Renewal negotiation advice please

[matzie]

Hi

My first contract is to due to finish at the end of July. Everything's great and I've got nothing to complain about, but the work I've been doing feels a little non-essential and mostly I've just been keeping my head down, doing the best I can and contributing as much as I can to the team and client.

Pretty soon I'm going to have to ask about the likelihood of a contract extension and I'd like any non-obvious advice about that process that more experienced contractors here can offer. I'm happy with my rate and conditions.

Although I think I've demonstrated my expertise amply, and had some items of work very well-received, if I had to place a bet on whether they'll offer that renewal, I think I'd say no. I'd really like to tip the balance! Any advice?

TIA

Matt

[northernladuk]

Interesting spin this one. Negotiating a renewal itself, not the rate or conditions this time.

In my experience the decision to renew or not has been non-negotiable in nearly all cases. My situations have been..

1) End of project - Generally non negotiable
2) Budget/contractor cut - Non negotiable although tried to get on serviced headcount
3) End of budget or work complete - Non negotiable but can discuss new work as you are capable and being value to the company.

I think to use the term negotiable in this situation is a tad naieve but in some cases I am sure there can be discussions and selling of skills in to new opportunities but if the client is done with you he is done. I don't think negotiate is possbly the best word.

I guess I would add you need to be a little more business astute from this question. You should be able to see what is coming, what you can do, where you can add value and by the same token, where you are not required. From this you can shape other opportunities within the org and sell them your services.

Maybe other's see the term 'negotiate' as part of this process which could be fair enough but it is up to you to convince the client that doesn't want you that you are needed.

[Fred Bloggs]

First step really is that if you feel comfortable with local client management, tell them that you will soon be coming to the end of the gig there, you need to start looking around soon, but you're happy there and are adding value to their business. Tell them you'd be happy to give them first refusal if they think they can use you on more work. This has worked OK for me in the past.

[lukemg]

I would give them a nudge with 3-4 weeks to go, make it casual if you prefer, mention to hiring manager (or manager you have had most contact with) that your contract is up in x weeks and ask whether it will be extended.
I have been at a number of places where keeping a contractor is tons easier than having to get a new one, justify budget, agencies, interviews etc so they are reasonably happy to keep someone on if they are useful and get on with everyone even if they aren’t utilised 100%.
Don’t bust a gut with justification, unless you have something good to offer, you might find they value you higher than you think – especially if you are being compared with perms.