Preludes to perm. Employment.

[2uk]

I’ve noticed there are lots of agents trying to push you into a permanent role , or contracts that are a prelude to perm employment . I am doing Windows Server stuff , which is really common, I guess with more specialized work this case might not be encountered that often.

Is this standard accross the IT landscape ? Do we just say yeah , yeah, yeah , I “might” go permanent later on , but later just try to get an extension.

[SoupDragon]

I have seen at least two fake jobserve ads where they try and get you interested in a perm role when you apply. Both were perl related.

[swamp]

I recently went for a contract with an "expectation to go perm at the end". The interview however, was equivalent to what you'd expect for a perm job. To start I had some lengthy technical interviews describing my previous and current projects with the team leads, and a practical coding test.

All this was fine, but then I had to meet the senior management which turned out to be another long interview. They seemed to want to know how I'd fit in to their corporate culture, and they didn't seem very happy about me being an "independent contractor". As the interview drew to a painful close, they passed time finding ways to criticise my previous work and projects.

I didn't get the role, and for once I was actually quite pleased at this. My only regret is losing a day and a half's rate from my previous contract to attend the interviews. And in future I simply won't bother with any contract to perm roles.

[thunderlizard]

It's normal in any industry. Agents are keen on it because they usually get more money.

[Board Game Geek]

Happening where I work as well.

Seems to be the next major shift in industry, to convert contractors to perm salaried employees, since they will be cheaper and just another bum on the seat. (which they are anyway, contractor or not)

Contracting is probably the worst thing to consider now for the newbies.

(The old hands won't notice any problems I'm sure)

[Rantor]

Happening where I work as well.

Seems to be the next major shift in industry, to convert contractors to perm salaried employees, since they will be cheaper and just another bum on the seat. (which they are anyway, contractor or not)

Contracting is probably the worst thing to consider now for the newbies.

(The old hands won't notice any problems I'm sure)

I have heard this too - I can never square it with the other big trend to bangalorise all the permies out of existence.

[threaded]

Because the market has swung in the favour of contractors the employers are finding it difficult to get staff at the money they wish to offer.

[Churchill]

Because the market has swung in the favour of contractors the employers are finding it difficult to get staff at the money they wish to offer.

Yup. Another payrise in June...
More tax for the robbing bastards...
Higher pension contributions...
Likelyhood that my pension will get stolen...

[Euro-commuter]

Likelyhood that my pension will get stolen...

Oh, yesssss!

[VectraMan]

I'd say the majority of the agents that have contacted me recently have been offering permie roles. When you say "contract only", they say "oh - let me know if you change your mind".

Is it that we're seen as more expensive (not really), or is about security? In my current and previous role I've had sole responsibility for a project, which always strikes me as a bit odd that the management would want all the knowledge of a project to rest with one person, and one person who isn't intending to stay long term.