How do u find the contract market?

[aj1977]

Almost every agent who speaks to me asks 'how do u find the contract market right now? are u having any interviews lined up?'

what is the motive behind this question?

If I answer NO, does it mean that iam not a hot candidate and he may not consider putting my cv forward or will he think that if he puts forward my CV to the client i will most probably take the contract up as i don't have any other contracts(interviews) in the queue.

If I answer YES does it mean that iam in demand(a good candidate) and he might think that he will put forward my CV.Alternatively he could think that i have other options and I may not take up the contract if the client finds me suitable...

Tricky situation....any inputs? Iam newbie to contracting ..so pls bear with me if the question sounds silly

[Bagpuss]

go to the end of the high street past costa coffee and turn left.

[ratewhore]

Just tell him 'I open my curtains and there it is...'

Seriously though, it's a fishing expedition. Don't tell him it's quiet as he will want to squeeze you on rate as he will think you have no alternatives. I just tell him it's busy and I can cherry pick the best roles which is why I'm talking to a pimp like you (or words to that effect).

Essentially, make him feel you don't need him...




PC alert - feel free to switch 'him' to 'her' if appropriate.

[Jog On]

If you tell them you have got interviews lined up they'll try and fish out who you're seeing so they can try and gank the client from the other agent. Then they'll ask you not to divulge who their client is to any other agents in the same breath.

[Captain Dispensable]

I just say "Dunno, only started looking and you're the first agent I've contacted".

If there's a bit of a gap since my last contract. "Been on holiday for x weeks/months".

[LazyFan]

Attack!

Put them on the defensive, say
"Well you know the market better than me as you deal with all the clients, how are you finding it yourself?"

This is answers their question with another, which basicly says show me how many hiring clients you know. Of course they will say most of the time it's great, which will be a mistake. They will try to impress and then you can use it against them. Because you can then say:

"well if the market is that good and with all your client contacts, you should be able to get me some interviews for top rated contracts within the next 2 days no problem"

Watch them squirm after that

[2uk]

Just tell him 'I open my curtains and there it is...'

Seriously though, it's a fishing expedition. Don't tell him it's quiet as he will want to squeeze you on rate as he will think you have no alternatives. I just tell him it's busy and I can cherry pick the best roles which is why I'm talking to a pimp like you (or words to that effect).

Essentially, make him feel you don't need him...

looks like contracting is somewhat similar to dating.

[2uk]

I really can't say the exact reason for them asking " How many interviews do u have on the line?".

[thunderlizard]

"How are you finding the market?" is a good salesman start-off question. Taken at face value, a good salesman will take opportunities to learn other people's point of view on the market because he can tailor his approach accordingly, even though in most cases he will know better than his customers.

More cynically, it will give him an idea of how to pitch to that particular prospect.

Otherwise, it's a typical top-of-the-market indicator because it can be short for "I thought the market was great up till now, but now I'm not too sure!"

[oraclesmith]

Billy the Kid : "How are you finding the market right now?"

Me "Fine. What do you want ?"

I had this a couple of times. I can usually size up these guys in their first sentence so I have no problem being rude to them.