Reply to: Advise needed on leaving current contract

[nomadd]

Whenever an agent asks a question where a negative might lead to them not putting you forward, just say "yes", if you think it's not relevant, or something you can pick up quickly. E.g. I see you've got experience of version 4.3.2.5.6.2.9, but do you have experience of 4.3.2.5.6.2.9a? Don't bother explaining to the agent why his question is stupid, just say "yes".

+1

[KentPhilip]

Easy then. Tell the agent you're available immediately, and look all surprised when if the client mentions it, or looks perturbed when you say that you're available in 4 weeks.

WHS.
And it provides you with real-world feedback on how easy (or hard) it will be to get your next gig, so you can take the decision armed with better info.

Personally I would get another contract. Three years in the public sector? You must go to work in slippers and smoke a pipe!

[NotAllThere]

Whenever an agent asks a question where a negative might lead to them not putting you forward, just say "yes", if you think it's not relevant, or something you can pick up quickly. E.g. I see you've got experience of version 4.3.2.5.6.2.9, but do you have experience of 4.3.2.5.6.2.9a? Don't bother explaining to the agent why his question is stupid, just say "yes".

[Wanderer]

Easy then. Tell the agent you're available immediately, and look all surprised when if the client mentions it, or looks perturbed when you say that you're available in 4 weeks.

Agreed.

My policy is to always tell agents I am available immediately because it's not uncommon for them to mess about for weeks getting everything sorted anyway. If the client really like you then they'll wait.

[NotAllThere]

That well may be but you have to get past the agent who, on most occasions, is only interested in getting his commission - preferably now rather than later.

Easy then. Tell the agent you're available immediately, and look all surprised when if the client mentions it, or looks perturbed when you say that you're available in 4 weeks.

[2BIT]

I worked in the Private Sector for 9 years prior to this contract although I have no PM experience in the Private Sector....so hopefully I won't be treated as a leper

just don't tell anyone!!

[2BIT]

Thanks for that 2BIT. I take it from your reply that like me you feel the 1 month notice period is going to weigh down my chances of a new contract elsewhere?

not necessarily but you should negotiate no notice period if looking to renew. you are in the best possible position as you have a war chest and a potential extension so if you decide to stay negotiate a no notice or one week notice clause - bluff and make that your deal breaker and you'll probably get it - that way you can move quickly if need be and earn the bucks in the meantime - but don't stay 'as is' imho

[Support Monkey]

As a permie and a contractor I've never had a request for a reference. I think it's because permies have probationary periods, and contractors can be terminated at any time. Saying that, I've only worked in the private sector.

WHS, been asked a thousand times by agencies fishing but have never needed references either permie or contract

[Clippy]

1 month notice is perfectly acceptable by most reputable companies who want good staff, rather than taking what just happens to be available at the time.

That well may be but you have to get past the agent who, on most occasions, is only interested in getting his commission - preferably now rather than later.

[jmo21]

That's not true. I have been sidelined for quite a few gigs, over last few years, just because I had 2-3 weeks availability time. I have only had one client who waited for me for a month so far. It's not always required, but when you are available asap, it makes you a lot more desirable.

I'd actually suggest the agent did not even give the clients the option to refuse you.

[rd409]

1 month notice is perfectly acceptable by most reputable companies who want good staff, rather than taking what just happens to be available at the time.

That's not true. I have been sidelined for quite a few gigs, over last few years, just because I had 2-3 weeks availability time. I have only had one client who waited for me for a month so far. It's not always required, but when you are available asap, it makes you a lot more desirable.

[Scrag Meister]

1 month notice is perfectly acceptable by most reputable companies who want good staff, rather than taking what just happens to be available at the time.

[krytonsheep]

Out of interest, how do you know this?

Never stuck any references on my CV and never given them out to agencies.

[jerseyjoe]

Your biggest problem is probably that you have been working for local government. To most private sector organisations that is slightly less desirable than leprosy.

I worked in the Private Sector for 9 years prior to this contract although I have no PM experience in the Private Sector....so hopefully I won't be treated as a leper

[Clippy]

As a permie and a contractor I've never had a request for a reference. I think it's because permies have probationary periods, and contractors can be terminated at any time. Saying that, I've only worked in the private sector.

Out of interest, how do you know this?

The request would go to individuals you have nominated as referees.

Or have you never been asked to provide any or, if you have, they have fed back to you that they haven't been contacted.