approach led to improved efficiency?’

Sit, stay, DevOps! Much like training a trusty canine companion, incorporating DevOps into your workflow requires discipline and consistency.

A good answer should illustrate your commitment to collaboration, automation, and communication.

3. ‘Share an example of a complex technical problem you encountered and how you went about solving it.’

So, tell us what you did because we might need it doing too, and rather pay you, how about you give us a freebie!? Well, that certainly is how this diamond can come across.

But actually, it’s a fair question to ask. After all, IT contractors must navigate the complex terrain of technical challenges.

A good answer should showcase your analytical skills, resourcefulness, and determination in solving the conundrums of the IT world.

4. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends?

In other words, ‘Are you The Oracle of Adaptability?’

Or maybe this question is just an opening to state your allegiance to ContractorUK?!

Well, be ready to sound like you grab crystal balls regularly; and then embrace your inner Oracle by demonstrating your foresight in the ever-evolving tech landscape and ideally, say how it once saved the day!

So a good answer should highlight your commitment to continuous learning and adapting to change.

If going for a tech role in financial services, remember subscriptions to CityWire, the FT, and something else impressive-sounding (that of course you first saw recommended on the ContractorUK Forum), are expected as standard.

5. What three words would a good friend use to describe you?

When faced with this classic, don’t go O.T.T. but instead consider it as a chance to show off a bit of your personality.

Ideally, you’ve got at least one friend (somewhere!) who would describe you as ‘resilient,’ ‘collaborative,’ and ‘empathetic.’  These are qualities that make you not just a tech expert but a supportive team player. Yawn, I know, but true in the eyes of most hiring managers!

"Natalie was incredibly responsive throughout the entire recruitment process and offered honest, pragmatic and succinct career advice, and didn't apply pressure to force a decision. I would definitely recommend, and I hope to work with Natalie in the future."

Congratulations on receiving that job offer in Asset or Wealth Management! But what if the offer falls short of expectations? Fear not! At Bowers Partnership, we understand the nuances of this delicate dance. In this guide, we'll explore the art of handling offers that are lower than the job was advertised at, offering practical tips with a touch of light-heartedness. Plus, discover how Bowers Partnership can be your ally in these moments.

Understanding the Discrepancy:

Before donning your disappointment hat, analyse the disparity between the advertised job and the offer. Is it primarily a salary concern, or are there additional benefits or responsibilities not communicated? Understanding the root cause is key to formulating a thoughtful response.

Tips for Handling Below-Par Offers:

1. Express Concerns Professionally: Approach the situation with professionalism. Express gratitude for the offer and politely address the discrepancy, seeking clarification on the factors contributing to the difference.
2. Highlight Your Value: Remind the employer of your unique skills and experiences. Emphasise how your qualifications align with the advertised position and contribute to the team's success.
3. Negotiate Confidently: Articulate your expectations with confidence. Open a constructive dialogue with the employer, as negotiation is a two-way street. Compromise might be the key to reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
4. Consider the Entire Package: Salary is just one component of your compensation package. Consider other perks such as healthcare, retirement benefits, bonuses, and potential for career growth.
5. Research Market Salaries: Arm yourself with information about market salaries for similar roles. This data can serve as a valuable benchmark during negotiations and provide evidence to support your case.
6. Evaluate Long-Term Prospects: Consider the potential for growth, training opportunities, and the overall career trajectory the position offers.

In situations like these, Bowers Partnership stands as your advocate. Our experienced team can provide:

• Guidance on Negotiations: Leverage our expertise to navigate negotiations confidently. We'll help you strategise, ensuring your concerns are addressed while maintaining a positive relationship with the prospective employer.
• Market Insights: Benefit from our in-depth market knowledge. We can provide current salary trends, industry benchmarks, and valuable insights to strengthen your negotiation position.
• Communication Assistance: We can facilitate communication between you and the employer, ensuring that your concerns are conveyed professionally and effectively.
• Alternative Opportunities: If negotiations don't yield the desired outcome, we'll actively explore alternative opportunities that align better with your expectations and career goals.

In the realm of Asset and Wealth Management, encountering an offer that falls short of expectations is not uncommon. At Bowers Partnership, we not only offer practical tips for navigating these situations but also stand ready to be your strategic ally. 

"I recently worked with Natalie at Bowers partnership. This was the first time I had worked with them and I was very impressed. I was approached about a great role that matched what I was looking for. Natalie kept in constant communication and guided me through the entire process. I was offered the role and I am excited to get started.

I would 110% recommend working with Natalie at Bowers Partnership!"

"Natalie and Bowers Partnership are head and shoulders above anyone that I have worked with in the past. Natalie herself is an absolute pleasure, she works quickly, and provides excellent advice and coaching before interviews. It's a very refreshing change to be working with someone in the recruitment industry who is so direct and genuine. 

I would 100% recommend Natalie to anyone looking for a new role."

''Natalie is beyond amazing. She demonstrated a level of professionalism and friendliness that immediately put me at ease. Her attention to detail and dedication to her candidates is truly remarkable. She made me feel valued and heard, going above and beyond to ensure that I was well-prepared and confident at every stage of the application process. She kept me informed at every step, providing timely updates and guidance that made the process smooth and efficient. Her relatability and reliability were invaluable, and I always felt comfortable reaching out with any questions or concerns.

If you are working with Natalie, you are definitely in good hands.''

“I'm pleased to say that my experience with Natalie was excellent. She was highly efficient, responded quickly, and was very kind throughout the process. Thanks to her, I got a new job and she made the entire experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. I'm very happy with the outcome.”