Underselling myself

**beaker** · 10 September 2007, 22:40

If the agent is unscrupulous he will think "what the heck i'll pocket the difference", so while it could improve your chances, the agent will be thinking why did he ask for less than what i'm offering?

But really you're doing youself no favours. At least ask for what's on the table. Many agents work on fixed margins, especially with large clients, so the more you get the more they get (so the theory goes).

So next time you know what to do. In this game you've got to make what you can when you can.

**Cowboy Bob** · 11 September 2007, 05:33

Exactly, the client is still going to be paying the same amout to the agent, just that the agent will be pocketing the difference. So really, it's not going to make any difference to the client one way or the other, therefore go for the advertised rate.

**poser** · 11 September 2007, 09:04

Any tips on selling yourself to agent/ interview when you havent got that much experience ( 1 x 3 month contract on bench and looking) without sounding like a tw*t?

**MrRobin** · 11 September 2007, 09:14

How about by saying you are new to the contracting business you're looking for an opportunity where you'll be learning new skills fast where you can put your skills you picked up at uni (assuming you went) to use and bring fresh enthusiasm to the client.. etc etc etc?

**poser** · 11 September 2007, 09:21

Apparently i keep getting really close and get called back for more interviews and second rounds, but always the job goes to someone with 'slightly more experience'... 4 times in 2 weeks thats happened...

**Robster** · 11 September 2007, 09:30

Cheers for the advice guys I'll bare this in mind in future. I was actually caught off guard by the question considering that the rate was advertised.

EDIT: MrRobin I am in fact new to contracting, my current role is my first experience of contracting. I like the spin option.

**NotAllThere** · 11 September 2007, 09:51

Originally posted by poser View Post

Apparently i keep getting really close and get called back for more interviews and second rounds, but always the job goes to someone with 'slightly more experience'... 4 times in 2 weeks thats happened...

Well, you're getting interviews, which is good. If you're invited back, than your interview technique can't be too bad. Eventually you should land something.

You might be in the "forced card" situation. That is, you're making it through to the second round because the other candidate is the one they want. You're good enough to be a plausible reject. Or some variation on that theme.

You could try going for less prestigious/interesting/well paid positions. Then you're more likely to be the preferred choice.

**RightLaugh** · 11 September 2007, 09:55

or maybe go permie for 2-3 yrs to get the skills/training + experience and then go back to contracting.

**poser** · 11 September 2007, 09:57

Ive considered this just to get experience under my belt which will put me in good stead the next time im looking, but as tedious and deflating as it is stayin positivem as something will definately come up, i ve made the mistake previously of undervaluing my services and got rejected on that alot.

Underselling myself