When to start searching for a new job

[YogiBear13]

I’m currently working as data analyst for an international company on a fixed term contract. They hired several of us to work on a specific project on a fixed term basis and made it very clear that this was not the type of temp contract that could turn into a permanent one - once it’s done its done. That’s all fine, it’s a good company and I’m learning lots and being trained in different software which will help me find a job once the contract is up. My question is, how long before the end of my contract is it sensible to start looking for another job. I don’t want to leave it to late, but I also don’t want to waste time looking too early, when employers will be wanting someone who can start sooner than I’m available? Does three months sound about right?

I started looking 6 months before the end of one contract. I left early.

In another case, I left it to the end before I started looking because financially I could leave it a bit before getting something, and I ended up started a new business myself anyway.

Is there any notice period on your current contract? This woukd dictate your timelines to start looking for new employment, although companies tend to be sanguine about a fixed termer ending sooner, so they don't have a gap in employment and no money coming in.

ime Data Analysis is very popular as a short term role, because it often has a very specific purpose and once the outputs are completed, the job is done. So you should have plenty of choice in the marketplace for new jobs.

If you are 6 months from the end of a 2 year contract, I would sign up with an agency now, and start by being choosey, maybe go for 1 or two top notch jobs, so that you're giving yourself plenty of lead time (eg interview selection 3-4 weeks, attend interview 2-3 weeks, receive response 1-2 weeks). Then if the time goes from being 6 months to 3 months you may have to be less picky.

6 months! Oh dear, I’d better get started..
Thanks for the advice, this is the first fixed term job I’ve had so have been a bit unsure.