Better to be pragmatic?

[BolshieBastard]

In these challenging market conditions, is it better to be pragmatic rather than stand one's ground?

I mean jobs are few and far between with opportunities for interview seemingly even fewer.

So normally when agents ask for things like NI Number, low rate range, emphasise particular skills on your cv for the role etc etc, I normally say no can do.

But, there's a good chance if you dont do this now you'll miss the opportunity at hand, isnt there? OK some, probably most, are phishing trips but, its not worth being obstinate and missing out!?

[LegendsWear7]

You're telling it like it is .........

[jmo21]

To be honest, I decided that about 18 months ago

[NeverBeenNorthOfTheM25]

In these challenging market conditions, is it better to be pragmatic rather than stand one's ground?

I mean jobs are few and far between with opportunities for interview seemingly even fewer.

So normally when agents ask for things like NI Number, low rate range, emphasise particular skills on your cv for the role etc etc, I normally say no can do.

But, there's a good chance if you dont do this now you'll miss the opportunity at hand, isnt there? OK some, probably most, are phishing trips but, its not worth being obstinate and missing out!?

Id rather be employed than be on here all day moaning about being on the bench but having my 'pride' and not budging an inch for the agencies.

[Wanderer]

In these challenging market conditions, is it better to be pragmatic rather than stand one's ground?

I mean jobs are few and far between with opportunities for interview seemingly even fewer.

So normally when agents ask for things like NI Number, low rate range, emphasise particular skills on your cv for the role etc etc, I normally say no can do.

But, there's a good chance if you dont do this now you'll miss the opportunity at hand, isnt there? OK some, probably most, are phishing trips but, its not worth being obstinate and missing out!?

You might have to change your forum name then!

[BolshieBastard]

You might have to change your forum name then!

Nah, couldn't do that!

[HeadOfTesting]

I think it's sensible to continually reflect on whether you're striking the right balance.

For me there are things which I've always done but which some people refuse to do such as:

- accepting linkedin invites from agents
- attending pre-interviews at the agent's office

and so I don't need to change there.

But there are other things which I won't flex on, even in my 15th month on the bench such as:

- allowing my CV to go forward where I don't know who the client is
- giving 2 references up front

That said there are areas where I'm being a bit more flexible, most notably on CV tweaks. Since I've always applied for roles on the presumption that the job doesn't exist, I've never felt able to justify the effort of tailoring my CV to specific opportunities. Fundamentally I'm sticking with that policy but if an agent suggests specific changes based on insights they can provide then if I am satisfied that the role is real I'm willing to look at making those edits.

As ever it all comes down to your own personal circumstances.

[NeverBeenNorthOfTheM25]

But there are other things which I won't flex on, even in my 15th month on the bench

So hows that tactic of sticking to your guns working out for you then?

[HeadOfTesting]

So hows that tactic of sticking to your guns working out for you then?

yep

to be fair I've not been looking for a large part that and the war chest will last many years yet so I'm not fussed.

like i said it's all about circumstances - i don't need to flex on those points so i don't - others will be working within different paramters and that's fair enough

[norrahe]

So hows that tactic of sticking to your guns working out for you then?

Some of us are in the financial position of having contracted for quite a while and can pick and chose our gigs.

No need to be so rude or agressive.