what was the longest a new contract had waited for you?

[Notascooby]

Never had a problem with a months notice.

First contract leaving permidom was a month, despite having 4 weeks leave left, they made me work it the full 4 weeks to the day so finished up on the Thursday, got paid the holiday entitlement, started contract on Monday.

But it was quite niche and they had no hope in hell in getting someone to travel from London unless they doubled the rate, so were prepared to wait. They did bring in a Bob - nice guy, knew his stuff but client was more interested in him documenting than implementing and he was crap at that so they booted him. Crazy as he was the only one that knew how it worked.

I jumped ship, project folded 2 months later...

[bobspud]

I said yes to my next gig on the 22nd of November 2011, having submitted the proposal on the 3rd of November. I'm still waiting for the Statement of Work and Purchase order to get final sign off although in that time I have secured a further 9 months work with my current clients. So with any luck I should be mega boomed by the end of this month. Or not.

[Acme Thunderer]

7 weeks - Holiday and notice period in my permie job.

[roadsidetree]

Almost 1 month in my case. I was lucky because client could not find anybody matching my skill-set who would be willing to work onsite.

[zara_backdog]

Just over a month and that was after it took nearly 2 months to arrange an interview and make an offer. I had not heard back so took a months extention at existing clinet. New Client waited for me to complete the month.

[NoPaddle]

I waited 2 months only because the employer and HR department were un-organised.

However, I later I found out it was because of a member of staff was taking 1mth off work to go holidaying and the hiring manager didn't want me twiddling my fingers at the desk for 2 months, so instead he delayed the start.