On the bench

[Drewster]

It is likely that this quick poll will reveal a higher percentage of people looking!
A large proportion of those working are unlikely to be on the site.

Well.... that and the fact that none of the options are specifically "I am not on the bench"

But maybe I am being pedantic.........

[BrowneIssue]

I'm signed off sick for some weeks and ClientCo is recruiting my replacement.

Does that count as benched.

[Slumdog]

been trying to get off the bench for a month now. no joy from the pimps. CVs are being sent but no replies.

Are there (some)posts being advertised that dont actually exist?
Why are the pimps not replying in any way?
Should I be chasing them do you think?
How long after sending your CV do you think you should wait before calling your pimp?

[DocP]

Not sure

I'm not sure if this is typical. But I have been getting loads of calls from Agents. We discuss the role. The CV goes out and then nothing happens.

My gut feeling is that there is a lot of stuff on hold at the moment. It feels like the market is in terminal decline. Maybe that's just me?

[jimjamuk]

due to the lack of AndyW option and I have a contract I declare this poll null and void

[loubylou]

Been on the bench for a week, a couple of calls but nothing doing...

Been offered a permie role though and although I prefer contracting beginning to think I might have to take it.

[Pogle]

been trying to get off the bench for a month now. no joy from the pimps. CVs are being sent but no replies.

Are there (some)posts being advertised that dont actually exist?
Why are the pimps not replying in any way?
Should I be chasing them do you think?
How long after sending your CV do you think you should wait before calling your pimp?

I give them an hour

[Another Dodgy Agent]

Are there (some)posts being advertised that dont actually exist?

I wouldn't of thought so in this market. Most established agencies will be chock full of candidate's so unless the role is a niche skillset, for example Charles River, Hiportfolio, LatentZero etc. then the agent will utilise own database. Plus ad's cost money and I imagine some budgets at agencies have been slashed on advertising.

Why are the pimps not replying in any way?

Couple of factors - a) unprofessional, b) snowed under with applications (unless its niche), c) average agent attitude, no point getting in contact unless it is making me (agent) money

Should I be chasing them do you think?

Yes, create a spreadsheet (or similar) with the agent contact details, the role, when it was advertised/you applied for it and any reference supplied. Make this list your "chase list" and call either either once a day or once every two days (as suits you). As the roles turn into interviews or get closed down then close them on your list.

How long after sending your CV do you think you should wait before calling your pimp?

24 hours at the latest. TBH if you're a good match for the role, the agent should be calling YOU within an hour or so of receiving your CV.

Good Luck!

[tim123]

I wouldn't of thought so in this market. Most established agencies will be chock full of candidate's so unless the role is a niche skillset, for example Charles River, Hiportfolio, LatentZero etc. then the agent will utilise own database. Plus ad's cost money and I imagine some budgets at agencies have been slashed on advertising.
!

The trawling for CV's that I am seeing is not to get CVs of candidates to fill roles, but to get up to date CV's from people currently in work to find out which clients still have contractors in situ.

And yes, it's unprofessional, but when has that ever bothered an agent?

tim

[Slumdog]

cheers guys

looks like the pimps aren't even returning the calls. They did post a contract on one of the job websites advertising that they are paying 10p/h more than the current rates. Sounded too good to be true. perhaps just increasing their CV database.

Day trading it is then...