How long before expiry is it normal for the client to start talking about renewal?

[CloudWalker]

I email this 1 month before my end date:

As you know my contract is due to end on the ** 2013, and I was just seeing if you plan to extend my contract or not so I can make the relevant preparations.

Regards

[jmo21]

when the permie you are handing over to realises his workload is about to go from 3 hours per week to 35 he soon gets on the blower to do your bidding for you.

THIS!

[kevpuk]

I subscribe to the 1-month/4-weeks school of thought too.
Previous ClientCo started talking about things earlier, but ultimately they had nothing left for me - my own fault for delivering early
Current ClientCo has recently confirmed that the project will continue into the new year, although some aspects will freeze for a couple of months - I am due to be there until end of December, and it is starting to look likely that 1 Dev and I will not be needed for a couple of months into the new year. They are hopeful to pick us up again after 2-3 months, if we are available, but......still, good that the talking has started.

Anyway, for me, I start to look at the market/update C.V./get in touch with contacts around the 4-weeks-to-go mark. Wierd thing is this time, that around 5 mins after hearing that an extension was unlikely, I had a call from an agent with a role to start end of Dec - spooky......

[russell]

4 weeks to go, email the agency to get things started.

3 weeks to go, if haven't heard back, email agent again.

2 weeks to go, if still haven't heard back, start mentioning hand over to people.

Yeah the handover threat usually does it, when the permie you are handing over to realises his workload is about to go from 3 hours per week to 35 he soon gets on the blower to do your bidding for you.

[jmo21]

4 weeks to go, email the agency to get things started.

3 weeks to go, if haven't heard back, email agent again.

2 weeks to go, if still haven't heard back, start mentioning hand over to people.

[northernladuk]

Remember though, you can talk about it all you like. Until a contract comes through you have nothing. Do not delay starting to look for other gigs on a verbal discussion.

[DirtyDog]

This is a bit of a newbie question and I've searched but not found the exact answer I am looking for... How should I approach a renewal if the client is talking about it several months before my contract end date?

I'm on my first contract which is 6 months. With over 3 months till the contract end date, the client manager has informally raised the topic of renewing my contract. I know they want to recruit a permie and it might take at least 3-4 months to get someone on board. I think they are desperate to keep me because I have also been asked 'what might I be looking for in a perm role?'

So, when would it be most appropriate to talk about renewing? Should I do it now and get the original contract extended to say, 9 months? Or do I wait till nearer the time and get a new contract for an extra 3 months?

Any advice?

There is no "normal" - some clients will sort out an extension early (eg. they find out that the scope has shifted, or they work out just how good you are), some will leave it until after your contract has expired and they ring you to find out where you are.

If all you have is an informal chat, then (assuming you are interested), informally respond that you are interested. If you aren't interested, then leave it a bit longer before having the conversation. Whatever you do, don't assume that this is an extension until you have started working beyond the end of the initial contract.

[DirtyDog]

Oh and never screw a client around by saying you want a permie role with them. You need to make it clear you are a flexible resource who will come back if their is a contract for you.

there

[Dallas]

2 weeks is my notice period and that is when discussion starts.

Left it up to 4.30pm on the last day to get the paperwork in a few times. As soon as they realise you cannot enter the building on Monday they jump.

[edison]

If a client knows the size of the project and they like you, they will often tell you months in advance of the budget being approved how long they need you for. However this is how long they "think" they need you for and often doesn't match the budget they can get out of their top brass.

If the person at the client responsible for the project is politically savy they will be able to get the budget and secure your services as far in advance as possible. If they aren't then they will do it with 1-2 weeks to go.

I suggest you work on your soft skills - that way even at interview you can scope out the possible length of the project.

Oh and never screw a client around by saying you want a permie role with them. You need to make it clear you are a flexible resource who will come back if their is a contract for you.

My soft skills are fine thanks Good advice re: gauging the potential length of the project beforehand although I knew before I started that they were seeking a permie long term. I am probably not quite the right fit because they ideally need someone who can speak multiple foreign languages. I've come in on a bit of a rescue mission to stabilise things for 6 months and then in a sense my work is almost done bar handing over to a new person. The extension is likely if they can't find a permie before I leave - which at the moment they don't seem like they will be able to do.

I'm not intending to screw the client around re: saying I want a permie role - they brought the subject up first and in any case it's clear that my asking salary would be way above what they are likely to offer/be able to afford.

[SueEllen]

If a client knows the size of the project and they like you, they will often tell you months in advance of the budget being approved how long they need you for. However this is how long they "think" they need you for and often doesn't match the budget they can get out of their top brass.

If the person at the client responsible for the project is politically savy they will be able to get the budget and secure your services as far in advance as possible. If they aren't then they will do it with 1-2 weeks to go.

I suggest you work on your soft skills - that way even at interview you can scope out the possible length of the project.

Oh and never screw a client around by saying you want a permie role with them. You need to make it clear you are a flexible resource who will come back if their is a contract for you.

[edison]

At very latest, 1 month before the end of the contract. If the client offers a renewal earlier than that then great! Discuss it with them, agree the terms then post a message in the "General" forum with a title of "Boomed!!!"

So, do you want the extension or not? Or perhaps you would consider a permie job there? Talk to the client about what you want - neither he nor we can read your mind!

Remember though, that even if it gets extended to 9 months, the contract is technically only as long as the notice period so if a permie comes along then you could be out. Then again, they might get funding to extend your contract and not be that bothered about trying to recruit someone if you are doing a great job and are happy to extend.

Good luck!

There is a lot to like about the gig: not too far from home (although I do quite a few short foreign trips); client company is a chilled place to work; client manager is good and my colleagues are a good bunch too. On top of that, the rate is pretty high. Paradoxically, the salaries they pay are fairly low so I wouldn't want a perm role. I would be keen to extend but funnily enough this week I have been wondering whether I should as I am finding the work, well... a bit too easy. Then I hit myself over the head and remind myself of the daily rate

[Wanderer]

So, when would it be most appropriate to talk about renewing?

At very latest, 1 month before the end of the contract. If the client offers a renewal earlier than that then great! Discuss it with them, agree the terms then post a message in the "General" forum with a title of "Boomed!!!"

So, do you want the extension or not? Or perhaps you would consider a permie job there? Talk to the client about what you want - neither he nor we can read your mind!

Remember though, that even if it gets extended to 9 months, the contract is technically only as long as the notice period so if a permie comes along then you could be out. Then again, they might get funding to extend your contract and not be that bothered about trying to recruit someone if you are doing a great job and are happy to extend.

Good luck!

[edison]

This is a bit of a newbie question and I've searched but not found the exact answer I am looking for... How should I approach a renewal if the client is talking about it several months before my contract end date?

I'm on my first contract which is 6 months. With over 3 months till the contract end date, the client manager has informally raised the topic of renewing my contract. I know they want to recruit a permie and it might take at least 3-4 months to get someone on board. I think they are desperate to keep me because I have also been asked 'what might I be looking for in a perm role?'

So, when would it be most appropriate to talk about renewing? Should I do it now and get the original contract extended to say, 9 months? Or do I wait till nearer the time and get a new contract for an extra 3 months?

Any advice?