Same role advertised by multiple agencies

[Abraham]

Although Client name is not mentioned in the advert, it appears the same role has been advertised by multiple agencies.

Option 1: Apply to all the adverts.
Option 2: Apply to only one agency.

Which option is better?

[stek]

Although Client name is not mentioned in the advert, it appears the same role has been advertised by multiple agencies.

Option 1: Apply to all the adverts.
Option 2: Apply to only one agency.

Which option is better?

Apply to one and when they ask for exclusivity say 'ok, but only for 48hrs' and then if it seems dry up pick the next one and do same.....

They do this to ensure their more favoured applicants go forward and they can ensure you as less favoured are discounted.

[SueEllen]

You are presuming one, two or all agencies will contract you.

Apply to a couple of agencies and go from there.

[Elliegirl]

You are presuming one, two or all agencies will contract you.

Apply to a couple of agencies and go from there.

Agree with Sue Ellen. My current role was advertised by probably three agencies. I applied to two of them, both contacted me but only one put me forward, despite the other one saying they would do so. I suspect the one who said they would put me forward but didn't, later got a candidate who looked stronger than me on paper and decided to go with them instead, because most agencies are restricted as to how many people they can put forward for a role.

[Boney M]

Apply to all, the bottom feeders at the agency will sift through and match your CV to the job description with no clue what they are looking for only when you get a call from the senior/principal consultant who deals with the client and he says he is putting you forward then tell the others you are represented. You might apply to 3 and only one calls you or maybe two call and one puts you forward and the other doesnt.

[Boney M]

Apply to one and when they ask for exclusivity say 'ok, but only for 48hrs' and then if it seems dry up pick the next one and do same.....

They do this to ensure their more favoured applicants go forward and they can ensure you as less favoured are discounted.

That is poor advice and would expect better from you

[ShandyDrinker]

You are presuming one, two or all agencies will contract you. Apply to a couple of agencies and go from there.

Agree with Sue Ellen. My current role was advertised by probably three agencies. I applied to two of them, both contacted me but only one put me forward, despite the other one saying they would do so. I suspect the one who said they would put me forward but didn't, later got a candidate who looked stronger than me on paper and decided to go with them instead, because most agencies are restricted as to how many people they can put forward for a role.

I agree with these points.

Historically I'd have said go via a single agency as I was under the impression it was seen as being bad form to have your CV put forward by multiple agencies. However, in the not too distant past I applied for a role via one agency for which an agent got back to me saying I didn't have the requisite experience hence wouldn't put me forward. I went via a different agency, was interviewed and was subsequently offered the role.

[gables]

I'd apply to them all, see who comes back first and take it from there, why restrict yourself as to which agency will hopefully represent you.

[northernladuk]

That is poor advice and would expect better from you

No it's not. I applied to the same gig with two agents and got an interview through one, other one found out and started arguing over who had dibs. Client wanted nothing to do with it all and cancelled the interview while I was in the car park.

I can see what everyone is saying applying through both but I've been bitten twice by this so makes me very nervous. If I see this happening I'd speak to both agents and get a feel for who is most proactive and on the ball and go with them with the comment as Stek says. All well an good saying apply to both but there can be consequences.

[SimonMac]

Agree with Sue Ellen. My current role was advertised by probably three agencies. I applied to two of them, both contacted me but only one put me forward, despite the other one saying they would do so. I suspect the one who said they would put me forward but didn't, later got a candidate who looked stronger than me on paper offered a better margin and decided to go with them instead, because most agencies are restricted as to how many people they can put forward for a role.

FTFY