When should I discuss the possibility of extending my initial 12 month contract 8 September 2022 at 7:34PM in Employment, jobseeking & training 7 replies 251 views

DanielDeronda

I've been in my new job for just over 7 months.  It is initially a 12 month contract 

Things have gone very well from my perspective & I'm getting lots of positive feedback from my peers & coworkers.

So I'm more than happy to discuss extending the contract or it being made permanent.

How soon should I talk to my line manager or HR to discuss this matter. I don't want to jump the gun but I want to show I'm passionate about continuing in the role & with the company.

Any thoughts highly appreciated. RIP QEII

L21P

Do you have regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager? If so, I'd make sure they know you are enjoying the role and then in the next month or so ask about extensions or permanent positions. If you don't have a regular meeting (why not?) I'd still start to enquire in the next month to your line manager about extending the contract or making it permanent. A good manager will be keen to keep good, motivated, trained staff but the business need might not be there so I think its better to bring up the subject sooner rather than later. Just my opinion but I hope that helps! 

josephine82

I would be inclined to bring it up with your manager in your next catch up, I don’t think it will do any harm to ask or at least flag to them you are enjoying it and want to stay. It may be they can’t do anything until say 3 months to go but at least you’ve made your wishes about staying clear. 

As a manager I would see this as positive! 

Savvy_Sue

Agree, now's the time to start bringing it up, not least because you don't want to wait until month 12 to start job hunting!

ReadingTim

Savvy_Sue said:

Agree, now's the time to start bringing it up, not least because you don't want to wait until month 12 to start job hunting!

But if you find yourself in that position, you can advertise yourself as "immediately available", which can be a bonus.  Swings and roundabouts.....

biscan25

ReadingTim said:

Savvy_Sue said:

Agree, now's the time to start bringing it up, not least because you don't want to wait until month 12 to start job hunting!

But if you find yourself in that position, you can advertise yourself as "immediately available", which can be a bonus.  Swings and roundabouts.....

Yup, having next to no notice period makes you extremely attractive compared to other candidates. Particularly if you wanted another fixed term contract.

DullGreyGuy

Do you know why it was a 12 month contract to start off with? That may be a driver as to when is best to have a conversation. 

Marcon

You refer to it as an 'initial 12 month contract', which suggests the possibility of something longer term was suggested at the time you took the job. Is that a correct assumption? If so, I'd certainly start to ensure now that people around you, as well as your line manager, know how much you are enjoying the job and how pleased you'd be if...