Contract renewal/extension discussions

[Murder1]

I was just interested in how people handle the subject of a contract renewal or extension when approaching the end of a contract:

Do you simply raise the subject with the agent, the client or both via email or wait until approached?

If you do raise it how early do you raise the subject? As you enter the notice period on your contract or always 1 month before the end?

I'll be approaching the end here soon and always make a point of emailing the agent to see if the subject of a renewal has been discussed - I just wondered if my approach was crass and unprofessional.

[Sockpuppet]

No problem in e-mailing the agent. Generally though I'll just ask the client and due to the work know if I'm going to be staying/going based on how much there is too do.

[Wanderer]

I'll be approaching the end here soon and always make a point of emailing the agent to see if the subject of a renewal has been discussed - I just wondered if my approach was crass and unprofessional.

If the agent was worth their salt, they would ask the client about renewals 6 weeks out and then start looking to get you into your next contract if they aren't renewing.

I remind the client that I am now working in my last month and if they want to renew then they should do it promptly. I point out that I'm not looking to take a break from work at the end of this contract and if a new contract comes up then I may take it. If they want me to stay on without looking into the jobs market and maybe seeing a nice contract at a better rate then they need to act quickly.

[Murder1]

Cool thanks, I'll continue to do the polite email to the agent for now.

[singhr]

The countdown to the end of contract can be a crucial time for the canny contractor. Assuming you want a renewal and you want more money, I would advocate letting it run down as close to the wire as possible (while ferreting out another contract elsewhere). If the agent hasn't been in touch by then, he's clearly a knob and not interested, so you will need to make the running with the client yourself. Remember, even if the client says you can't have any more money, that doesn't mean the agent wont cede you some of his commission to get the renewal. There are many other facets to this but over time you will learn to spot opportunities and maximise your take.

[mondraker]

The countdown to the end of contract can be a crucial time for the canny contractor. Assuming you want a renewal and you want more money, I would advocate letting it run down as close to the wire as possible (while ferreting out another contract elsewhere). If the agent hasn't been in touch by then, he's clearly a knob and not interested, so you will need to make the running with the client yourself. Remember, even if the client says you can't have any more money, that doesn't mean the agent wont cede you some of his commission to get the renewal. There are many other facets to this but over time you will learn to spot opportunities and maximise your take.

Yep! Agree with the comments above...I did the same on one contract abroad and just kept dropping hints to the guys on the Senior Mgt Team in Mtg's etc. They had their fingers on the "pulse" and actually contacted the Agent (Primary Resourcer) directly. If you are worth your salt they will want zero hassle and simply roll you...others await the final deadline and wonder why they lose good folks!

Main approach is to look after yourself and ensure that you have plenty of time to find another gig.