It's a jungle out there, what with the credit crunch and screaming high petrol prices and general high cost of living. It's never been more important to place yourself in prime position when seeking your next IT Contract Job. More people are chasing the same IT Contract, the shift of power between client and candidate is firmly in the ?clients? court. Clients can now be more picky when selecting candidates; they know IT Contractors are not necessarily going to go off the market quicker than they did say a year ago. They can squeeze rates down knowing that the current climate is their leverage of power. As an IT Contractor you normally have two bridges to cross. Now unless you are direct into a client you will have to engage with an IT agency who will be handling the IT recruitment.Don't underestimate the need to impress an IT Agency. Most times an agent will have a quota of CV's she can send to the client for review. Showing enthusiasm for the role, presenting a clear and concise CV and making regular contact with the agent will all be beneficial at this selection stage. Ask the agent if they are on a preferred supplier list to the client. Ask for a job spec and see how your CV stands up. Ask about timescales in regards to CV review, Interview stages and offer. Stay in daily contact with the agent throughout the process, call at the end of the day and make the call personable. If you get to the interview stage, the agent has done her job and now it's over to you. In our next article we will discuss getting to the interview stage and what techniques can be used. Whilst your here, why not head over to www.myitcontracts.com and see if your next IT Contract is waiting for you.