Interviewed for Perm position, offered 4/5month FTC

Hi,

I recently applied and interviewed (twice) for a perm position with a super-amazing company. It's an unusual role, completely new for this company, somewhat unconventional to have in the department I applied to and also a slight direction change for me personally.

All the feedback from company was very positive. My feedback to agent was that I liked them and am very interested in the role, but in neither meeting (two meetings of exactly 1 hour each, first with 2 people and then with 3) did I have an opportunity to really ask them detailed questions about the job or the development opportunities in the areas that are new for me, and I therefore feel that I'm no better informed having interviewed twice!

First interview was fine, quite usual. 2nd interview someone left mid-interview, someone else joined mid-interview, and then it ended quite abruptly.

So. Today the agent has come back with a 4/5 month FTC (at the same rate) offer instead of the originally advertised perm. position, due to them 'not being sure of the scope' and 'wanting to cover themselves' ... and naturally I'm feeling unsure about it.

Does anyone have experience of this?

My initial feelings are that I should be very wary of a multinational company who have advertised and interviewed for a perm position but then feedback they are not sure what the scope would be ...

Also, having contracted internationally for almost 10 years, we discussed my commitment to moving into a perm. role ... and I'm therefore wondering if will give the wrong impression if I now accept a FTC despite discussing the length that am looking for perm.

And finally, as the role is a new direction for me which will involve much professional development, I don't actually think would be appropriate for me to accept such a short FTC as my experience is very much contracting in areas of specialism only.

Does anyone have any professional advice regarding this situation?

Thank you.

What is your own situation at the minute? Are you in a job? If you took this new job would you be leaving a good job with better prospects?

If not, then if I were you I would take the new job. As you said yourself you have been 10 years contracting and as this job was advertsied as a permanent role there is every chance that after the 5 months you will be made permenant.