How soon do you start looking for new role?

[WTFH]

Three months beforehand, I'll start checking out the job boards - but not applying for anything.
Two months to go, get the CV in order.
Six weeks to go, either contact agents or start applying.

Thankfully, most of the time the different agents I normally work with know when I'm finishing and contact me - I've only had to proactively apply for a couple of roles in the last 15 years.

[psychocandy]

Three months beforehand, I'll start checking out the job boards - but not applying for anything.
Two months to go, get the CV in order.
Six weeks to go, either contact agents or start applying.

Thankfully, most of the time the different agents I normally work with know when I'm finishing and contact me - I've only had to proactively apply for a couple of roles in the last 15 years.

6 weeks? Surely no agent is even the slightest bit interested if you tell them 6 weeks.

I wait until 3 and thats pushing it.

[WTFH]

Based on the length of time between contacting an agent and the role starting, I normally find it's OK.


2 weeks to get interviewed, 2 weeks to agree contracts, then 2 weeks until starting. I rarely spend time on the bench between roles, but probably should take a few days off.

[northernladuk]

Based on the length of time between contacting an agent and the role starting, I normally find it's OK.


2 weeks to get interviewed, 2 weeks to agree contracts, then 2 weeks until starting. I rarely spend time on the bench between roles, but probably should take a few days off.

I'd say you've had an odd run there. I can't remember a gig that's been more than two weeks between role advertised and me sitting at the desk.

[WTFH]

I'd say you've had an odd run there. I can't remember a gig that's been more than two weeks between role advertised and me sitting at the desk.

Most of the agents I use go to their existing contractors before advertising, so there tends to be a bit more time involved. I think they also like to go to their clients and say "this guy is worth waiting for" (as we all know, they lie!)

[northernladuk]

Most of the agents I use go to their existing contractors before advertising, so there tends to be a bit more time involved. I think they also like to go to their clients and say "this guy is worth waiting for" (as we all know, they lie!)

Interesting. Never heard of this before and find it a little surprising any agent would forgo a few weeks commission for anything. Guess it might be slightly different depending on your industry or specialisation.

[psychocandy]

Based on the length of time between contacting an agent and the role starting, I normally find it's OK.


2 weeks to get interviewed, 2 weeks to agree contracts, then 2 weeks until starting. I rarely spend time on the bench between roles, but probably should take a few days off.

Can you interview in next day or two? Heres the contract can you start tomorrow (umm no)? Can you start monday latest then (its thursday today)?

Above is normal for me. Never taken 2 weeks to get interviewed, never taken 2 weeks to agree contracts (Im usually fighting the agent off saying sod off its getting reviewed go away), never been 2 week start gap (its always next day, monday latest).

[psychocandy]

Interesting. Never heard of this before and find it a little surprising any agent would forgo a few weeks commission for anything. Guess it might be slightly different depending on your industry or specialisation.

Yep would agree. IMHO once a client says to a contractor the agent is already counting the cash and wants you in there NOW!

Best ever was 530pm interview. Agent called me later at 7pm to offer it to me - then said so you're ok to start tomorrow then? Yeh right.

[Nirajn123]

Thank you guys for your replies - been away for few days.

Although I have been contracting for 5 years now - its only my second gig. While it make complete sense that you would be expected to start asap, my last role required me to go through all the checks (incl. Disclosure Scotland etc), which took 3 weeks.

Where my question really comes from is - I am certain that I'll be offered an extension but at a lower rate (this is a across the board reduction client is going through), and I want to walk away - although I'll prefer to have a ready option in hand when I do so. 8 weeks certainly seem too soon - yet 2 weeks seem too late from my previous experience.

[Nirajn123]

Yep would agree. IMHO once a client says to a contractor the agent is already counting the cash and wants you in there NOW!

Best ever was 530pm interview. Agent called me later at 7pm to offer it to me - then said so you're ok to start tomorrow then? Yeh right.

Out of interest, is this with a banking client? Different industries obviously have different level of on-boarding checks and timeline.