What happens at the end of the term?

[PerfectStorm]

An odd question this but I can't seem to find the answer. What happens at the end of your contract? Is it normal for:

a) the agency gets in touch with client and works out if you're still needed?
b) client tells you themself?
c) you need to intimate to both that you want to stay?

Apologies for the very basic question but I'm not quite sure what 'the done thing' is in this situation and want to avoid an Elephant in the Room situation if possible

[DaveB]

I normally wait till about a month before the end of the gig, and if nothing has been forthcoming from either client or pimp I ask both what the intention is. In the mean time I update my CV and start looking.

[SueEllen]

You should really cultivate a good relationship with the client so you know whether it's the end of the project, they are running out of money, they are likely to replace you with a permanent person or want you to continue.

If they want you to continue and are organised they will tell you asap to stop you finding another contract. If they are that disorganised then really why do you want to be there?

[evilagent]

You should either know the client well enough to ask them, even if obliquely, what their intentions are.

You should start getting a feel for an extension or not with 4 weeks to go to end.
The client needs to indicate that they still want you, or to start hand-over activities for your work.
If you want to be direct, just ask what they think your workload is going to be, and whether they are thinking of keeping you on to do it!

You need to know because you need to start putting feelers out with 2-3 weeks to go, for alternatives.

Either way, the agent should be talking to you, asking about all the postives achieved, to sell your time into the same client, by bigging you up to the client, and getting extensions.

[jmo21]

What they all said.

Found this interesting...

Either way, the agent should be talking to you, asking about all the postives achieved, to sell your time into the same client, by bigging you up to the client, and getting extensions.

I've never had an agent ask me this around extension time, they just ask the client if they still need me, and it's not like I don't get extensions. I think the client usually knows well enough if they need me, based on money and workload.

OP - don't be surprised if all the prodding still results in them waiting til the last possible minute to confirm the extension

[Sausage Surprise]

You should either know the client well enough to ask them, even if obliquely, what their intentions are.

You should start getting a feel for an extension or not with 4 weeks to go to end.
The client needs to indicate that they still want you, or to start hand-over activities for your work.
If you want to be direct, just ask what they think your workload is going to be, and whether they are thinking of keeping you on to do it!

You need to know because you need to start putting feelers out with 2-3 weeks to go, for alternatives.

Either way, the agent should be talking to you, asking about all the postives achieved, to sell your time into the same client, by bigging you up to the client, and getting extensions.

Not once in 10 years and 8 clients

[stek]

1. One month before end of contract get another at a better rate.

2. Current agent phones on last minute as usual and says with glee 'Guess what!!!!?? I got you an extension!!"

3. You play your card "But I've got a new role at a higher rate, start monday"

4. Enjoy the fireworks....

[Scrag Meister]

I'm currently 6 weeks out and already know that there is a high likelihood of a renewal. Keep an eye on workload/pipeline.

However, as DaveB mentioned, I would generally wait until a month from the contract end and then send a reminder email to agency and client sponsor prompting them to start thinking about it.

[Bunk]

I'm currently 6 weeks out and already know that there is a high likelihood of a renewal. Keep an eye on workload/pipeline.

However, as DaveB mentioned, I would generally wait until a month from the contract end and then send a reminder email to agency and client sponsor prompting them to start thinking about it.

And asking them to reverse the rate cut?

[SimonMac]

Speak to the Client and start talking about preparing a handover, who will be taking up the work, that will give you the indication as to wether or not the client is expecting you to stay.