2 Agents, 1 Interview, 1 Client.....Ugh!

[Farmer jones]

Hi all
I could do with a bit of advice from you seasoned contractors.....

I was approached by an agent (Agent 1) on 15 Jan 2009 about a role which was very well matched to my CV & Capabilities. I submitted my CV, and rate requirements on 16 Jan 2009. (I then didn't hear anything until tonight....but read on).

Then on 27 Jan 2009 I was approached by another agent (Agent 2) about the same role. I indicated that I had been put forward already, and declined to be represented by Agent 2.

Then on 4 Feb I was again approached by Agent 2 about an almost identical role at the same client. However, the Job Description (JD) that Agent 2 sent over on 4 Feb was different to the JD sent by Agent 1 on 16 Jan. On this basis I agreed to be represented by Agent 2 for the role. The client saw my CV late last week, and wanted me in for interview asap. I attended the interview today.

I have now had Agent 1 on the phone saying I am his contractor, and will be represented by Agency 1, for this role, Agent 2 sent the JD over for.

Now then, the JD Agent 2 sent over, appears to be different to the original JD Agent 1 sent over. However it appears to be very similar. I asked Agent 2 had I been put forward for the role, and they said that the client hadn't seen my CV up until they (Agent 2 ) submitted it.

The Client is as keen as mustard to get me on board, the rate is good, although lots of working away from home.

I don't want to get into a bun fight between the agents, as I view there antics as childish at best. Neither do I want to spook the client.

Do I ask the Clients HR to make a decision as to which agent ? Do I go with Agent 2, or back down to Agent 1 ?

Need a few quick answers on this one, as I reckon tomorrow will interesting.....

By the way, am getting lots of the usual dirty tricks from the Agents these days...just like the old days.

Thanks in Advance !

FJ

[virtualm]

Get the client name & a suitable email address, send your CV direct and tell them what the pimps are doing.

That's what I'm doing these days.....

[Farmer jones]

Already had the interview...client is very interested as I have some niche skills.

So, what do I do ?

The client won't go for me going direct, I'll have to go through an agent....so is it Agent 1 or 2 ?

Do understand that'll name & shame the scumbag agent.....

[s2budd]

This happened to me about 2002 ish time.
The end client asked me which agent I wanted to represent me, I said the first one who submitted my CV to you. I lost the gig due to issues between with the other agent and the end client.

I would still maintain that logic but I think that you need a bit of luck also.

Good luck.

[pmeswani]

Hi all
I could do with a bit of advice from you seasoned contractors.....

I was approached by an agent (Agent 1) on 15 Jan 2009 about a role which was very well matched to my CV & Capabilities. I submitted my CV, and rate requirements on 16 Jan 2009. (I then didn't hear anything until tonight....but read on).

Then on 27 Jan 2009 I was approached by another agent (Agent 2) about the same role. I indicated that I had been put forward already, and declined to be represented by Agent 2.

Then on 4 Feb I was again approached by Agent 2 about an almost identical role at the same client. However, the Job Description (JD) that Agent 2 sent over on 4 Feb was different to the JD sent by Agent 1 on 16 Jan. On this basis I agreed to be represented by Agent 2 for the role. The client saw my CV late last week, and wanted me in for interview asap. I attended the interview today.

I have now had Agent 1 on the phone saying I am his contractor, and will be represented by Agency 1, for this role, Agent 2 sent the JD over for.

Now then, the JD Agent 2 sent over, appears to be different to the original JD Agent 1 sent over. However it appears to be very similar. I asked Agent 2 had I been put forward for the role, and they said that the client hadn't seen my CV up until they (Agent 2 ) submitted it.

The Client is as keen as mustard to get me on board, the rate is good, although lots of working away from home.

I don't want to get into a bun fight between the agents, as I view there antics as childish at best. Neither do I want to spook the client.

Do I ask the Clients HR to make a decision as to which agent ? Do I go with Agent 2, or back down to Agent 1 ?

Need a few quick answers on this one, as I reckon tomorrow will interesting.....

By the way, am getting lots of the usual dirty tricks from the Agents these days...just like the old days.

Thanks in Advance !

FJ

It looks like you screwed up big time. However, you should stick to the agency who secured you the interview. If it becomes messy, ask agency one to prove that they sent your CV to the client and if they secured you the role. Also, did agency one have exclusivity over you being represented for all roles with the client? If not, they don't have a leg to stand on. Saying all that, be prepared to lose the role.

[BrilloPad]

Looks like agent 2 got you the interview. Hence you should stick with them.

If agent 1 gets funny then get the clientco HR involved.

[Farmer jones]

I 'm going toput a call in to the client's HR Dept (and maybe procurement) and ascertain who secured me the interview, and if Agent 1 actually sent my CV over at all (as I have my doubts).

We'll see what happens.

FJ

[expat]

It looks like you screwed up big time. However, you should stick to the agency who secured you the interview. If it becomes messy, ask agency one to prove that they sent your CV to the client and if they secured you the role. Also, did agency one have exclusivity over you being represented for all roles with the client? If not, they don't have a leg to stand on. Saying all that, be prepared to lose the role.

I don't agree that the OP screwed up. The OP has gone out of his way to do right, to the extent of risking losing the contract.

I do agree absolutely that Agent 2 got the contract, go with him.

1. If Agent 2 is telling the truth, that the client never saw the CV until he sent it, then one of 2 things is possible:
1a) It's a different contract from that of Agent 1. In that case, Agent 1 does not have priority.
Any suggestion (if it is his phrase rather than yours) that you are "his" contractor should lead to not using him again.
1b) It's the same contract as Agent 1 had (or maybe didn't have) but he has not put your CV forward to the client for it (possibly because he has another candidate that he'd get a bigger cut on).
In that case he is shafting you, and you should not use him again.

2. If Agent 2 is not telling the truth, and the client had seen your CV from Agent 1 already, then you might think that you would go with Agent 1, though personally I would say that the client decides. But it doesn't look like this was the case.

So Agent 1 doesn't have a leg to stand on. Firstly, the idea that you are "his contractor" is laughable, and if that's all he can come up with, it is certain that he doesn't have anything better to say.
Secondly, agents are always reminding us that they work for the client, since the client pays them. Well, now they can take that and shove it where the sun don't shine, because it is the client who decided, for whatever reason, to go via Agent 2.

You have done all that might be expected of you. Go with Agent 2. Agent 1 will rant but there is nothing he can do, and nothing that he has any right to do.

[Liability]

when I read the title of this I thought "2 girl 1 cup" is that wrong?

[NotAllThere]

...
1b) It's the same contract as Agent 1 had (or maybe didn't have) but he has not put your CV forward to the client for it (possibly because he has another candidate that he'd get a bigger cut on)...

That's what I'd put my money on.