Don't want an extension... how do I play it with the Recruiter?

[drawe75]

In Feb I took a role over another one. I knew at the time it was a mistake, but I let it roll. It's in the Public Sector. They're great people, and I'm incredibly flattered that they want to offer me a years contract from August, but I want out. I want to get back in the Private sector where I belong.

I haven't been a contractor for too long so I need sme advice on how I play this with my recruiter. I know they have other roles that I want. Do I lay my cards on the table and let them know I won't be extending? Or do I look for something else and line something else up. My thinking is that they know the how hard I've worked and how well I'm thought of in my current role, so they'll want to keep me on their books rather than lose me... so they'll help me find something else. Or is that a bit niaive? Am I best to line something up elsewhere through someone else? I don't want to be left with nothing.

Also... the job I regrettfully turned down in Feb. The last email I had from the Client was "If you ever change your mind... drop me a line".... Anyone ever done this? Does it ever work out?

Ta

[northernladuk]

Have a look at the search below. At least a couple of threads discussing exactly the same situation.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?biw=1...rp.QIGfbi5zn2E

and another thread in legal asking exactly the same.

http://forums.contractoruk.com/accou...extension.html

[drawe75]

Thanks for the links... I did have a look through them. I suppose I really need some advice on how I play this with my recruiter. I'd like to keep them on board and help me find something else... but is that a bit niaive? Is it once I've turned down an extension, they're not gong to want to help me out? Anyone have experience of this?

[SueEllen]

Thanks for the links... I did have a look through them. I suppose I really need some advice on how I play this with my recruiter. I'd like to keep them on board and help me find something else... but is that a bit niaive? Is it once I've turned down an extension, they're not gong to want to help me out? Anyone have experience of this?

Yep.

Tell them both the client and the agency when you are offered the extension you want to leave.

If they ask why make up a polite reason i.e. want to spend more time with the family, do your hobby, whatever. Don't blame the location and don't state the management are sh*t.

Once the client knows the polite reason why you don't want to stay they will get the agency to look for someone else. The client doesn't want contractors who don't want to be there and so the agency will oblige.

[jmo21]

I've never cared who my next agent is.

If it's the previous one fine, but there are plenty of agencies out there.

Some agencies will think it odd you leaving a contract without one to go to and then saying to them find me another contract.

Some will understand your reasons, many will not, and they may assume there was some other issue with you leaving and assume the worst.

[northernladuk]

Agencies are out to make money. Nothing else. If they can place you in another gig regardless of your history they will. They will not blacklist you unless you have really dicked them about and are in danger of doing the same in the next gig and this will only be personal preference of the recruiter, not the whole agency.

Refusing an extension perfectly acceptable and is your prerogative. The recruiter will carry on making money out of the next guy/gal so bar a bit of effort is no skin of his nose.

Be professional about it and if he has a role you can fill he will come banging your door down. Very difficult to piss a recruiter off to the point he will pass you over for potential work.

There is the other point that I have never had a gig from a recruiter ringing me up after a previous gig. They slap the role on jobswerve and deal with the people that apply. It isn't worth their while ringing around on the off chance you are not in a gig.

[Platypus]

The last email I had from the Client was "If you ever change your mind... drop me a line".... Anyone ever done this? Does it ever work out?

So drop him a line and sod the recruiter!

[drawe75]

Thanks guys. Really appreciate your advice. Job done, recruiter told.

I recently moved from one city to another, so the long (driving) daily commute is reason enough to justify not extending, should any recruiters wonder why.

Thanks again... and yep, I will call the guy from the other role shortly.

[Sausage Surprise]

Thanks for the links... I did have a look through them. I suppose I really need some advice on how I play this with my recruiter. I'd like to keep them on board and help me find something else... but is that a bit niaive? Is it once I've turned down an extension, they're not gong to want to help me out? Anyone have experience of this?

Most definitely YES!