What should I tell potential employers if I'm not sure I'm leaving my current position?

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I'm currently working as a contractor; in six weeks, either my current company will have offered me a permanent position or I'll be moving on to another position. If they offer, I'll accept a permanent position, unless they ridiculously undervalue me. How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies? At what point in the process should it be disclosed that I may suddenly drop off the market after all?



ETA: I'm looking to end contracting, so this would be a permanent position as well.







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    up vote
    7
    down vote

    favorite
    1












    I'm currently working as a contractor; in six weeks, either my current company will have offered me a permanent position or I'll be moving on to another position. If they offer, I'll accept a permanent position, unless they ridiculously undervalue me. How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies? At what point in the process should it be disclosed that I may suddenly drop off the market after all?



    ETA: I'm looking to end contracting, so this would be a permanent position as well.







    share|improve this question
























      up vote
      7
      down vote

      favorite
      1









      up vote
      7
      down vote

      favorite
      1






      1





      I'm currently working as a contractor; in six weeks, either my current company will have offered me a permanent position or I'll be moving on to another position. If they offer, I'll accept a permanent position, unless they ridiculously undervalue me. How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies? At what point in the process should it be disclosed that I may suddenly drop off the market after all?



      ETA: I'm looking to end contracting, so this would be a permanent position as well.







      share|improve this question














      I'm currently working as a contractor; in six weeks, either my current company will have offered me a permanent position or I'll be moving on to another position. If they offer, I'll accept a permanent position, unless they ridiculously undervalue me. How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies? At what point in the process should it be disclosed that I may suddenly drop off the market after all?



      ETA: I'm looking to end contracting, so this would be a permanent position as well.









      share|improve this question













      share|improve this question




      share|improve this question








      edited Sep 14 '13 at 12:30









      Rhys

      5,73623558




      5,73623558










      asked Aug 21 '12 at 18:11









      Yamikuronue

      4,18073348




      4,18073348




















          4 Answers
          4






          active

          oldest

          votes

















          up vote
          12
          down vote



          accepted










          You are under no obligation to disclose this at any point until you have accepted either the permanent position or the new contract.



          The fact is, if you do disclose the possibility and it costs you a possible position and then you don't get the permanent position you are currently contracting at (for whatever reason), you have just closed a door that could have remained open.



          Keep your options open.



          It may feel unethical to you, but we can't tell the future and the unexpected can always happen - in particular in the contracting arena, though also in the permanent arena, to a lesser degree. Most employers looking for employees know that the "market" is volatile and people who are available one day are gone the next.



          If asked, do not lie - you should explain your position and that if the offer from your current employer does not represent your true value that you will not accept.






          share|improve this answer






















          • Slight misconception, I've edited the question: both positions would be permanent, I'd like to stop contracting.
            – Yamikuronue
            Aug 21 '12 at 18:17










          • @Yamikuronue - The points still stand. Will update answer accordingly.
            – Oded
            Aug 21 '12 at 18:18






          • 2




            Yes. Taking the permanent position (if offered) is just a specialized case of "accepted another offer". Employers understand that they're not the only ones you're talking to.
            – Monica Cellio♦
            Aug 21 '12 at 21:39

















          up vote
          5
          down vote














          How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies?




          • You should say you're currently employed as a contractor.

          • You should say when your contract is up.

          • If asked, you should be as honest as you feel comfortable about the likelihood of converting to full time. The standard "I like it at my current job, but want to explore my options" response is usually sufficient, and truthful enough that people understand it (and you don't need to feel bad about being deceptive).





          share|improve this answer



























            up vote
            3
            down vote













            You should disclose as much as you are comfortable with to each side. If you feel secure in your current position, being opening about entertaining other offers could inspire your current company to make a more competitive effort to keep you when your contract expires. Likewise for the new offer. If your current position is on the rocks, being more reserved would play to your benefit, but then I'd have to ask if staying should even be an option for you.



            As far as the new offer is concerned, I find it's usually better to be honest. Letting this company know about your current position puts them in a position to fight to get you. You will quickly find out how badly they want you and what they are willing to do to get you. Putting them in the know will also buy you time to make a proper decision. They won't expect an immediate answer and they are more likely to be flexible in scheduling meetings and interviews. Making them aware that you are comfortably employed will also "keep them honest". They'll be forced to bring real offers to the table because they will know that they have to buy you out of your current position. Finally, it makes you look better to the prospective employer. An employee with a stable position is less risk than an unemployed one. Who doesn't want an employee who's in demand? It displays responsibility in that you are not waiting until the last minute to get your irons in the fire. All of which make you a better prospect to a new employer.






            share|improve this answer



























              up vote
              1
              down vote













              I would say that you're currently working as a contractor, that your contract expires in 6 weeks but that you are considering terms for converting to a full-time employee. In the meantime, you are evaluating your options and you're very interested in exploring what other opportunities and challenges might be out there.






              share|improve this answer




















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                4 Answers
                4






                active

                oldest

                votes








                4 Answers
                4






                active

                oldest

                votes









                active

                oldest

                votes






                active

                oldest

                votes








                up vote
                12
                down vote



                accepted










                You are under no obligation to disclose this at any point until you have accepted either the permanent position or the new contract.



                The fact is, if you do disclose the possibility and it costs you a possible position and then you don't get the permanent position you are currently contracting at (for whatever reason), you have just closed a door that could have remained open.



                Keep your options open.



                It may feel unethical to you, but we can't tell the future and the unexpected can always happen - in particular in the contracting arena, though also in the permanent arena, to a lesser degree. Most employers looking for employees know that the "market" is volatile and people who are available one day are gone the next.



                If asked, do not lie - you should explain your position and that if the offer from your current employer does not represent your true value that you will not accept.






                share|improve this answer






















                • Slight misconception, I've edited the question: both positions would be permanent, I'd like to stop contracting.
                  – Yamikuronue
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:17










                • @Yamikuronue - The points still stand. Will update answer accordingly.
                  – Oded
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:18






                • 2




                  Yes. Taking the permanent position (if offered) is just a specialized case of "accepted another offer". Employers understand that they're not the only ones you're talking to.
                  – Monica Cellio♦
                  Aug 21 '12 at 21:39














                up vote
                12
                down vote



                accepted










                You are under no obligation to disclose this at any point until you have accepted either the permanent position or the new contract.



                The fact is, if you do disclose the possibility and it costs you a possible position and then you don't get the permanent position you are currently contracting at (for whatever reason), you have just closed a door that could have remained open.



                Keep your options open.



                It may feel unethical to you, but we can't tell the future and the unexpected can always happen - in particular in the contracting arena, though also in the permanent arena, to a lesser degree. Most employers looking for employees know that the "market" is volatile and people who are available one day are gone the next.



                If asked, do not lie - you should explain your position and that if the offer from your current employer does not represent your true value that you will not accept.






                share|improve this answer






















                • Slight misconception, I've edited the question: both positions would be permanent, I'd like to stop contracting.
                  – Yamikuronue
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:17










                • @Yamikuronue - The points still stand. Will update answer accordingly.
                  – Oded
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:18






                • 2




                  Yes. Taking the permanent position (if offered) is just a specialized case of "accepted another offer". Employers understand that they're not the only ones you're talking to.
                  – Monica Cellio♦
                  Aug 21 '12 at 21:39












                up vote
                12
                down vote



                accepted







                up vote
                12
                down vote



                accepted






                You are under no obligation to disclose this at any point until you have accepted either the permanent position or the new contract.



                The fact is, if you do disclose the possibility and it costs you a possible position and then you don't get the permanent position you are currently contracting at (for whatever reason), you have just closed a door that could have remained open.



                Keep your options open.



                It may feel unethical to you, but we can't tell the future and the unexpected can always happen - in particular in the contracting arena, though also in the permanent arena, to a lesser degree. Most employers looking for employees know that the "market" is volatile and people who are available one day are gone the next.



                If asked, do not lie - you should explain your position and that if the offer from your current employer does not represent your true value that you will not accept.






                share|improve this answer














                You are under no obligation to disclose this at any point until you have accepted either the permanent position or the new contract.



                The fact is, if you do disclose the possibility and it costs you a possible position and then you don't get the permanent position you are currently contracting at (for whatever reason), you have just closed a door that could have remained open.



                Keep your options open.



                It may feel unethical to you, but we can't tell the future and the unexpected can always happen - in particular in the contracting arena, though also in the permanent arena, to a lesser degree. Most employers looking for employees know that the "market" is volatile and people who are available one day are gone the next.



                If asked, do not lie - you should explain your position and that if the offer from your current employer does not represent your true value that you will not accept.







                share|improve this answer














                share|improve this answer



                share|improve this answer








                edited Aug 21 '12 at 18:25

























                answered Aug 21 '12 at 18:13









                Oded

                21.1k57597




                21.1k57597











                • Slight misconception, I've edited the question: both positions would be permanent, I'd like to stop contracting.
                  – Yamikuronue
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:17










                • @Yamikuronue - The points still stand. Will update answer accordingly.
                  – Oded
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:18






                • 2




                  Yes. Taking the permanent position (if offered) is just a specialized case of "accepted another offer". Employers understand that they're not the only ones you're talking to.
                  – Monica Cellio♦
                  Aug 21 '12 at 21:39
















                • Slight misconception, I've edited the question: both positions would be permanent, I'd like to stop contracting.
                  – Yamikuronue
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:17










                • @Yamikuronue - The points still stand. Will update answer accordingly.
                  – Oded
                  Aug 21 '12 at 18:18






                • 2




                  Yes. Taking the permanent position (if offered) is just a specialized case of "accepted another offer". Employers understand that they're not the only ones you're talking to.
                  – Monica Cellio♦
                  Aug 21 '12 at 21:39















                Slight misconception, I've edited the question: both positions would be permanent, I'd like to stop contracting.
                – Yamikuronue
                Aug 21 '12 at 18:17




                Slight misconception, I've edited the question: both positions would be permanent, I'd like to stop contracting.
                – Yamikuronue
                Aug 21 '12 at 18:17












                @Yamikuronue - The points still stand. Will update answer accordingly.
                – Oded
                Aug 21 '12 at 18:18




                @Yamikuronue - The points still stand. Will update answer accordingly.
                – Oded
                Aug 21 '12 at 18:18




                2




                2




                Yes. Taking the permanent position (if offered) is just a specialized case of "accepted another offer". Employers understand that they're not the only ones you're talking to.
                – Monica Cellio♦
                Aug 21 '12 at 21:39




                Yes. Taking the permanent position (if offered) is just a specialized case of "accepted another offer". Employers understand that they're not the only ones you're talking to.
                – Monica Cellio♦
                Aug 21 '12 at 21:39












                up vote
                5
                down vote














                How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies?




                • You should say you're currently employed as a contractor.

                • You should say when your contract is up.

                • If asked, you should be as honest as you feel comfortable about the likelihood of converting to full time. The standard "I like it at my current job, but want to explore my options" response is usually sufficient, and truthful enough that people understand it (and you don't need to feel bad about being deceptive).





                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  5
                  down vote














                  How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies?




                  • You should say you're currently employed as a contractor.

                  • You should say when your contract is up.

                  • If asked, you should be as honest as you feel comfortable about the likelihood of converting to full time. The standard "I like it at my current job, but want to explore my options" response is usually sufficient, and truthful enough that people understand it (and you don't need to feel bad about being deceptive).





                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    5
                    down vote










                    How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies?




                    • You should say you're currently employed as a contractor.

                    • You should say when your contract is up.

                    • If asked, you should be as honest as you feel comfortable about the likelihood of converting to full time. The standard "I like it at my current job, but want to explore my options" response is usually sufficient, and truthful enough that people understand it (and you don't need to feel bad about being deceptive).





                    share|improve this answer













                    How much of that should I disclose when interviewing with other companies?




                    • You should say you're currently employed as a contractor.

                    • You should say when your contract is up.

                    • If asked, you should be as honest as you feel comfortable about the likelihood of converting to full time. The standard "I like it at my current job, but want to explore my options" response is usually sufficient, and truthful enough that people understand it (and you don't need to feel bad about being deceptive).






                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Aug 21 '12 at 18:23









                    Telastyn

                    33.9k977120




                    33.9k977120




















                        up vote
                        3
                        down vote













                        You should disclose as much as you are comfortable with to each side. If you feel secure in your current position, being opening about entertaining other offers could inspire your current company to make a more competitive effort to keep you when your contract expires. Likewise for the new offer. If your current position is on the rocks, being more reserved would play to your benefit, but then I'd have to ask if staying should even be an option for you.



                        As far as the new offer is concerned, I find it's usually better to be honest. Letting this company know about your current position puts them in a position to fight to get you. You will quickly find out how badly they want you and what they are willing to do to get you. Putting them in the know will also buy you time to make a proper decision. They won't expect an immediate answer and they are more likely to be flexible in scheduling meetings and interviews. Making them aware that you are comfortably employed will also "keep them honest". They'll be forced to bring real offers to the table because they will know that they have to buy you out of your current position. Finally, it makes you look better to the prospective employer. An employee with a stable position is less risk than an unemployed one. Who doesn't want an employee who's in demand? It displays responsibility in that you are not waiting until the last minute to get your irons in the fire. All of which make you a better prospect to a new employer.






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          3
                          down vote













                          You should disclose as much as you are comfortable with to each side. If you feel secure in your current position, being opening about entertaining other offers could inspire your current company to make a more competitive effort to keep you when your contract expires. Likewise for the new offer. If your current position is on the rocks, being more reserved would play to your benefit, but then I'd have to ask if staying should even be an option for you.



                          As far as the new offer is concerned, I find it's usually better to be honest. Letting this company know about your current position puts them in a position to fight to get you. You will quickly find out how badly they want you and what they are willing to do to get you. Putting them in the know will also buy you time to make a proper decision. They won't expect an immediate answer and they are more likely to be flexible in scheduling meetings and interviews. Making them aware that you are comfortably employed will also "keep them honest". They'll be forced to bring real offers to the table because they will know that they have to buy you out of your current position. Finally, it makes you look better to the prospective employer. An employee with a stable position is less risk than an unemployed one. Who doesn't want an employee who's in demand? It displays responsibility in that you are not waiting until the last minute to get your irons in the fire. All of which make you a better prospect to a new employer.






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            3
                            down vote









                            You should disclose as much as you are comfortable with to each side. If you feel secure in your current position, being opening about entertaining other offers could inspire your current company to make a more competitive effort to keep you when your contract expires. Likewise for the new offer. If your current position is on the rocks, being more reserved would play to your benefit, but then I'd have to ask if staying should even be an option for you.



                            As far as the new offer is concerned, I find it's usually better to be honest. Letting this company know about your current position puts them in a position to fight to get you. You will quickly find out how badly they want you and what they are willing to do to get you. Putting them in the know will also buy you time to make a proper decision. They won't expect an immediate answer and they are more likely to be flexible in scheduling meetings and interviews. Making them aware that you are comfortably employed will also "keep them honest". They'll be forced to bring real offers to the table because they will know that they have to buy you out of your current position. Finally, it makes you look better to the prospective employer. An employee with a stable position is less risk than an unemployed one. Who doesn't want an employee who's in demand? It displays responsibility in that you are not waiting until the last minute to get your irons in the fire. All of which make you a better prospect to a new employer.






                            share|improve this answer












                            You should disclose as much as you are comfortable with to each side. If you feel secure in your current position, being opening about entertaining other offers could inspire your current company to make a more competitive effort to keep you when your contract expires. Likewise for the new offer. If your current position is on the rocks, being more reserved would play to your benefit, but then I'd have to ask if staying should even be an option for you.



                            As far as the new offer is concerned, I find it's usually better to be honest. Letting this company know about your current position puts them in a position to fight to get you. You will quickly find out how badly they want you and what they are willing to do to get you. Putting them in the know will also buy you time to make a proper decision. They won't expect an immediate answer and they are more likely to be flexible in scheduling meetings and interviews. Making them aware that you are comfortably employed will also "keep them honest". They'll be forced to bring real offers to the table because they will know that they have to buy you out of your current position. Finally, it makes you look better to the prospective employer. An employee with a stable position is less risk than an unemployed one. Who doesn't want an employee who's in demand? It displays responsibility in that you are not waiting until the last minute to get your irons in the fire. All of which make you a better prospect to a new employer.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Aug 21 '12 at 20:04









                            Nilpo

                            1313




                            1313




















                                up vote
                                1
                                down vote













                                I would say that you're currently working as a contractor, that your contract expires in 6 weeks but that you are considering terms for converting to a full-time employee. In the meantime, you are evaluating your options and you're very interested in exploring what other opportunities and challenges might be out there.






                                share|improve this answer
























                                  up vote
                                  1
                                  down vote













                                  I would say that you're currently working as a contractor, that your contract expires in 6 weeks but that you are considering terms for converting to a full-time employee. In the meantime, you are evaluating your options and you're very interested in exploring what other opportunities and challenges might be out there.






                                  share|improve this answer






















                                    up vote
                                    1
                                    down vote










                                    up vote
                                    1
                                    down vote









                                    I would say that you're currently working as a contractor, that your contract expires in 6 weeks but that you are considering terms for converting to a full-time employee. In the meantime, you are evaluating your options and you're very interested in exploring what other opportunities and challenges might be out there.






                                    share|improve this answer












                                    I would say that you're currently working as a contractor, that your contract expires in 6 weeks but that you are considering terms for converting to a full-time employee. In the meantime, you are evaluating your options and you're very interested in exploring what other opportunities and challenges might be out there.







                                    share|improve this answer












                                    share|improve this answer



                                    share|improve this answer










                                    answered Aug 23 '12 at 7:44









                                    pap

                                    5,2561524




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