"How are you finding the market?"

**HeadOfTesting** · 20 June 2009, 16:22

It's an invitation to you to acknowledge that you're finding the market tough so as to soften you up for any subsequent rate discussions that may arise.

All very tedious but part of the game.

HeadOfTesting

**Fred Bloggs** · 20 June 2009, 18:06

And if you say- "I'm having loads of inquiries" they'll then want to know where from, names etc...

**BolshieBastard** · 20 June 2009, 19:07

I just tell them Im not looking for work as my contract lasts to the new year then hang up on them.

**PM-Junkie** · 20 June 2009, 19:07

Originally posted by Fred Bloggs View Post

And if you say- "I'm having loads of inquiries" they'll then want to know where from, names etc...

...and you tell them in a round about way to get stuffed.

**Fred Bloggs** · 20 June 2009, 19:36

Originally posted by PM-Junkie View Post

...and you tell them in a round about way to get stuffed.

Yep

**nomadd** · 20 June 2009, 20:20

Originally posted by EddieNambulous View Post

I'm never quite sure how to respond to this one, when agents ask.

Is there an ulterior motive here?

Given the current recession, there are not a lot of opportunities out there so are they asking because they genuinely want another perspective on the market, or some other reason?

I sometimes get the feeling they are trying to find out how "in-demand" you are to confirm whether you are worth the effort.

I tell them: "I'm looking, but I'm in no panic. If you consult my CV, you'll notice my last contract went on for quite some time, and I've left enough money in the company account to keep me going for 2-3 years."

This way you are not shooting yourself in the foot - i.e. missing out on a decent contract they actually may have, but also getting rid of those agents who want you to discuss a job miles from home on a poor rate.

I've always found it a win-win reply. Mind you, it is actually true in my case!

Nomadd

**pzz76077** · 20 June 2009, 21:52

Im not finding the market any worse than it usually is - about the same number of contracts for skilled people, but a whole load of unskilled folk in the market that have no chance by all accounts.

PZZ

**EddieNambulous** · 20 June 2009, 22:21

Originally posted by HeadOfTesting View Post

It's an invitation to you to acknowledge that you're finding the market tough so as to soften you up for any subsequent rate discussions that may arise.

Hmmm...yeah....that certainly makes sense when I think about the discussions that have followed.

**EddieNambulous** · 20 June 2009, 22:37

Originally posted by pzz76077 View Post

Im not finding the market any worse than it usually is - about the same number of contracts for skilled people

So what are you skilled in?

"How are you finding the market?"