When to inform agent of an upcoming holiday?

[Eirikur]

Never tell an agent about any holiday plans as long as you haven't signed a contract.

[cojak]

Mention to the client at the end of the interview. 9 times our of 10 it won't be an issue.

It's that 10th time when you have to decide the contract or the holiday.

[meridian]

Mention to the client at the end of the interview. 9 times our of 10 it won't be an issue.

It's that 10th time when you have to decide the contract or the holiday.

This.

By the end of the interview you should have a rough idea of the project plans and critical deadlines, and you should be able to determine whether those 2 weeks will be critical to the client or whether they can be absorbed. You should also then be in a position where you're not just saying "I'm having two weeks off", but "I'm having two weeks off and it won't affect the overall timelines as we can do x, y and z to ensure the timelines are kept".

[SpontaneousOrder]

For 2 weeks (assuming it's a way off yet) I might not even bother unless the contract prohibits me from taking time off without consent.

Just say 'oh, btw - i won't be around the last 2 weeks of <whenever>'.

Depends on what the role is - urgent deadline approaching so they need extra manpower? then obviously you'll upset someone if you don't mention it.

Assuming it's not a very short contract, then you need some holiday. Permies legally have to have it. You can apply the same for yourself - subbie in if they don't want a gap. If they don't want a subbie then they don't want the continuity a proper consultancy can offer, and therefore they can expect anything other than for you to take holiday.

[northernladuk]

Permies do have legal rights around holidays but they can be refused in certain situations so hiding it from the client thinking its a given is the wrong way to go.

[ceebeepps]

yes I've learnt the hard way recently, now I don't mention it and suddenly I'm getting interviews!

[borderreiver]

Yep finance will be what suffers once the fiance gets her way!

fiancee even (don't know how to do the accent on this keyboard ...)

[JRCT]

Currently searching for a new contract. In August I will be getting married, so will be taking two weeks for the wedding.
Most recruiters seem to just disregard me without even asking the end client as soon as I mention it.
When would you tell the agent you need to take time off?

Send him a postcard

[SlipTheJab]

fiancee even (don't know how to do the accent on this keyboard ...)

fiancée

[psychocandy]

Difficult one. I find a lot of clients will ask at interview.

Telling the agent before accepting to clear with client is a bad idea. Got strung with this one. Agent didnt mention it and I rock up first day, client had no idea - luckily it wasnt an issue. Thinking about it - you tell agent, agent thinks this is all done and dusted I dont want to upset things now, I'll keep quiet, contractor show up day one job done not my problem after that.

Telling agent holiday plans later - nope. Tell client. I had one agent who said I need to ask them permission for holidays. Told them to get lost and I'd sort it with client and if they really wanted to I'd let them know.

So I did. I'd say "holiday booked, cleared with client, for these dates". I'd get reply back "ok Im happy to authorise that". First few times I pointed out our previous conversatuon but in the end gave up.