the "how are you finding the market" question

[LondonManc]

Those "wasters" are new to the job and have no control over who gets put forward for a role. They often end up leaving after a few months as they cannot hack the hours and the type of work.

While you do need to get your name in the frame talking to the youngsters rarely yields results. Having a conversation with someone more experienced even if the role is unsuitable will yield better results.

Sorry I've overheard "interesting" conversations on public transport by people in their early 20's in technology recruitment oles.

Was that meant to be levelled at me?

[SueEllen]

Was that meant to be levelled at me?

It was a general comment about people who answer every call when they are on the bench. There is no point.

[seanraaron]

It was a general comment about people who answer every call when they are on the bench. There is no point.

I think he was feigning being insulted by pretending to be in his 20s...

[SlipTheJab]

+1

They are harvesting CVs and on the client side they are given "burners". Leads that the senior staff consider a dead end are given to trainees to practice telephone & persuasion skills, and importantly how to deal with rejection. "They are rejecting your proposal, not you" - is a key part of sales training.

As the majority of these juniors were on the Boots perfume counter, flipping burgers or selling double glazing 2 minutes ago I would say I am not just rejecting the role but very much so the oik whose wasting my time on the phone

[LondonManc]

It was a general comment about people who answer every call when they are on the bench. There is no point.

How do you know which ones you shouldn't answer though?

[SueEllen]

How do you know which ones you shouldn't answer though?

Simple. If they can't get through to me I get an email.

Some of them even email me first and don't bother calling me.

A few agents do keep a list of contractors they have networked with or worked with before, other agents spam everyone in the agency database and others just use job boards.

It does help if you have used some niche technologies or have some niche skills.

[FrontEnder]

I get far too much spam to pick up the phone to find out. My bank withholds and my mobile provider does. Again, if they're calling me about something important, they'll leave a message; otherwise they're just trying to sell me something, so no thanks.

Indeed. I'm not saying I answer them - I don't bother answering withheld numbers, numbers that aren't in my phone book or ones that are who I'm not already dealing with.

I might if it's convenient for me, but I don't discriminate.

[hgllgh]

agencies using automatic "wakeup" calling

I have noticed that as soon as I switch on my phone I am getting a call ... its happening too regularly now for it to be a coincidence...is this possible for agencies to have in place?

[clearedforlanding]

I have noticed that as soon as I switch on my phone I am getting a call ... its happening too regularly now for it to be a coincidence...is this possible for agencies to have in place?

Depending on operator an SMS may be sent to say that your phone is available (IMSI attach) when it previously was not. It can be disabled with a short code.

[Eirikur]

I have noticed that as soon as I switch on my phone I am getting a call ... its happening too regularly now for it to be a coincidence...is this possible for agencies to have in place?

No