First Contract Interview!

**MrsGoof** · 29 March 2006, 12:00

asking of whom?

**kimera** · 29 March 2006, 12:02

i 'as made it clearerer

**VectraMan** · 29 March 2006, 12:08

Assuming there's an agent involved, that's all between you and the agent rather than the client. Don't go to an interview for a contract role and ask about sick/holiday pay or you'll look like a total idiot.

**madhippy** · 29 March 2006, 12:12

Originally posted by VectraMan

...ask about sick/holiday pay or you'll look like a total idiot.

I take it it would be okay to ask about the process of calling in sick etc...

What about taking hols - eg on a 6 month contract, 2 months in you find you need a week off or something - is this the kind of thing you'd need to discuss upfront ?

**kimera** · 29 March 2006, 12:37

Originally posted by cswd

Just tell them you are unavailable on dates X, Y, Z due to other contractual obligations. That works if you are trading as a company.

Basic thing: plan like mad.

Plan what ????

**kimera** · 29 March 2006, 12:38

Originally posted by VectraMan

Assuming there's an agent involved, that's all between you and the agent rather than the client. Don't go to an interview for a contract role and ask about sick/holiday pay or you'll look like a total idiot.

thanks, agent it is

I wasnt asking about pay! just hol notice/booking procedures etc

**expat** · 29 March 2006, 12:39

Originally posted by madhippy

I take it it would be okay to ask about the process of calling in sick etc...

What about taking hols - eg on a 6 month contract, 2 months in you find you need a week off or something - is this the kind of thing you'd need to discuss upfront ?

Good way to get your head round it:

YOU are the employer, as well as the employee. Your business sells a service to the client (through the agency).

SO: sick pay? You get what YOU pay yourself

. But don't expect anybody else, like the client or the agency, to chip in their money.
Hols? You get whatever holiday pay that YOU pay yourself. Same comment.
Time off for hols? Your business will have to arange that with its clients.
Expenses? Again, YOU (the business) pay you (the worker). There may be a provision in the contract for the client to re-imburse expenses. More often there isn't.

**VectraMan** · 29 March 2006, 12:39

I'd be inclined not to say anything in the interview and see what the contract says about notice for you not being available. Get the job, then negotiate the terms.

**VectraMan** · 29 March 2006, 12:45

Originally posted by kimera

just hol notice/booking procedures etc

You're providing a service, so common courtesy and good business practice means you should give them pleanty of warning if you're going to be unavailable. You can probably just not turn up half the time, but then they're not going to be happy with you, not going to renew, and not going to give a good reference. Keep the customer satisfied.

You definitely don't want to get involved in the company holiday booking system or procedures as that makes you look like an employee.

First Contract Interview!