Can I ask to make a FT job offer a contract role?

[keepingheadabovejust]

So I have found a role which sounds exciting, full of prospect and could be an amazing step for my career, but..
something doesn’t sit right, I don’t know if it’s a lack of confidence, or the role will not live up to what they have promised.
so I am thinking of saying that I am excited, would love to work for them but is it possible to do a trial basis as a contractor for 6 months. Making sure we are I am the right fit for the role and vice Versa.
btw, my day rate would cost them exactly the same once you take our NI, pension etc

Would love to get everyone’s thoughts and advice on this x

If your'te a social worker In the local council then no. Funding goes through loads of committees. It depends really. On how you were employed I'd say.

I wouldn't do that, you will more than likely have a probation period, during which your notice period will be short so that gives you a chance to decide whether you like it.

If they did accept your request to be a contractor then you invite them to reassess at 6 months whether they still have budget for your role, something they would not necessarily consider if you were a permanent employee.

Also what if at the end of the 6 months you want to keep the job and they just offer you a new 6 month contract instead of a permanent position?

What would the benefit be?

Depends what kind of company and what its internal processes are. I work for a bank and it would be an absolute no-no as we no longer employ contractors directly. It doesn’t matter how much the recruiting manager loves you it just can’t be done.

Even if it can be done have you considered why they would want to. Recruitment is hard work - why would they bring you in if you aren’t committing to them - what’s in it for them?

You will be there on a trial basis anyway until your probation finishes (even though probation is virtually meaningless as you don't have much security until you have been there for 2 years)

It seems like a really strange request. Why wouldn't you want to be employed and get all the benefits? It's just as easy to leave as if you were a contractor.

I cannot see the point of that. If you don’t like the role you can leave.

What’s the benefit to you of this?

they would have a much higher expectation of contractors - generally you bring somebody in for specific purpose and expect them to hit the ground running as you are paying for their specific expertise for a limited time. As others have said, use the probation time to see if you like the job.

We have a very specific policy on when we can hire people on fixed term contracts rather than employing them. We wouldn't agree to this. Also, as a hiring manager, I've no interest in inducting and training up a new starter who wasn't committed

That's what a probationary period is for. If you don't like it just leave, are you wanting to be able to say fixed term contract on your cv if asked? It really isn't unusual to have short stints in roles anymore. Recruitment is a pain in the arse, if they know from the start you're only aiming for 6 months they may well withdraw to the next candidate.