Contacting client

**Wilmslow** · 31 July 2009, 08:37

Originally posted by FiveTimes View Post

All,

I've just had 2 fairly lengthy interviews for a gig, things went really well. Client said they wanted me but I had to go permie straight away. The agent had put me forward for a 3 month contract then view to perm.

I've stuck to my guns and the client has decided to go with another guy who will go permie ASAP.

As I have the details of the hiring manager, would it be wrong to contact them some time in the future and make myself available again ? This would involve cutting out the agent

I'm starting to regret letting this juicy little number go now

Sounds like you really liked this job, and have lost it.

Personally I would have looked at the money on offer, balanced it against the role and satidfaction, and if needed asked for more permie money.

We are in a recession - not the time to be looking into contracts if a good permie role comes your way.

As somebody who does take on contract resource, there is no way I would be interested in coming back after already declining - consider that one very burnt bridge!

**ratewhore** · 31 July 2009, 08:46

Originally posted by Wilmslow View Post

Sounds like you really liked this job, and have lost it.

Personally I would have looked at the money on offer, balanced it against the role and satidfaction, and if needed asked for more permie money.

We are in a recession - not the time to be looking into contracts if a good permie role comes your way.

As somebody who does take on contract resource, there is no way I would be interested in coming back after already declining - consider that one very burnt bridge!

A classic example of not answering the question.

No, there's nothing wrong in you contacting the client in future. Screw the pimp, because they would screw you given the chance...

**The Agents View** · 31 July 2009, 09:36

Originally posted by ratewhore View Post

A classic example of not answering the question.

No, there's nothing wrong in you contacting the client in future. Screw the pimp, because they would screw you given the chance...

Depends on the relationship with the agent, and whether they'd consider re-approaching the subject with the client later down the line. If they're sensible they'd put in a call in about 6-8 weeks to make sure the other guy is working out, with the underlying agenda of drawing something additional out for you, or shoe-horning you in.

Personally I'd go down the route of working with the agent rather than stiffing him, unless he's a bit of a monkey recruiter, and was only interested in the quick buck. Of course it also depends on how good you think the agents relationship is with the client - could he even put that call in credibly?

If all else fails, simply call the client to find out how things are working out - is the guy they chose OK? is there anything you can do to support them, etc. Nothing to lose ultimately. You should probably be aware that the client will have a non engagement arrangement with the agency within the terms sent with the CV - it's possible that they'll get stung for engaging you if you cut them out, and they find out. Dis-regard what people say about that clause not being enforcable - it really really is (the confusion comes from the fact that its the client that pays, not the contractor).

HTH

TAV

**ChimpMaster** · 31 July 2009, 14:21

Just call the client now and tell them you would really like to go permie. It might not be too late after all.

**zamzummim** · 31 July 2009, 17:36

Originally posted by Wilmslow View Post

Sounds like you really liked this job, and have lost it.

Personally I would have looked at the money on offer, balanced it against the role and satidfaction, and if needed asked for more permie money.

We are in a recession - not the time to be looking into contracts if a good permie role comes your way.

As somebody who does take on contract resource, there is no way I would be interested in coming back after already declining - consider that one very burnt bridge!

Funny, I think its a bad time to go permie now, when the market is not at its best, employers take advantage and offer terrible salaries /packages for permies, and have plenty of applicants to choose from. OK , you think its the same for a contractor, however, as a contractor you may accept a lower rate temporarily, its a matter of few months before moving on, if they want to keep you, you can negotiate a higher rate. As a permie, if you go at a low salary, then you are stuck for a few years, its not easy or even possible to renegotiate the pay as a permie, it would be a matter of take it or leave it.

OP: once I turned down a role with a client, a year later I was looking for a contract, so I contacted that client directly, I reminded them that I already interviewed with them last year and am available again, to my surprise they called me for a chat (not full interview just an informal chat) and made me an offer!! so you never know, contact the client, they may have other positions etc, tell them how impressed you were and show them that you are really keen to start with them.

Mind you am a bit suspicious about them wanting contractor/permie, that does sound fishy, it sounds like they wanted the other guy to work at a permie rate and think they may dump him after a few months when they are done with him.

**oracleslave** · 31 July 2009, 17:57

Originally posted by The Agents View View Post

Depends on the relationship with the agent, and whether they'd consider re-approaching the subject with the client later down the line. If they're sensible they'd put in a call in about 6-8 weeks to make sure the other guy is working out, with the underlying agenda of drawing something additional out for you, or shoe-horning you in.

Personally I'd go down the route of working with the agent rather than stiffing him, unless he's a bit of a monkey recruiter, and was only interested in the quick buck. Of course it also depends on how good you think the agents relationship is with the client - could he even put that call in credibly?

If all else fails, simply call the client to find out how things are working out - is the guy they chose OK? is there anything you can do to support them, etc. Nothing to lose ultimately. You should probably be aware that the client will have a non engagement arrangement with the agency within the terms sent with the CV - it's possible that they'll get stung for engaging you if you cut them out, and they find out. Dis-regard what people say about that clause not being enforcable - it really really is (the confusion comes from the fact that its the client that pays, not the contractor).

HTH

TAV

Amongst loads of complete tripe you do occasionally post something approaching useful.

You're 1 up on me!

**The Agents View** · 1 August 2009, 22:15

Originally posted by oracleslave View Post

Amongst loads of complete tripe you do occasionally post something approaching useful.

You're 1 up on me!

Blimey..... thats the first time anyone has said anything to me that wasn't scathing.....

But then you live within 10 minutes of my house....so maybe you just know I'll hunt you down if you don't

**MPwannadecentincome** · 1 August 2009, 23:07

Originally posted by zamzummim View Post

Funny, I think its a bad time to go permie now, when the market is not at its best, employers take advantage and offer terrible salaries /packages for permies, and have plenty of applicants to choose from. OK , you think its the same for a contractor, however, as a contractor you may accept a lower rate temporarily, its a matter of few months before moving on, if they want to keep you, you can negotiate a higher rate. As a permie, if you go at a low salary, then you are stuck for a few years, its not easy or even possible to renegotiate the pay as a permie, it would be a matter of take it or leave it.

WHS - I'm an 'accidental contractor' having been made redundant just over a year ago - the only reason I am not looking for perm jobs is that the salaries on offer have gone down I would say 20% in some cases more. Mind you if I was a hiring manager in a growing company I would exploit this situation too.

**FiveTimes** · 2 August 2009, 09:32

Originally posted by TazMaN View Post

Just call the client now and tell them you would really like to go permie. It might not be too late after all.

I called the client end of play on Friday, thanked them for their time and said if I would be available if needed.

Contacting client