Are lots of short-term contracts a liability?

**pmeswani** · 21 November 2008, 13:16

Originally posted by deano View Post

My inclination – when the economy allows of course – is to take shorter contracts of 3 to 6 months. The problem I foresee is that my CV will become full of lots of short term contracts.

Is this likely to put off prospective clients? I can see that some will be thinking “What’s wrong with this person that clients let him go after 3 months?” when in actual fact it is my choice to take these shorter contracts.

Is there anyone else out there who only wants the shorter contracts, or do 12-month plus contracts appeal more? If you do prefer the shorter ones, do you find it harder to get contracts because of an assumption that you are somehow faulty because of the volume of clients that you go through?

[This was originally posted inadvertantly in the General forum. Shifted to here as it makes more sense here]

Doing short contracts is not a disadvantage. Sure questions may be asked, but as long as you have an answer that an interviewer likes, and you have demonstratable skills, I wouldn't worry too much.

**norrahe** · 21 November 2008, 13:43

Whs

**deano** · 21 November 2008, 13:45

I'm sorry, what does "Whs" mean?

**Liability** · 21 November 2008, 13:45

Originally posted by deano View Post

My inclination – when the economy allows of course – is to take shorter contracts of 3 to 6 months. The problem I foresee is that my CV will become full of lots of short term contracts.

Is this likely to put off prospective clients? I can see that some will be thinking “What’s wrong with this person that clients let him go after 3 months?” when in actual fact it is my choice to take these shorter contracts.

Is there anyone else out there who only wants the shorter contracts, or do 12-month plus contracts appeal more? If you do prefer the shorter ones, do you find it harder to get contracts because of an assumption that you are somehow faulty because of the volume of clients that you go through?

[This was originally posted inadvertantly in the General forum. Shifted to here as it makes more sense here]

It will have an impact without a doubt

In the contractors market if you have multiple 3 months or even 6 months it means you are tulipe - pure and simple - at least to the recruiter / company.

**Another Dodgy Agent** · 21 November 2008, 13:46

Originally posted by deano View Post

I'm sorry, what does "Whs" mean?

What He Said with the alternative being WSS.

**Another Dodgy Agent** · 21 November 2008, 13:47

Originally posted by deano View Post

My inclination – when the economy allows of course – is to take shorter contracts of 3 to 6 months. The problem I foresee is that my CV will become full of lots of short term contracts.

Is this likely to put off prospective clients? I can see that some will be thinking “What’s wrong with this person that clients let him go after 3 months?” when in actual fact it is my choice to take these shorter contracts.

Is there anyone else out there who only wants the shorter contracts, or do 12-month plus contracts appeal more? If you do prefer the shorter ones, do you find it harder to get contracts because of an assumption that you are somehow faulty because of the volume of clients that you go through?

[This was originally posted inadvertantly in the General forum. Shifted to here as it makes more sense here]

Will only be a snag if you have a number of short term contracts and then apply for a perm role. If you are going to continue with contracting then you should be fine.

**chef** · 21 November 2008, 13:48

Originally posted by Another Dodgy Agent View Post

What He Said with the alternative being WSS.

WSS = What she said

just in case you wondered

**Scotchpie** · 21 November 2008, 13:51

Surely the more contracts you have worked on, the more experience you will have and thus the more value you can offer future clients.

When I started contracting last year I had the same intention, short contracts of about 3-6 months to build up experience and a good portfolio of skills, but until the economy picks up, I'm settling for as many extensions my current client wants to through at me (plus the office is only 30mins from home).

**KentPhilip** · 21 November 2008, 13:54

The solution to that little conumdrum is to remove some of the less illustrious contracts from the middle of your CV, and move the start/end dates out to cover the gaps. Don't change your last contract though. Nobody but the most anal of clients are going to check.

Oh and any particular skillsets you gained in the contracts you have removed - just move them to an adjacent contract you left in.

If J K Rowling can make millions from writing fiction, why can't I?

Are lots of short-term contracts a liability?