Fixed term contract instead of permanent

[networknightmare]

Offered an IT job last week and was told that role should be permanent but that internal process meant that at the moment only 6 month fixed term contract can be offered. It's busy and they need someone and so the plan would be to begin the process for the permanent role after I've started.

Is there anything in this that I should be wary of?

Only that they only have formal agreement to fund for six months, so no guarantee it will be extended or become permanent.

That's my concern LIZS. But I suppose it should become clear from fairly early on whether the process for permanent is happening?

I suppose I am looking to ensure that I have enough notice if it doesn't happen.

It depends really on whether you trust them, and also what else you have up your sleeve. I wouldn't leave a perm job or turn down another offer of perm employment to accept this.

Even with the best intentions of the manager, there is no guarantee that the contract will last more than 6 months. I work in HR and I've seen it happen more than once where someone has taken on a job on the basis of the role being made permanent or a future promotion etc. Then, the manager who made the informal offer leaves, or the organisation has to make cutbacks and the changes don't happen.

Not saying that you shouldn't accept the role, but you need to be prepared that it may not happen. A 6 month contract could still be a good opportunity and by the sounds of it, there is enough work the contact to be extended.

One of my colleagues who started on a 6 month contract has just reached his 17 year anniversary - on the other hand, we have a recruitment freeze at the moment.

Will you be leaving a permanent contract to take this one? Will the new one give you experience you won't otherwise get (other than being for a different company)? If the 6 month contract isn't extended, how long can you manage without earning? How easy did you find it to see positions you were interested in this time? And get interviews once you applied? What does it say about the employer in sites like glassdoor? (Bear in mind that by their nature they will probably get more pissed off staff posting than happy ones, but it still gives you an idea.)

Yes, I'd be wary of that. Are you employed at the moment OP, if it's a similar short or fixed-term contract then it might be OK but if you have a permanent contract it would make me think. I appreciate that a lot of jobs in that field can be fixed-term though.

Not employed at the moment so will take a punt. Fingers crossed it will lead somewhere if that's what I want....

If you’re not employed then definitely take the job, no question. Even if you’re not kept on, the experience will make you more valuable for other employers. Or even other roles within the same company

If it's a fixed period, it will be to review your progress and how you do with that company. I will say check your contract if you can automatically get permanent after them months, if not near the end of your fixed period look for other jobs in case they do not offer a permanent contract.