Reply to: Attending interviews while on contract

[TheFaQQer]

So you tell them your off on interviews then, do you?

I refer you to the response I gave some moments ago:

I don't look for other contracts when I'm already in one.

If I had to have an interview, then I would do it at lunchtime, after work, or before work in the morning. If your prospective client cannot accommodate that, and your current client is insisting that your company provides services on the dates and times that they are contracted to provide them, then you need to find a way to do that.

If you genuinely believe that lying to your clients is the sensible course of action, particularly when you've said "I need time off for an interview" and been told no, then I pity your operating model and your clients.

There are always things you can do without needing to resort to such stupidity.

[psychocandy]

Nothing says "professional" like lying to your client when they know where you are going

So you tell them your off on interviews then, do you?

[CheeseSlice]

I don't bother. I actually like a little time off at the end of a contract.

...except when it turns into 2 months bench time

[TheFaQQer]

so when you know your contract is coming to a definite end you dont look? pull the other one

If you choose not to believe that, then that's up to you.

I once had an agent approach me near the end of a contract and I had an interview at lunch time and got the gig, but I have never looked for a new contract when I am in contract - generally because many of my clients haven't known until late whether they would be looking to extend or not.

[Boney M]

I don't look for other contracts when I'm already in one.
.

so when you know your contract is coming to a definite end you dont look? pull the other one

[PurpleGorilla]

Say you need to come in late or go early to pick up your new Porsche

Great answer 😋

[tarbera]

I'm pretty much the oldest one in the office. I get the feeling that the younger managers are all on a bit of a power trip - that and the fact that I seriously more experience than any of them. Given their role / status i'm often surprised at how little they know.

Say you need to come in late or go early to pick up your new Porsche

[turbowoowoo]

Normally on contracts I manage my own time, therefore I can plan to attend interviews.

I always look for new roles when a gig is coming to its natural end at least 4-6 weeks before it ends. I don't like unplanned down time.

[northernladuk]

Either explain that you won't be available at a specific time on a specific day, or don't go to interviews until your contract has finished.

It's really not difficult. Continuity of contracts is nice to have, but not to be expected.

+1 to this.

[northernladuk]

No flexibility. Tell them tough tulip got Dr dentist or hospital.

and they turn around and point out you are leaving contract soon so why not book it then. Stupid suggestion.

[acnm]

If you are on top of or ahead in your tasks why should they care the hours you keep at your desk, sign of management immaturity.

I'm pretty much the oldest one in the office. I get the feeling that the younger managers are all on a bit of a power trip - that and the fact that I seriously more experience than any of them. Given their role / status i'm often surprised at how little they know.

[tractor]

...

ISTM that the client is saying ok you want time off don't bill for it. Saves them a day's cost.

Accept the fact that you are in business, arrange interviews for the same day if you can and recognise that the loss on income for a few days is a cost of doing business. Too many of us forget that aspect of it all.

[Dallas]

Is your performance based on your ability to man the desks - in which case hello IR35!

If you are on top of or ahead in your tasks why should they care the hours you keep at your desk, sign of management immaturity.

[Project Monkey]

My current contract is on the outskirts of London - not much else around here so it would be a trip into town.

To put it into perspective I had a doctors appointment last week and arrived at 10.30am and felt like I was being interrogated. I had to go back for some tests on Friday and again yesterday and requested to work from home as I would need to pop out to the doctors (less than a minute from my house) in order to have the tests. Their first response was a flat NO, followed by a 'you can take the days off' followed finally by an agreement when I indicated that the unpaid overtime I've done amounts to several days.

I now have at least one other medical appointment coming up and potential interviews. I can see the manager bursting a blood vessel when I tell him.

Can't understand why your work is so important to the client, yet they're terminating your contract in (presumably) a few days time.

Is there something else you want to tell us?

[BolshieBastard]

There should be some give and take by both sides towards the end of a non renewing contract. But taking time out for 3 interviews in one week is imo taking the piss a little too.

If the contract isnt being renewed and you politely inform the client you have an interview lined up and the response is 'no you arent leaving this office unless I say' then, you need to grow a pair and politely point out, yes you will be going. What are they going to do, sack you, give you a tulip reference?