Meeting Agents

[kaiser78]

It seems more common that agents are keen to meet prospective candidates in advance of scheduled interviews, or even now at point of initial contact.

For the former I can see why this would be of benefit, but has anyone gained from the experience of the latter approach from a contractor perspective ?

[northernladuk]

I'm not seeing this TBH and the one time I met an agent it came to nothing so I'd only do it if I had absolutely nothing else to do.

I don't think there will be a yes or no answer. It will depend on the circumstances everytime I'd think.

[SlipTheJab]

The only time I've ever met an agent is when he took me to Lunch after he placed me in a role, never turn down a free lunch .

[kaiser78]

Yes, I agree I am not sure it is worth doing with the latter approach if there are no specific roles in the offing, other than building up a relationship with the agent (and checking her out of course )

But that's why I am interested in see if anyone has any experiences of this.

[sal]

Don't know about this becoming a trend, haven't noticed it. My experience meeting with agents is mixed, but in general it's a waste of time. Fine if you are on the bench and don't have to travel far to meet them, but not worth wasting your time while in contract.

[MyUserName]

Happened to me 3 times ever.

First was for a perm role, it was an evening meeting where he went over my CV and enhanced it to reflect the role. He had a very good relationship with the company and knew how they liked their CVs (very long and very detailed). Applied and got offered an interview but got a different job instead so turned it down. He was furious and phoned me up accusing me of being unprofessional and demanded that I sent the company an apology email. Being young and naive I did. I mentioned it to one of the contractors I worked with who proceeded to laugh until he was bright red.

Second time was for a contract. Just before the interview, pointless chat over a coffee. I blew the interview so it did not matter.

Third time was for a perm role. Just before the interview. He gave me the low down on the interviewers and the sort of things to say. Helped a little I guess. Got to the second interview and no further but didn't really want the job anyway.

[VectraMan]

The only time I've ever met an agent is when he took me to Lunch after he placed me in a role, never turn down a free lunch .

Same happened to me once. He talked a lot about his new Ferrari. Bastard.

[SueEllen]

Happened to me 3 times ever.

First was for a perm role, it was an evening meeting where he went over my CV and enhanced it to reflect the role. He had a very good relationship with the company and knew how they liked their CVs (very long and very detailed). Applied and got offered an interview but got a different job instead so turned it down. He was furious and phoned me up accusing me of being unprofessional and demanded that I sent the company an apology email. Being young and naive I did. I mentioned it to one of the contractors I worked with who proceeded to laugh until he was bright red.

[Eirikur]

They do ask sometimes, but it's not common at all. I've met with one once, when I was just starting out in contracting. It's a complete waste of time and money.

[LondonManc]

I'm happy to meet up if I'm on the bench and it's convenient.

Or if they've sorted an interview and are offering a coffee/lunch debriefing.

Other than that, general Christmas/extension pints are about it.