Submit for role through only one agent?

[johhnysalad]

I’ve always ensured that once I’ve been put forward for a role at a client with an agent, the next agent that calls (normally 10 minutes later…) get told politely that I’ve been submitted with another agency. That often ends the call quickly or expedites a fishing trip…

I always thought this was in my interest – didn’t want client to see 5 copies of my CV, didn’t want the whole argument about who submitted me first blah blah…. However, I’ve done a complete 360 now.

First, how do I know I’ve been submitted? Call me cynical, but sometimes, isn’t in an agents interest to take me “out of the game” - if they have another contractor who they can submit for a larger margin for example.

Maybe the agent isn’t on the preferred list – I know (when shoe was on other foot) that many firms will dump cv’s received for non-approved agencies. I ask of course, but what agency is going to say “Nah, they bin all our CV’s…” ?

More importantly, how does this create a market? I’ve had circumstances where an agent submitted me at a rate, came back and suggested they would need to drop it. When I suggested that another agency had told me they would get the rate, they caved soon after. Surely by getting more than one agent bidding for you (and ensuring they know) will drive down their margin (hopefully fixing your rate, and making you appear more attractive to the client)

Also, how many agents will only submit your CV only for the role – you can bet you a**e they are pitching more than your CV – how about next time they ask to solely represent you, you ask they do the same 

[BrowneIssue]

This time last year I let an agent talk me into letting the put me forward for a role that another agent claimed had represented me. (What a horrible sentence that was ... I'll try again)

Last year: a perfect role, the job desc'n read like my CV. Agent A put me forward; I hear nothing. Agent B offers to put me forward too; I let them. Nett results: a very narked Agent A, Agent B, client and my CV went in the bin.

Moral 1: NEVER get presented by more than one agency.

A few weeks ago: really, really good role. Agent X (claims to) put me forward and says "Client loves you, expect an interview". I then got NINE (!) phone calls from other agencies about the role. I have never been so popular.

Agent X then gives me loads of bunny: "Procurement chap off sick", "Recruitment manager on leave", "He's overwhelmed with CVs".

Yesterday Agent Y calls me and says "Out of curiosity, we have just filled that role. Did you turn it down, or what?".

Agent X even gave me a "Hold on" update the days after the interviews had been scheduled.

What on earth was the point of that?

Moral 2: NEVER get presented by just one agency.

Conclusion ...

[JohannM]

right on the spot!

you are right Johnny.

I have 5 years experience in .NET now, and sometimes agencies used to call me to tell me that they are going to send me for a particular role, which most of the times will require less experience than I have. And I get no feedback, or else "the project has been abandoned" or dropped.

I always tell the agent to check with the client if my CV has been sent there, especially if he has a "good" relationship with the client, as most of them say they have

[johhnysalad]

Agents are very keen to ensure that only they represent you at a client – think why?

• They can decide the margin to make on you, period. You have no way to really influence that.
• They don’t look like a greedy tulip to the client when he demands to ask why agency X is submitting the same guy for £100/day less – if he bothers to call at all.

Interestingly, agents do seem reluctant to put you forward if you’ve already been submitted – I wonder why? No really, I don’t fully understand why they wouldn’t be prepared to make a punt? How are the supply and demand laws working here?

As contractors, we are no different to any goods or services that get resold. If someone can add value to an offering and resale at a mark up, I’m all for that – the end consumer pays for the added value. Loathed as I am to admit it, agencies do provide some added value to the client and us (we have a weird supplier/customer relationship with agents!).

Where I think we are playing into the agents hand is by not negotiating for “sole representation” at a client. If the client is only represented by that agent, it’ll soon become clear – although most (large) clients will have at least 2 agencies to play off against each other. What I really want to know is

• What the agent is going to pitch me at with the client – this is clearly a major factor with getting in the door with the client.
• What are the contractual terms with this agent – IR35 friendly? Payment terms? Restrictive covenants?
• What’s their relationship with the client? Have they placed anyone on site before?

Why you shouldn’t we ask and negotiate? Why couldn’t the conversation go something like this?

Agent: We have a new role with a client that fits your CV perfectly. [General spiel about role]. (Now follows a brief dance about who the client is…).

Contractor: Sounds interesting, so why should I go via [name of agency] (if you’re feeling in the mood add – “I assume other agencies will have the role”)

Agent: [tumble weed]

Contractor: Hello?

Agent: [large amount of waffle]

Contractor: OK, I’m prepared to allow you to submit my CV to client X if we can be transparent and have a sensible discussion about the rate you will submit me at. I’ll also want to take a look at your standard client and contractor contracts.

Agent: [Slams down the phone]

I can dream, can’t I?

[TheFaQQer]

Some clients will bin the CV if they receive it from more than one agency, as it's not worth them dealing with any potential fall-out if they choose you.

Ask the second agent to check whether your name has gone in, and if it hasn't then to come back to you. Then talk to agent 1 and tell them that you're just checking the CV has gone in, as you've had a call from agent 2. Appraise the situation when you hear from both of them.