Reply to: Nudging manager about extension

[Sausage Surprise]

Not in FS, if you started looking today for a role on monday you'd have no chance. I've never heard of anyone getting a turnaround that quick in FS (in London anyway), even when I was working in a big bank and doing the hiring, we could never turn something around that quick. 4 weeks sounds around right to be looking for something else at the moment.

At what was Northern Rock - interviewed Thursday started Monday. This wasn't in London.

[LondonManc]

I've only had one genuine "immediately" too, I started the day after the project kickoff meeting as they couldn't get me building access the day before. What passed for an interview was a 30 min call and a face to face 3 hours later at a service station on the M5 and started 2 days later.
I've been brought in to replace PM's who've been booted for being crap, gone sick, been hit by a car and been sent to do a higher profile project, while urgent they were all a week or more lead time on the actual start.

I've had three immediates (took an interval of a day to get contract in place on two of the occasions, the other was to start that afternoon!) and also had to wait 4-6 weeks for banking clearance at the other end of the spectrum.

In terms of extensions, I've had anything from 30 minutes left on the contract (so, do you want me in tomorrow? Yes, I'll email the agent now!) to an extension offer over a month in advance. In the former, the extension had been agreed for weeks, hiring manager was v busy. Much prefer the latter when I'm living away from home.

[MrMarkyMark]

I'd suspect it's generally fabricated. They just want you on site now because they know you're more likely to be there when you're needed if you're already billing.

My two examples above were definitely only on the market due to urgency though. Interviews basically consisted of "we're gonna lose a large contract with $INSERT_MASSIVE_BRAND if we don't deliver by $DATE. Can you do this?"

Yep, agree with this too.

There have been times when I have started pretty much the next day.
These are normally consultancy gigs or where there has been extreme fire fighting required.

[psychocandy]

^ but is it really the company or the agency doing the rushing? Are they spinning a tale to the customer about a great candidate coming on the market, better snap them up quickly. That would explain the number paying me for 2-4 weeks twiddling my thumbs while they set up machines and access.

I think thats a lot of it. I've had agencies put on major pressure and then kick off when I say no contract no start. Had some right barneys.

Had one who said I was unprofessional and letting his client down by not starting next day (with no contract in place). Said tough tulipe. Of course, get to client few days later and theres no rush.

A lot of the times it agent wants to get the money rolling/get you in there before client cans it/ get contractor in there before they change mind.

[fool]

^ but is it really the company or the agency doing the rushing? Are they spinning a tale to the customer about a great candidate coming on the market, better snap them up quickly. That would explain the number paying me for 2-4 weeks twiddling my thumbs while they set up machines and access.

I'd suspect it's generally fabricated. They just want you on site now because they know you're more likely to be there when you're needed if you're already billing.

My two examples above were definitely only on the market due to urgency though. Interviews basically consisted of "we're gonna lose a large contract with $INSERT_MASSIVE_BRAND if we don't deliver by $DATE. Can you do this?"

[BigRed]

^ but is it really the company or the agency doing the rushing? Are they spinning a tale to the customer about a great candidate coming on the market, better snap them up quickly. That would explain the number paying me for 2-4 weeks twiddling my thumbs while they set up machines and access.

[fool]

I've had 3 we do actually need you asap and found the laptop/PC is actually set up.

All were due to screw ups with renewing previous contractors i.e. they didn't renew them in time with the paperwork and they got other contracts.

That reminds me I need to start answering my phone....

My first proper contract down south, I intervied on the phone Thursday, contract sent on Friday, was there on Monday. They had a no contractor rule but I managed to get an extension and then offered perm.

My next job was pretty much a carbon copy. These companies only bothered to dip into the contractor market because they had a project needed to be delivered and couldn't find the perms.

I've had a couple that also waited over a month, but mostly I find companies are only really interested if they can get you in the next 2 weeks.

[Sam Sung]

any notice?? Which would mean you stick around til the end? Last gig in IT! Lucky you!

Yep, then hand back the keypass and delete browsing history/cookies/passwords on Friday, hopefully won't have to ponce around to the bitter end that day but we shall see.

Off to greener pastures, though might be tempted to do one last one if it's a quicky (1 month tops), but really don't mind having the time back, hell of a lot needs doing around the houses.

[SueEllen]

In 17 years contracting, Ive only ever had one job where they needed someone to start 'immediately.' Only immediately was the middle of next week.

I've had 3 we do actually need you asap and found the laptop/PC is actually set up.

All were due to screw ups with renewing previous contractors i.e. they didn't renew them in time with the paperwork and they got other contracts.

That reminds me I need to start answering my phone....

[TykeMerc]

In 17 years contracting, Ive only ever had one job where they needed someone to start 'immediately.' Only immediately was the middle of next week. And even when I did start, the project wasnt ready to start but hey who cares?

Current role client has fannied around with my extended date behind the scenes. they eventually decided how long about 3 weeks before the end of the contract but decided as it was 3 weeks away, they didnt need to move fast.

I had to get onto them and the agent to remind them i couldnt come in the Monday after the contract ended if there was no contract in place. Funnily enough, that got their attention and they sorted it pronto.

I've only had one genuine "immediately" too, I started the day after the project kickoff meeting as they couldn't get me building access the day before. What passed for an interview was a 30 min call and a face to face 3 hours later at a service station on the M5 and started 2 days later.
I've been brought in to replace PM's who've been booted for being crap, gone sick, been hit by a car and been sent to do a higher profile project, while urgent they were all a week or more lead time on the actual start.

[BolshieBastard]

In 17 years contracting, Ive only ever had one job where they needed someone to start 'immediately.' Only immediately was the middle of next week. And even when I did start, the project wasnt ready to start but hey who cares?

Current role client has fannied around with my extended date behind the scenes. they eventually decided how long about 3 weeks before the end of the contract but decided as it was 3 weeks away, they didnt need to move fast.

I had to get onto them and the agent to remind them i couldnt come in the Monday after the contract ended if there was no contract in place. Funnily enough, that got their attention and they sorted it pronto.

[wantacontract]

Well that frikken well backfired....

DE-BOOMED !!

What is it with clients cancelling a mere week before the end??? Just let the damn thing run, I had work to get on with!!

Oh well, good thing the ol' War-chest is looking healthy....this was supposed to be my last gig in IT and may still be. One last one for the road if it's forthcoming.

any notice?? Which would mean you stick around til the end? Last gig in IT! Lucky you!

[Sam Sung]

Well that frikken well backfired....

DE-BOOMED !!

What is it with clients cancelling a mere week before the end??? Just let the damn thing run, I had work to get on with!!

Oh well, good thing the ol' War-chest is looking healthy....this was supposed to be my last gig in IT and may still be. One last one for the road if it's forthcoming.

[d000hg]

Just remind the person you work with day-to-day that your contract is coming up for renewal, and ask if they plan to offer you an extension. He mightn't even be aware.

[Danglekt]

I think the point is you tell THEM you will be looking in X weeks to focus their minds - it has always worked with me on the gigs I think there is an extension opporunity