Feedback Welcome: 2 Agencies, 1 Contractor

**pmeswani** · 27 October 2008, 14:18

Originally posted by shanti View Post

Small situation, that I welcome feedback on...

*Sent in a CV to Agent A and they forwarded to the client
*Also submitted an CV to Agent B for a role that seemed different
*Turns out, it is the same client company that has a large PSL of agencies
*The large client company contacts both agencies

Both of the Agencies then contact me back:

Agent B says that its not unusual occurance, I just have to select one to be the representing agency for the role. I should send them a confirmation email if I want them to represent my application.

Agent A says that they sent in the CV first, so they have ownership, but could I send an email to them to confirm I am happy to have them representing me (sounds a bit fishy, if they have ownership - why the confirmation?).

After reviewing both potential contracts, opted for Agency B, better and less restrictive contract (and more money).

Agency A, is saying that I have to go with them, they have ownership.

Just wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and if there is precedent. We have not had any interviews at the moment - this is just for an application.

Is there any chance that Agency A could scupper the application all together - as I did not go with them? They seem a bit more sharky.

Just tell Agency A that you contacted them in error... but this could prove problematic. Best thing to do is to try and secure an interview and tell the client that you would like to go via Agency B.

**expat** · 27 October 2008, 14:19

Originally posted by shanti View Post

Small situation, that I welcome feedback on...

*Sent in a CV to Agent A and they forwarded to the client
*Also submitted an CV to Agent B for a role that seemed different
*Turns out, it is the same client company that has a large PSL of agencies
*The large client company contacts both agencies

Both of the Agencies then contact me back:

Agent B says that its not unusual occurance, I just have to select one to be the representing agency for the role. I should send them a confirmation email if I want them to represent my application.

Agent A says that they sent in the CV first, so they have ownership, but could I send an email to them to confirm I am happy to have them representing me (sounds a bit fishy, if they have ownership - why the confirmation?).

After reviewing both potential contracts, opted for Agency B, better and less restrictive contract (and more money).

Agency A, is saying that I have to go with them, they have ownership.

Just wondering if anyone else has been in this situation and if there is precedent. We have not had any interviews at the moment - this is just for an application.

Is there any chance that Agency A could scupper the application all together - as I did not go with them? They seem a bit more sharky.

How come agency A have "ownership"? What is this "ownership"?

Like, if I looked at Tesco's lamb chops, but later decided to buy Waitrose's lamb chops, Tesco could dispute that, saying that they have "ownership" of my lamb chops purchase. I don't think so.

Agency A have priority, in a narrow sense. That doesn't give them ownership. You shopped around. You picked the better deal. End of story.

If you're worried, ask Agency B if that might cause a problem; so that they do know the situation.

**Liability** · 27 October 2008, 14:27

very common

If it gets to fisty cuffs the client will choose the one

- who has the filthy blonde on the other end and she sounds good
- was submitted first based on time
- the one they like better

In this case - stick to the one you want to and tell the other one that you have request to the agency and client that youd like the other agency to represent you. Agents will shut up if they know the client is involved as they don't want to damage the relationship.

**Ravello** · 27 October 2008, 14:29

Alternatively, refer both agencies to this thread: http://forums.contractoruk.com/accou...p-welcome.html and the likelihood is that neither of them will want to work with you... Problem solved.

**TheBigYinJames** · 27 October 2008, 14:47

Originally posted by Ravello View Post

Alternatively, refer both agencies to this thread: http://forums.contractoruk.com/accou...p-welcome.html and the likelihood is that neither of them will want to work with you... Problem solved.

Hah good call, didn't realise this was THE shanti who's back got stabbed by some agent doing his job (AKA the Shanti Virus)

**DS23** · 27 October 2008, 15:06

Originally posted by Ravello View Post

Alternatively, refer both agencies to this thread: http://forums.contractoruk.com/accou...p-welcome.html and the likelihood is that neither of them will want to work with you... Problem solved.

**pmeswani** · 27 October 2008, 15:57

Originally posted by DS23 View Post

So the answer to this problem is to take both agencies to court for misrepresentation.

**TykeMerc** · 27 October 2008, 16:46

Or to organise a massive party at Shanti's gaff so that Agencies A and B can attend to decide who owns him.

I'll bring a couple of bottles of Pinot Grigiot as a starter, chilled of course.

**pmeswani** · 27 October 2008, 16:52

Originally posted by TykeMerc View Post

Or to organise a massive party at Shanti's gaff so that Agencies A and B can attend to decide who owns him.

I'll bring a couple of bottles of Pinot Grigiot as a starter, chilled of course.

Don't forget the spiritual journey of those bottles.

Feedback Welcome: 2 Agencies, 1 Contractor