Job applications: Online vs Agency Submission

[Clippy]

If applying for a permanent job, would you apply via an agency or directly to the company via their on line recruitment website?

I'd imagine both applications would route via Human Remains so however your CV is submitted wouldn't make a difference.

I wonder if direct submission would allow for more leverage when negotiating salary as there is no agency cut to pay.

[CheeseSlice]

I wonder if direct submission would allow for more leverage when negotiating salary as there is no agency cut to pay.

I would think they'd like that very much!

[northernladuk]

Oddly enough the last two permie roles with large companies I applied to directly passed me on to the agent who then handled it going forward anyway.

[Bexter]

I've often thought this myself, that it would be cheaper for them to take you direct. However in my experience, I don't think its that simple.

Having tried applications both ways, I have come to the conclusion that agents have a bit of an 'in' with clients and have the relationship to just call them up and push someone. Whereas with direct app, some HR don't have time to sift through all etc and just go with whatever agent has just told them is the perfect match.

Whilst its makes economical sense to go for direct applicants, I reckon in reality HR don't care so much for that and take the easy route.

I have applied for jobs online directly several times, in cases where I was certain I was 100% match, but never heard anything back. Whereas for the same company some time later, I was chased and chased by the same end client insisting I go in to see them cause I was perfect, when I was probably about 60%, but obviously the agent had convinced them!

[Fred Bloggs]

From what I have seen, company recuitment web pages all go into a big black hole somewhere.

[ibnul]

Dont forget the legal malarchi. If you apply direct the company has to keep track of your application, gender, experience , race, relation God knows what else a person can challange companies decission. If they go via agency, it is easier to blame the agent