Pitching the rate

[BolshieBastard]

The agent called, and I wasn't really interested in this contract and fobbed him off. He had mentioned no specific rate. I Jobserve'd the role and several agencies were offerring the contract at £350/400 a day.

Agent calls back, so to put him off, I quote rate of £650. I still don't want the contract.

He goes to client, and 5 days later I think application is dead: good, just what I wanted.

Agent calls back today, he just won't stop trying to call me. I still don't want the contract, but am now in a hole that I have dug for myself. And I don't want to speak to him.

Something doesnt stack up here. You quoted £250 - £300 a day over the stated rate and you reckon the agent is pestering you go to interview? And you dont want the role?

Nah.

[TheFaQQer]

Sorry OC would love to do that, but in this case he wants me

Ah, so it's an inside IR35 role, then?

I'd add even more on, since if you can't have a right of substitution, then you will need to pay NI and PAYE as well.

[JimBobTwoTeeth]

First Ask...

1) What is the their budget for this role?
2) What would you recommend me going in at to get the job?

Then..

3) If (1) is acceptable say yes to (2).

Then...

4) Do Interview.
5) Ask Interviewer what their budget is.

If offered....

6) "Based on the job description from the interviewer I want £X" where x is within the budget.

At this point the agent is limited in his options to screw you & you should be within the client's tolerance. It can still go wrong but is less likely to as he wants to please the client.

It's a bit Sun Tzu.....don't choose to fight on the original ground but move to a position of strength.