Feedback At End Of Contract

[kaiser78]

Something I have been meaning to ask for a while...does anyone solicit feedback from clientco as to how they have performed as they approach the end of their contract ?

Not a full performance review (IR35/permanency etc) but maybe an informal chat about what has gone well or not so well ? Pointers to take into next contract if relevant ?

[the song perfect 10]

That is a pointless permie exercise. Generally I can tell over the length of the contract how you performed yourself.

Besides they are not renewing your contract, thats the first pointer that you might hear stuff you don't want to hear.

I'd rather be blissfully ignorant thank you very much.

[CheeseSlice]

Something I have been meaning to ask for a while...does anyone solicit feedback from clientco as to how they have performed as they approach the end of their contract ?

Not a full performance review (IR35/permanency etc) but maybe an informal chat about what has gone well or not so well ? Pointers to take into next contract if relevant ?

You could do this if you have reason to believe you'll get good feedback and have developed a good working relationship with them, however you might be best asking your agency if you're going through one.
Agencies (the ones I've used anyway) often contact the clientco to see how their contractors are doing, and it obviously in their interest to maintain good relations and get feedback. This is just good account management.
Also, by asking the agent you are avoiding the confrontational approach with the clientco who may not want to give you an honest answer to your face, whereas they can say whatever they think about you to the agent, especially if you've left and they no longer have to face you.

[Mr.Whippy]

That is a pointless permie exercise. Generally I can tell over the length of the contract how you performed yourself.

WHS

Besides they are not renewing your contract, thats the first pointer that you might hear stuff you don't want to hear.

Unless of course you've arrived at the end of project and everything required has been delivered.

[thunderlizard]

I have a feedback form on my website, and I send clients a link to that. I'd do that 6 months into a contract, not at the end of it.

[northernladuk]

I agree it is an exercise that doesn't bear much thinking about. If I know my client well enough and trust him I would probably have an informal chat with him to see over a coffee. If I have a bit of a frosty or just pure business relationship then I wouldn't bother at all. Many clients I have spoken to won't give contractors feedback for one reason or another anyway and even if he does I cannot trust if what he says is him letting out his parting shot about his personal views of contractors as a whole or genuine feedback on my perfermance so I can improve on it.

If he likes you, you have done well and have helped the business he will do his best to get you back, if he doesn't you won't hear from him ever again. That is feedback enough generally.

[Saddo]

I think you know what your client thinks about you without having to ask a specific question, and I wouldn't want to put my client on the spot about it - I doubt I could rely upon that answer anyway.

A key pointer with respect to how well you might have done is whether the agent calls you about other opportunities in the future. I am always relieved when that happens.

[Wanderer]

That is a pointless permie exercise.

Piffle.

I have regular contract performance meetings with clients and suppliers. We discuss how the business is going, problems and possible solutions, future directions, ideas for new services, where we can add value etc. Nothing permie about it - quite the opposite, I see it as an opportunity to drum up business as anyone looking to grow their business would do.

[MarillionFan]

I once got caught up with bad rep after I'd left, so I try to get a signoff email from clients when I leave.

I basically send them an email with everything that has been achieved(or may be outstanding for other reasons), copy in myself externally. You normally get a cursory 'thanks' or 'leave the stuff in the Sharepoint' etc

If a client wants to complain later then I've got that covered.

[Tingles]

Linkedin recommendation.