agents fighting over a candidate

**Old Greg** · 15 May 2018, 15:20

Originally posted by MattZani View Post

Hi, I think it's already been discussed on here but it's the first time it's happened to me.

Agent A approaches me with a role last week, he says okay I'll speak with the client, will show them your CV and I'll send over to you the job spec and the request for you to confirm you want to be represented by us for the role. Agent did NOT send either.

Today I get approached by Agent B about the same role. He follows protocol: speaks to me about the role, sends over the spec and the sole representation email. I decided to be represented by Agent B.

Now Agent A is pissed and has left me 3-4 voicemails saying since he got in touch with me first I should be represented by him and threatens to speak to the client about my "unprofessional" behaviour.

Since I never gave written (or spoken) confirmation to Agent A, am I wrong thinking he's got no grounds to do anything, even if he approached me first?

Ignore him.

**SlipTheJab** · 15 May 2018, 15:30

Yes but I would also reply with where was the job spec and email asking for representation confirmation you promised, you sent neither so jog on.

**MattZani** · 15 May 2018, 15:45

Originally posted by SlipTheJab View Post

Yes but I would also reply with where was the job spec and email asking for representation confirmation you promised, you sent neither so jog on.

Yeah, I actually just did that.

I explained that while he didn't send me anything he had said he would, Agent B did everything by the book so there's nothing I can do now that I've given written consent to Agent B.

Looking forward to the reply!!

**Whorty** · 15 May 2018, 16:07

Originally posted by MattZani View Post

Yeah, I actually just did that.

I explained that while he didn't send me anything he had said he would, Agent B did everything by the book so there's nothing I can do now that I've given written consent to Agent B.

Looking forward to the reply!!

.... this. Keep it professional and factual. He was being lazy and has missed out and he's trying to bully you now he can see there might be some money in it

**SlipTheJab** · 15 May 2018, 16:31

Or reply with if he does not 'jog on' you will email his handler at the agency with details about why lost the exclusivity commitment due to his 'unprofessional' behaviour, am sure his boss would like to get that email (whats good for the goose and all that).

**northernladuk** · 15 May 2018, 16:35

Just hope they don't start bothering the client who decides not to see you at all to avoid the situation.

**fullyautomatix** · 15 May 2018, 16:55

No doubt he was pursuing another cheaper candidate for the role.

**MrButton** · 15 May 2018, 17:00

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Just hope they don't start bothering the client who decides not to see you at all to avoid the situation.

This is the most important thing IMO.

If the agent is annoyed there’s a good chance he will drop the client a line or a short email.

Most clients won’t want to be involved in this squabbling even if there’s not a big fuss from the agent they’ll likely just bin your cv.

Therefore just be as nice as you can.

**sal** · 16 May 2018, 07:55

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Just hope they don't start bothering the client who decides not to see you at all to avoid the situation.

To mitigate this you might want to explain the situation to Agent B, who can eventually "defend" you.

I have been in similar situation twice and mentioned to Agent B during the initial phone call, that some plonker already called about the role couple of days ago, but failed to request rights of representation, so Agent B can double check whether my CV is already with the client by any chance. In one case my CV was already with ClientCo, but upon explanation by Agent B, ClientCo was happy to go with Agent B. In the other Agent A didn't even bother, likely just trying to "eliminate" the competition. In both cases I got an interview.

Seems that you have handled the situation in a professional manner, so nothing to worry about.

agents fighting over a candidate