Agency Exclusivity

**vhadiant** · 27 May 2008, 21:00

I've been asked several times for this email. I just wrote:

"I agree to be represented by <agency> for such and such role (make sure you put the job ref id here to avoid confusion with other role for the same company)."

That's it and nothing more. AE

**beercohol** · 27 May 2008, 21:00

Standard practice. Attempts to prevent multiple agencies submitting the same candidate to the client for the same position.

By confirming that email, you are saying this particular agency is the one representing you for this opportunity.

I made the mistake myself once of confirming this for two agencies. I still got the job though, but I had to apologise profusely to the second agency!!

**DodgyAgent** · 27 May 2008, 21:16

Originally posted by beercohol View Post

Standard practice. Attempts to prevent multiple agencies submitting the same candidate to the client for the same position.

By confirming that email, you are saying this particular agency is the one representing you for this opportunity.

I made the mistake myself once of confirming this for two agencies. I still got the job though, but I had to apologise profusely to the second agency!!

Just be careful that this agency isnt blocking you. By that I mean saying that they are putting you forward when they are not. Also signing up to this is agreeing to a lazy mans charter. If the agency just happen to ignore you (which believe me if you sign it they will) at least they know that you wont be put forward by anyone else.

I would be deeply suspicious of any email or agency that tries to replace "picking the phone up and negotiating" with some pathetic email correspondence "process". Be very careful.

Always talk to the agency about the job at least you can read between the lines of what they are saying and ascertain the reality of their position.

Second piece of advice never believe what they say

Third piece of advice is that if you are expected to trust them then always check (contact a rival supplier or the manager direct)

**Badger** · 27 May 2008, 21:25

I know it's standard practice, this came out of an unsolicited call from a foreign sounding lady who'd found my CV on monster.

No job reference or even client name that I asked for, just the catch all 'I own you' exclusivity email.

**DodgyAgent** · 27 May 2008, 22:04

Originally posted by Badger View Post

I know it's standard practice, this came out of an unsolicited call from a foreign sounding lady who'd found my CV on monster.

No job reference or even client name that I asked for, just the catch all 'I own you' exclusivity email.

I am all for this concept of every contractor having his own agent, an agent who knows he contractor well and finds his market and places him-- low margin if he has to place him through another agency and high margin if direct.

But these things only work if the agent really gets to know the contactor and totally understands what he wants, what he is good at and sleeps with his missus. This Polish bird who you are talking to should if she were serious be getting to know you better than just asking you to reply to an email

**BrilloPad** · 28 May 2008, 07:43

Originally posted by vhadiant View Post

I've been asked several times for this email. I just wrote:

"I agree to be represented by <agency> for such and such role (make sure you put the job ref id here to avoid confusion with other role for the same company)."

That's it and nothing more. AE

Do you not add "provided I am submitted to the client for the role"?

**MikeC1408** · 28 May 2008, 08:18

I normally ask for proof of submission in return

**Badger** · 28 May 2008, 09:05

Originally posted by MikeC1408 View Post

I normally ask for proof of submission in return

What proof do you get and how is it more (un)trustworthy that the agency saying 'yes your submitted'?

**MikeC1408** · 28 May 2008, 10:33

That's about it, An email saying yes you have been put forward.

That way if it later transpires that you haven't you can cause merry hell.

Agency Exclusivity