Reply to: Extension delay / lead time

[Taita]

I have a few problems telling the recruiters outright lies - here are some suggestions:



Fair enough, as long as you didn't agree to keep them in the loop.



Just say you have a good relationship with your current client and you're sure you can negotiate the leaving date.



Why lie, just say the same as above.



... but be prepared to field questions from them as they try to pin you down. They will not want a long lead time getting a new person.



Yes to a certain extent but you might also want to care for your reputation with the client you are potentially leaving. They won't be grateful if they are suddenly a man down.

I believe if you maintain your moral high ground then this will come across well (as long as you're not snotty about it) in future dealing with recruiters i.e. if they think you are a decent character they are less likely to shaft you - and that can apply right from the first phone contact, not just with recruiters you've built a relationship with.

+1 to this.

[GazCol]

Longest time without work = 2 weeks before last September. Thats in 25 years perm (redundant 3 times) and contract.

Last September was longest ever by a mile. So your comment is a little unfounded.

You've spent a third of your time, since then, on the bench.

[Tasslehoff]

Sounds like you really are a newbie and not somebody else's sockie. 47 posts eh? Is that the total number of posts you have read as well?

Yep, very much a newbie and as such appreciate all the constructive comments I can get. I also realize you hardened road warriors fuse is slightly shorter than that of many of your less experienced peers, so feel free to vent.

[psychocandy]

I'm in agreement with PC on this.

I always keep my options open at the end of a contract, mainly because clients and pimps have strung me along in the past to keep their options open.

I think sometimes the client thinks I will stop acting professionally if I know the contract is not extending which is totally wrong. I always want to keep the door open to go back to a client in the future.

Pimps, on the other hand, will bulltulip you until the cows come home if it suits their agenda.

EXACTLY. If it suits them they will do the same.

[psychocandy]

Given the amount of time you find yourself on the bench, don't be offended if I give this a swerve.

Longest time without work = 2 weeks before last September. Thats in 25 years perm (redundant 3 times) and contract.

Last September was longest ever by a mile. So your comment is a little unfounded.

[Batcher]

I'm in agreement with PC on this.

I always keep my options open at the end of a contract, mainly because clients and pimps have strung me along in the past to keep their options open.

I think sometimes the client thinks I will stop acting professionally if I know the contract is not extending which is totally wrong. I always want to keep the door open to go back to a client in the future.

Pimps, on the other hand, will bulltulip you until the cows come home if it suits their agenda.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

Is NorthWestPerm2Contractor a NLUK multi? Seems they are peas in a pod

Sounds like you really are a newbie and not somebody else's sockie. 47 posts eh? Is that the total number of posts you have read as well?

[Tasslehoff]

Is NorthWestPerm2Contractor a NLUK multi? Seems they are peas in a pod

[GazCol]

Are you mad?

Here is PCs way of doing things:-

1) 3-4 weeks before end start looking.
2) Dont tell current agent or client unless you REALLY want an extension and want to use this to force their hand.
3) If another agency calls you - tell them you're deffo leaving in x weeks (otherwise they wont bother because they'll think you'll waste their time and stay where you are anyway.
4) If its 3-4 weeks to go, tell them its 2-3 otherwise they'll be put off.
5) Unless you really want extensions, dont sign immediately and wait and see if something else comes in.
6) Keep looking in case extension offer falls through.

All about keeping options open and, in best case, at contract end having option to extend if you want or take another offer somewhere else.

Given the amount of time you find yourself on the bench, don't be offended if I give this a swerve.

[adam42]

I have a few problems telling the recruiters outright lies - here are some suggestions:

1) 3-4 weeks before end start looking.
2) Dont tell current agent or client unless you REALLY want an extension and want to use this to force their hand.

Fair enough, as long as you didn't agree to keep them in the loop.

3) If another agency calls you - tell them you're deffo leaving in x weeks (otherwise they wont bother because they'll think you'll waste their time and stay where you are anyway.

Just say you have a good relationship with your current client and you're sure you can negotiate the leaving date.

4) If its 3-4 weeks to go, tell them its 2-3 otherwise they'll be put off.

Why lie, just say the same as above.

5) Unless you really want extensions, dont sign immediately and wait and see if something else comes in.

... but be prepared to field questions from them as they try to pin you down. They will not want a long lead time getting a new person.

6) Keep looking in case extension offer falls through.

All about keeping options open and, in best case, at contract end having option to extend if you want or take another offer somewhere else.

Yes to a certain extent but you might also want to care for your reputation with the client you are potentially leaving. They won't be grateful if they are suddenly a man down.

I believe if you maintain your moral high ground then this will come across well (as long as you're not snotty about it) in future dealing with recruiters i.e. if they think you are a decent character they are less likely to shaft you - and that can apply right from the first phone contact, not just with recruiters you've built a relationship with.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

And now you know what PC would do you can take the other option....

I kind of think PC has got it right on this one. Just strange how the OP is thinking that he can't figure it out for himself.....

But I get what you are saying as a general rule

[psychocandy]

And now you know what PC would do you can take the other option....

NLUK - please provide your take on this then?

[northernladuk]

Are you mad?

Here is PCs way of doing things:-

1) 3-4 weeks before end start looking.
2) Dont tell current agent or client unless you REALLY want an extension and want to use this to force their hand.
3) If another agency calls you - tell them you're deffo leaving in x weeks (otherwise they wont bother because they'll think you'll waste their time and stay where you are anyway.
4) If its 3-4 weeks to go, tell them its 2-3 otherwise they'll be put off.
5) Unless you really want extensions, dont sign immediately and wait and see if something else comes in.
6) Keep looking in case extension offer falls through.

All about keeping options open and, in best case, at contract end having option to extend if you want or take another offer somewhere else.

And now you know what PC would do you can take the other option....

[psychocandy]

My contract is up in 3 weeks, I have been promised an extension but the decision is at board level and it has been deferred twice now. I would really like an extension (5 min commute and the money is ok) but I feel I need to start looking around at this point as 2 weeks is not a long lead time.

I guess there is a chance they could defer again, which reduces my lead time again. At what point do I “call time” and start looking in earnest. I am not prepared to interview/apply without letting the agent know I may get extended as I don’t want to harm relationships. Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did it go?

Are you mad?

Here is PCs way of doing things:-

1) 3-4 weeks before end start looking.
2) Dont tell current agent or client unless you REALLY want an extension and want to use this to force their hand.
3) If another agency calls you - tell them you're deffo leaving in x weeks (otherwise they wont bother because they'll think you'll waste their time and stay where you are anyway.
4) If its 3-4 weeks to go, tell them its 2-3 otherwise they'll be put off.
5) Unless you really want extensions, dont sign immediately and wait and see if something else comes in.
6) Keep looking in case extension offer falls through.

All about keeping options open and, in best case, at contract end having option to extend if you want or take another offer somewhere else.

[Taita]

+1 to that. How do some people cope with contracting?

There are many of them about and I keep asking myself how they can stand all that worry!