How would you phrase this in a professional way?

[Coffeetree]

Hi everyone, I'm not always great at wording difficult things in a professional way so would love your help.

Background: I'm in a job I really enjoy. It's a 12-month contract ending 31st Dec. I got really good feedback in my appraisal and my manager told me about a month ago that my contract would be made permanent. I said I would be delighted to stay and was told that the HR paperwork would come through soon.

So that was a month ago. I trust my manager, but with the best will in the world, I'm still job hunting until I see that official offer! It also is getting a bit awkward with planning various projects/operations with my current colleagues. I haven't told any colleagues that I'm now permanent because...Well, I'm not!

Ideally I like to bring up things face-to-face, however boss has cancelled our last few one-on-ones due to various issues.

I'm thinking to write an email to boss saying essentially, "Thrilled to be able to stay on after December. For planning purposes, do you know when the paperwork might be ready from HR?"

What do you think? I feel a bit awkward because it's like I'm doubting my manager's word.

Honestly, that sounds a good way of putting it. It doesn't sound like you're doubting their word.

I’ve just been made permanent and I sent my manager about a gazillion emails because hr were so crap and I was worried about missing being paid

I just did lots of “appreciate your busy…” “is there anyone I can follow this up with” etc

the manager should very much understand that’s it’s entirely reasonable for you to need it sorted

Thank you. Maybe I'm overthinking it!

I had a job interview last week that went pretty well. If I get an offer, should I ask for a chat with my manager and just level with him?

Thanks. I don't know why I'm feeling awkward, mu contract literally says it's ending in 3 months so why wouldn't I be job hunting?!

I think that's worded fine. They should understand you need that confirmation that you'll still have a job.

Is emailing HR directly, cc'ing your manager an option?
That should also flush out if your manager has made you an offer they aren't authorised to give.

Your wording is totally appropriate, go for it!

Yeah I thought of that, but it seems a little too much like...trying to flush him out!

Maybe I should offer to him that I could take it up with HR since he's so busy?

I think your email sounds fine. If you like, you can also add "If it's helpful I'm more than happy to pick this up with HR, just let me know the best person to contact."

YANBU what you have said sounds fine & appropriate in the circumstances.

Yep, agreed, wording is fine, as is your add on.

I'd probably go the other way.

I'd assume I was going until I heard officially otherwise.

I'd not do it in writing though, I'd have a call or meeting and find out if what he had said was actually proceeding or should I keep attending these interviews I'm securing.

Thanks, I totally get that. Really they should be assuming that I'm leaving until I accept a permanent offer from them! It works both ways.

Would you actually say it that way? Like, " May I have an update so that I know whether or not I should keep job-hunting?"