Why don't the agents reply? I mean come on ... !

[The Agents View]

Guys,

What does it means when an Agent calls you and says that he will be forwarding your resume to XYZ client? Is this for real?

In theory, they've put you forwards. Not always the case, but most of the time (far more often than some on here will have you believe)

He said he will charge me around £30 if the placement goes through.

Charge you? No no - nobody should be charging you anything - the umbrella takes a small charge for administering - maybe.

Also he says that I have to use one of the 14 umbrella companies, their agency authorize.

You can use your own limited company, or one of their brolly companies - 14 is a pretty long list. It's not strictly to the letter of the law to force people down this route, but legislation does mean that agencies have had to become more concious of who they do business with in the umbrella world. 14 should give you enough choice - and always ask if they bung the agents a backhander......

I kept saying ok. Seemed like another 'We will get back to you as soon as the client contacts and go away forever' thing

Possibly - but its like the lottery - you've gotta be in it to win it. The rule of more tickets = more chance just doesn't apply.

[neebz]

Thanx TAV.

I read that agents take %age of the rate/salary. Is this true or they have a fixed amount profit for a certain position?

[SueEllen]

Thanx TAV.

I read that agents take %age of the rate/salary. Is this true or they have a fixed amount profit for a certain position?

They take a percentage.

They only take a fixed amount if it's a permanent position. However even that can be a percentage of the salary.

[Saddo]

Just make sure they are timewasters before you're too firm - burnt bridges and all that.....

One way to spot the timewasters is if they ask for 2 references up front before you have been put forward. What that means is that the agent is fishing for leads to pester, and he most likely doesn't have a position to fill, so there is zero chance of you being put forward for the position.

[MrMark]

One way to spot the timewasters is if they ask for 2 references up front before you have been put forward. What that means is that the agent is fishing for leads to pester, and he most likely doesn't have a position to fill, so there is zero chance of you being put forward for the position.

Another big clue is when they ask "and how have you been finding the market?..."

[neebz]

Another big clue is when they ask "and how have you been finding the market?..."

really? what is that supposed to mean? I got that 100s times

[neebz]

They take a percentage.

They only take a fixed amount if it's a permanent position. However even that can be a percentage of the salary.

if thats the case then an agent will never ask me to reduce my rate ..correct?

And he will always try to get the guy with £300/day be successful over £150/day. True?

[SueEllen]

if thats the case then an agent will never ask me to reduce my rate ..correct?

And he will always try to get the guy with £300/day be successful over £150/day. True?

Depends on both the agent and the client involved.

[Aman]

Mr

really? what is that supposed to mean? I got that 100s times

If you are finding the market OK they'll ask what interviews you've had or where your CV has been forwarded to "so they don't duplicate effort"
If you are finding the market tough they'll ask what interviews you've had or where your CV has been forwarded to "so they don't duplicate effort"

[Saddo]

If you are finding the market OK they'll ask what interviews you've had or where your CV has been forwarded to "so they don't duplicate effort"
If you are finding the market tough they'll ask what interviews you've had or where your CV has been forwarded to "so they don't duplicate effort"

That's a question you have to be real careful about answering.

If you say that you haven't seen much coming your way (e.g. no interviews) that could give the impression that you can't be any good if other agencies haven't been putting you forward.

If you say you've had some interviews but they came to nothing the agent might infer that you are crap at doing interviews, so he doesn't want to put you forward to his prospects.

With the "duplicate effort" response I'm always very careful about not sharing information across agencies. I won't give out client names to callers. If they start the game of "I need to know so that I don't duplicate you" my response is "well you will be calling me before you put me forward, won't you? If so we'll have that conversation then".

Being seen not to share information works positively - the agent you won't give information to then trusts you if he does want to discuss a role with a company, knowing that you won't be giving it away to others. But if you are silly enough to give out detail about opportunities created by other agents he won't be wanting to tell you anything for fear of losing his gig to another agent.