How to retain your temporary IT job: three errors to avoid

As a global workforce consultancy specialising in STEM fields, we’ve facilitated thousands of technology contract extensions, writes Gillian Rees, an IT recruitment consultant at Computer Futures.

Staying on with a client (‘contract extension’) is a skill in itself

As a result, we’ve seen a fair few tech contractors go about things the wrong way when they want to stay on with a client.

While you may be excelling in your technical role, navigating the business side of contracting requires a different skill set, including when you want to extend or renew your IT contract.

Biggest three mistakes at tech contract renewal be like…

Here are three crucial mistakes to avoid when your contract is up for renewal and you want to keep it:

1. Don’t wait until the last minute

Perhaps the most common error is IT contractors waiting until the final week of a contract to initiate extension discussions.

By this 11th hour, there are likely to be several issues:

Your client may have already begun interviewing replacements;
Budget approvals for the new financial period may already be final;
Project managers may have restructured upcoming work assuming your departure.

What to do instead: Start extension conversations at least 4 to 6 weeks before your contract end date.

This 4–6-week window gives all parties (you, your staffing consultant, and the client), sufficient time to address paperwork, budget approvals, and project planning.

2. Don’t make excessive rate increases in your opening move

When a tech role is up for potential renewal, nothing sets off alarm bells faster than a contractor who immediately demands a significant rate increase without justification!

While it’s entirely reasonable to seek compensation that reflects your technology skills, and overall value, approaching the potential extension of a tech freelance role with a “Give me more or I’ll walk” attitude, creates tension.

What to do instead: If seeking a rate increase, prepare concrete examples of these four:

Additional tasks you’ve taken on since starting.
Specialised skills you’ve developed or applied.
Measurable value you’ve delivered to the end-client organisation.
Market rates for comparable assignments (which your recruitment consultant should help you to document).

3. Don’t bypass your recruitment agent

Some contractors, particularly those who have developed a good relationship with their client manager, may try to negotiate extensions directly, either to avoid agency fees or because they believe they’ll secure better terms.

This approach of trying to bypass your recruitment agent often backfires for one (or more) of four key reasons:

It breaches the terms of most agency contracts.
It places your client in an awkward legal position.
It signals to both parties that you may not honour agreements.
You lose the advocacy and market intelligence your recruiter provides.

What to do instead: Work collaboratively with your recruitment agent or staffing consultant.

A good recruiter acts as your advocate; understands the client’s budget constraints, and can negotiate objectively on your behalf. They also have visibility into the client’s broader hiring plans that might affect your extension.

Summary: How to extend a technology role (the right way)

Contract extensions can be straightforward when approached professionally.

By initiating discussions early, justifying any rate adjustments with clear value propositions, and respecting the established business relationships, you can position yourself as a technology freelancer as a professional who is both easy and financially worthwhile to continue working with.

Final thought at IT contract renewal: make your agent your ally

Remember, though, clients extend contracts with contractors who deliver technical excellence while minimising business friction. Your IT recruitment agent or staffing consultant is your ally in navigating this process, so make sure you leverage their expertise as part of securing your next tech contract extension.