Bypassing Agency to make contact with a client

[CUERVALE]

Just wondered what the forums thoughts were on this situation.
Applied for a role through an agency through jobserve, agent came straight back to me and said I looked very good for the role etc etc, also at that point let slip the name of the client.
Chased agent a couple of days later and they said that they wouldn't be putting my cv forward as in there opinion there were other candidates that were better placed.
I didn't sign any agreement with the agent, its all been verbal over the phone, apart from the agent sending me contact details for them by email.
Whats the situation now?? In my eyes the agent has effectively said they don't want to do business with me for this particular role, so am I in the clear to try and make contact with the client directly?? (I realise this could be a thankless task and client may not want to play ball directly, but may be worth an email and call).
What are your thoughts??

[Fred Bloggs]

What are your thoughts??

Move on to the next opportunity.

[Archangel]

Go for it, you have nothing to lose.

The client may not take contractors direct though.

[pmeswani]

Take a gamble

Put £1k on the 66-1 ranked outsider. Can't lose.

[jmo21]

worth a punt IMHO

the client *may* take the time to skim read your CV a little more closely than an agent keyword search, see something they like about you and ask you in for an interview

even if the client does not take you direct they could offer you the contract, and tell you to go with the same agency that rejected you, or another on their agency list, and that may give you a good negotiating position

there's a lot of maybes there, but why not?

[kemical]

Go for it and let us know how you get on.
You have to be in it to win it

[expat]

I didn't sign any agreement with the agent, its all been verbal over the phone, apart from the agent sending me contact details for them by email.
Whats the situation now?? In my eyes the agent has effectively said they don't want to do business with me for this particular role, so am I in the clear to try and make contact with the client directly??

Absolutely. I cannot think of any justification for an agent thinking they have the right to stop you going for a role at all.

[Sausage Surprise]

Only problem I can see is if the client has a preferred supplier, otherwise I'd take a punt at it.

[MaryPoppins]

Absolutely. I cannot think of any justification for an agent thinking they have the right to stop you going for a role at all.

And even if they do, they can instruct their PS to supply you. Agency can't do anything about it, even if they are in fact the PS.

[Flopsy]

It's well worth your time to do this. I've got jobs this way and been able to "face" the agency if needed.

It's a battle of wills and I found that all was "forgotten" once the clients had selected me for the job.