BAD Agency! Most blatent fishing yet, What are your experiences??

[smiff]

Originally Posted by TazMaN

Surely these recruiters know they are being cynical with these fishing questions?

They have that missing self-awareness gene. I categorise those pimps that fish like this, the same as some stinky old tramp who tulips himself on the bus. He knows he's done it, but just doesn't care.

[mpltd]

Nice Epiphone!

To be honest, I would have been ok to put business his way too if he was a likeable guy! Sometimes honesty just works.

Oh by the way the email was from Huxley also, so looks like they do have have some newbie with unrestricted access to their database!

My gripe is not so much they are trying to get business, but in the majority of cases, I have been speaking with some guy (or gal) for anywhere between 5 and 15 mins about skills and experiences for a role they are contacting me about (and a role I have usually applied for via a posting) before its clear there is no role and it was a HUGE waste of time when they just wanted to know contacts etc at my previous role...

Its funny when you know the market, and you know certain types of roles are rare (especially during the credit crunch!) and some guy's jabbering on about 15-20 he's sitting on but can't put me forward for any for fear of duplicating my CV...


Actually, here's a thought... You get the common line - If your CV gets sent through twice then your chances are hindered... Ok I get that they want you to proceed with them, but would it actually harm your chances to be submitted from 2 (or 3 max) agencies???

Maybe it will confirm to the client that you have been double or tripple vetted???

[NickFitz]

Originally Posted by smiff

...some stinky old tramp who tulips himself on the bus. He knows he's done it, but just doesn't care.

You've met DA then

[Angus]

I am a newbie myself but to the contracting thing (and to this forum). So thanks for answering my question about how much information to reveal to agencies: as little as possible unless you trust them or they make you laugh.

But I would like the answer to the question mtlpd asks: does it really hurt your chances if your CV is sent by multiple agencies?

If so, how do you actually avoid this without giving away who you are currently applying with to an agency.

[cojak]

Originally Posted by portseven

I had a strange one the other day, pimp phoned me to ask if I knew of any architects who had done e-commerce stuff before, I didn't and so fair enough.

He then started asking me what sort of companies and systems that people would normally engage in a e-commerce project. Would they look for a company to do the whole shebang etc.. Strange questions for a pimp I thought.

I'll guess they've put a bid in to a client on a 'consultancy' basis rather than a body shop for an e-commerce project and haven't got a clue what to do...

Tell them that you'll work for them as a PM/liaison!

[cojak]

Originally Posted by Angus

I am a newbie myself but to the contracting thing (and to this forum). So thanks for answering my question about how much information to reveal to agencies: as little as possible unless you trust them or they make you laugh.

But I would like the answer to the question mtlpd asks: does it really hurt your chances if your CV is sent by multiple agencies?

If so, how do you actually avoid this without giving away who you are currently applying with to an agency.

Sometimes the client can't be @rsed with the bunfight between agencies who want the commission for the contractor ("I saw her first!!!").

You can narrow down the chances of getting caught out by letting other agencies who ring up about the same contract (i.e naming the client before you do!!) and telling them which agency has already allegedly put you forward - often agencies on the supplier list call the client to see if agency x has put contractor y forward to make sure contractor/agent has not been conned.

[DodgyAgent]

Originally Posted by NickFitz

You've met DA then

[pisces]

Originally Posted by miffy

I got one today as well.

A youngster from Huxley Assoc. Obviously a new tactic for him.

But not for HA.

They've tried that baloney on me loads of times. amongst loads of other bull**it

[EternalOptimist]

You guys are talking sh 1 te. These are NOT definitions of a bad agency. Irritating, annoying, silly and counterproductive maybe.

There have been numerous posts on this forum from guys who are owed thousands of ponds by agencies that will not pay, sometimes the agencies go under. Sometimes the agencies deliberately go under, and write their debts off.

Those are the baddies FFS.

[max]

Originally Posted by Angus

I am a newbie myself but to the contracting thing (and to this forum). So thanks for answering my question about how much information to reveal to agencies: as little as possible unless you trust them or they make you laugh.

Nail on the head....they generally know when they've been rumbled...and the relationship can move on. People that get teary about dodgy agents, are not going to get much work.

Originally Posted by Angus

But I would like the answer to the question mtlpd asks: does it really hurt your chances if your CV is sent by multiple agencies?

Absolutely, can easily happen even if you've been super cautious. Before ABN, RBS went through a hiring blitz(still are apparently). Keeping track of what role you're were down for was tricky.

Originally Posted by Angus

If so, how do you actually avoid this without giving away who you are currently applying with to an agency.

Ask them what they offering. Normally for roles in London finance they will have a reference ID which will be "well known". As much as it kills them, if they clock you're already down for a role, they'll back off. Not worth the hassle of getting you in for an interview, and then having another agency get it, once the emails and tracking and reconciled. Won't stop them pushing another role at the same client. Bless them!