Multiple applications for the same role

[expat]

If I see the same candidate CV from two agencies, it goes straight in the bin. I'm not interested in working out which one has primacy of contract, so I don't even try.

Why should any agency have such a thing as "primacy of contract" anyway?

If I go to Sainsbury's for a bottle of wine, I wouldn't allow them to insist that any wine they told me about, I could not then go and buy from Tesco, because Sainsbury's had primacy of claret. I'd feel free to compare the market.

So why not agencies too? Tell me what you're offering and I'll pick the best deal.....

[Dow Jones]

'Primacy of contract' ?

Another word for being on a PSL? (Correct me if I'm wrong)

[malvolio]

It means, who got there first. Like I said, I usually have no idea, so have to make a choice of which agency to pick. Which means the other one will have a go since they had the legitimate claim to the business (or not, who knows). Either way, I don't want to get involved, so I take the Gordian Knot solution. So nobody wins perhaps, but as I said, that's not really my problem.

Sorry if that's a bit rough, but that's business and it's how a lot of managers think.

[Lockhouse]

My only concern is making sure my CV gets in front of the client in the first place - that's all that matters to me. Agents will invariably lie about submitting your CV to shut you up so you have to play them at their own game. I will knowingly allow agents to make multiple submissions on my behalf and I always say to them "I believe so and so has submitted me but I think he was just b********ing me to keep me quiet. Please could you check with the client first and IF THEY HAVE NOT ALREADY seen my CV, please feel free to submit it". Not everyone's cup of tea but works for me.

[expat]

It means, who got there first. Like I said, I usually have no idea, so have to make a choice of which agency to pick. Which means the other one will have a go since they had the legitimate claim to the business (or not, who knows). Either way, I don't want to get involved, so I take the Gordian Knot solution. So nobody wins perhaps, but as I said, that's not really my problem.

Sorry if that's a bit rough, but that's business and it's how a lot of managers think.

Not disputing that you have work to do and can't be arsed getting into priority arguments. But just what makes an agency think they have a claim on the business just because they got there first?

IOW if what you're selling is me, you haven't got the business until I've said that you may sell me.

[NotAllThere]

Secondly, as I said, if I give the authorisation to proceed to one agency and another pops up and says they were there first, I get an argument that I don't want or need. And I look sloppy for allowing it to happen.

Oh, I've never had an argument. I did enjoy performing an orchidectomy on one agency after they'd lost, and then they threatened the candidate. But I guess I'm just vindictive.

[malvolio]

Not disputing that you have work to do and can't be arsed getting into priority arguments. But just what makes an agency think they have a claim on the business just because they got there first?

Becuase that's what primacy means?

IOW if what you're selling is me, you haven't got the business until I've said that you may sell me.

Don't follow. Until I get you in for an interview I have no idea who or what you are. If I get your CV twice fror the same role, you won't get the interview. Simple, isn't it?

Sadly all us contractors need to remember that until they're sat in the same room as the client, or have some astoundingly valuable benefi to the role in question, they are simply a piece of paper. A hiring manager can't evaluate you on any other basis.

[BlasterBates]

Yeah agree with the above. Normally the client rejects CV #2, best to let the agency know, so that he can politely ask the client. Agencies do that because it is in their own interests.

[expat]

But just what makes an agency think they have a claim on the business just because they got there first?

Because that's what primacy means?

Yes, indeed. But what makes an agency think that there is such a claim?

[Dow Jones]

Shouldn't bin it

Hate to disagree with Malvolio on this one, but his solution is not a Gordian knot, more of a Solomon cutting the baby in 2 pieces. No need to bin a good CV, not the guy's fault, especially if it's a good one and should be shortlisted. If there are 3 agencies on the PSL and you end up with 3 copies of the same CV, then whoever sent it first, gets to represent it. Simple, no arguments.