CV sent to client with 2 agents

**LondonManc** · 17 January 2017, 10:41

No. We've discussed it on here in the past and it's generally frowned upon.

The big issue is trusting whether or not the first agent has actually got your cv in front of the hiring manager or not. One option if you're unsure and really want the role is to ring the client's HR department, explaining that there's a role that you're interested in and have been approached by two different agencies. Don't mention who the agencies are, just ask HR to tell you who is on the PSL so that you know which agency to proceed with.

**ladymuck** · 17 January 2017, 10:45

Putting your CV to the same client more than once does not increase your chance of getting the gig. Most agencies ask you to confirm that you will not discuss the role or accept representation from another agency.

If you are happy that agency A has put your forward then you'll just have to wait. Keep in touch with them, especially if other offers come through. Let them know that agency B also are interested in your for the role as that may galvanise them into getting their head out of their arse.

If agency A tell you they are not putting you forward, then proceed with agency B.

The story about the sign off in a couple of weeks, that happens. Some clients like to line up the team first then sort their budgets out. Others do the budget first and see what they can get for the money.

**northernladuk** · 17 January 2017, 10:47

In the worst case both agents will argue with the client on who had you first and who should represent. The client will want nothing to do with either of them and bin you off. You'll get a lot of pretty nasty grief from said agencies. I've been there.

How do you think applying via agent B is going to help you if there is no signed off budget???

**Agent** · 17 January 2017, 10:48

If you do know who the client is then it might be worth connecting with both recruiters and check their connections. If they have substantial 1st degree connections at the client then it's likley that they're a supplier. Not a science but might help. Certainly if agency 1 has no connections at the client then I'd have concerns.

The other thing I would do it contact the first agency and ask them about the test, be straight with them and say you've been called by another agency. As them to confirm in an email that they have submited your CV to the client and that they are an approved supplier. Of course this isn't legally binding but it might be enough to give you some confidence that the agency is legit.

**heyya99** · 17 January 2017, 10:52

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

In the worst case both agents will argue with the client on who had you first and who should represent. The client will want nothing to do with either of them and bin you off. You'll get a lot of pretty nasty grief from said agencies. I've been there.

How do you think applying via agent B is going to help you if there is no signed off budget???

Is it ok to apply with many agents? I'm guessing no, but how do I trust agent 1 to have sent my CV at all.. He might just have said that to stop another agent usurping the candidates he has sent over.

**sal** · 17 January 2017, 10:56

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

How do you think applying via agent B is going to help you if there is no signed off budget???

If I would hazard a guess, OP is concerned that Agent A is either telling porkies and the CV was never sent to the client in the first place - blocking him from applying via another agency, or he is holding off for another most suitable (read lower rate) candidate he submitted to be picked instead.

The only viable way to proceed with Agent B (taking a substantial risk) is to probably tell agent B to ask if the end client has already seen your CV and only submit your application if that's not the case. This however relies on the Agent B acting honestly so...

**BlasterBates** · 17 January 2017, 11:53

Originally posted by heyya99 View Post

Is it ok to apply with many agents? I'm guessing no, but how do I trust agent 1 to have sent my CV at all.. He might just have said that to stop another agent usurping the candidates he has sent over.

Well if he hasn't sent it and you send it via the second agent it's a good thing, if he has sent it in, you'll probably get binned.

What you can try is asking the agent to ask the manager politely, whether he already has your CV, but you risk that he ignores you and he submits it anyway to get you kicked out of the running-

If you don't trust the agent, you can't really win.

I would do nothing and wait.

**northernladuk** · 17 January 2017, 12:00

Originally posted by heyya99 View Post

Is it ok to apply with many agents? I'm guessing no, but how do I trust agent 1 to have sent my CV at all.. He might just have said that to stop another agent usurping the candidates he has sent over.

Possibly but you have to assume on the whole they are doing the right thing. I've never had a problem agents trying to cock block me but I have had experience of getting binned at the hands of two agents so I'm all in favour of not taking the risk.

**heyya99** · 17 January 2017, 12:05

I have never dealt with either agent, but agent 1 (the one who claims he has sent my CV) is with one of the big-name agencies. So I'm hoping that amounts to a certain level of professionalism (naive me).

I emailed agent 1 stating the case and I'll see what he says.

CV sent to client with 2 agents