Agreed. And either way, they remember me fondly later when they’re ready for their next job switch…

As a hiring manager, I hear “my position is a one year contract” fairly regularly. It tells me a couple things:

• 1. This person is talent I wouldn’t have access to if not for the expiring contract.
• 2. There’s a solid chance that the current employer gets off their ass and makes a permanent offer when they realize I’ve made an offer.

Honestly, neither is a negative, to me.

• Regarding 1, I do like when I get a shot at talent that wouldn’t normally be on the market. I have a track record of successfully recruiting and retaining those folks.
• Regarding 2, Knowing there’s a chance their current employer will counter-offer is pretty normal for the talent I hire. I already account for that when making my job offers.

So overall, as others have said, I would just tell the truth about this. Everyone has a right to look out for their job security.