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Contract Extensions and Length

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    Contract Extensions and Length

    This year I have had multiple contracts. Two were via the same agency, showing repeat business and in the latter the client extended 3 times (I was the last contractor there on the project as the others were not renewed). However, the longest contract was six months.

    It is approaching Christmas and whilst looking for something longer I have taken a very short contract (agreed at the outset it would be in weeks). It is going fine but I am worried that too many short contracts might look bad and wondered what other forumers thought. Any London based clients here looking for a C# Developer for a longer gig? My CV clearly shows the extensions and repeat business.

    #2
    Repeat business with the same agency means nothing - about your ability. It just means that the agency, who know nothing about your skills, found another client to take you on.

    Unless you can clearly explain why the contracts are short, as a developer it may send a message that people get rid of you quickly because you're no good.
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      #3
      Originally posted by Vordrak View Post
      It is going fine but I am worried that too many short contracts might look bad and wondered what other forumers thought.
      Not great if you're a permie. As a contractor / freelancer, it says nothing. Demand is a good thing.
      "Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience". Mark Twain

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Vordrak View Post
        This year I have had multiple contracts. Two were via the same agency, showing repeat business and in the latter the client extended 3 times (I was the last contractor there on the project as the others were not renewed). However, the longest contract was six months.

        It is approaching Christmas and whilst looking for something longer I have taken a very short contract (agreed at the outset it would be in weeks). It is going fine but I am worried that too many short contracts might look bad and wondered what other forumers thought. Any London based clients here looking for a C# Developer for a longer gig? My CV clearly shows the extensions and repeat business.
        Hi MF

        PS : Take up gliding.
        Knock first as I might be balancing my chakras.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by suityou01 View Post
          Hi MF

          PS : Take up gliding.
          ??? I am not MF!

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by Vordrak View Post
            ??? I am not MF!
            Sure sure. DIAF.

            HTH
            Knock first as I might be balancing my chakras.

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              #7
              Short dev gigs

              You can't do anything serious in 3 months.

              Are you tinkering?

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by scooterscot View Post
                Not great if you're a permie. As a contractor / freelancer, it says nothing. Demand is a good thing.
                For some types of role maybe. Said similar on another thread yesterday.

                If I was hiring a developer or PM, I wouldn't be too interested in someone with lots of really short contracts - definite red flag for me.

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                  #9
                  Its not size that counts its quality.

                  HTH

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Yep. Competent people can get a lot done in 3 months. Are you tinkering?
                    Knock first as I might be balancing my chakras.

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