Agents!! Why do they try this on every time?

[The Wikir Man]

If they were to fall through because of rate – would you consider 450 per day? (the other candidate may not take it due to rate)'

If the other candidate isn't interested at that rate, then why would you be? Tell the agency to keep you posted if the situation changes.

Then ask what rate the first choice guy was after - if it's reasonable then tell them you will go £5 a day under. Then leave it.

Start looking for something else, unless you are going to take £450 anyway - in which case you may as well take it now.

[pmeswani]

If the other guy does't take it "due to rate", why would that be a reason for you to take it at the rate that the other guy turned down?

Some people can survive on a lower rate than agreed before the interview. As we are in a recession, I am wondering if it is worth cutting the rate in order to get some form of work. But I see what you are saying.

[jig]

All good points guys, thanks. First thing that annoys me is that im the back up so havent been offered the job so im the 2nd choice, plus I have been asked to take it for less which is a twist of the knife. You guys are right I will wait when she comes back to me then I will be in a better position to stand my ground. whats the likelihood she is telling the truth?!

[pmeswani]

All good points guys, thanks. First thing that annoys me is that im the back up so havent been offered the job so im the 2nd choice, plus I have been asked to take it for less which is a twist of the knife. You guys are right I will wait when she comes back to me then I will be in a better position to stand my ground. whats the likelihood she is telling the truth?!

If she wants to make her commission, then there is every chance she will tell the truth. If she doesn't, well that's your guess.

[The Agents View]

In terms of being first choice - I wouldn't read too much into that if I were you. It might have been that you were the superior candidate, but more expensive and therefore seen as the "rolls royce option". Afterall, a Rolls Royce will do the same job as a BMW, just in a more expensive and refined fashion.

The issue is whether you are prepared to sell your Rolls Royce for the price of a beemer, or whether you are prepared to wait for someone who really needs a roller. I would suggest in this climate, buyers of rollers are few and far between - but what do I know? I'm just a pimp........

[Wanderer]

First thing that annoys me is that im the back up so havent been offered the job so im the 2nd choice, plus I have been asked to take it for less which is a twist of the knife.

Don't take it all so personally for goodness sake! It's not like you've chatted up some totty but she's snogging some other bloke but she's telling you that you're in if she doesn't pull.

If and when they come back with a contract offer, a rate can be negotiated depending on the circumstances at that time. Don't make a one-sided committment that you'll come down to X per day because it limits your options going forward.

Understand that you are making an Invitation to treat not a binding offer at this stage.

[Sausage Surprise]

Good stuff, let us know how you get on.

For those interested, I start the new gig tomorrow at the originally agreed rate

[Fred Bloggs]

For those interested, I start the new gig tomorrow at the originally agreed rate

Well done.

[d000hg]

For those interested, I start the new gig tomorrow at the originally agreed rate

How did the negotiations go? Easy or hard?

[Sausage Surprise]

How did the negotiations go? Easy or hard?

Took 2 weeks but stood my ground and the contract duly arrived