Newbie Needs Advice

**realityhack** · 7 March 2006, 00:48

I'm currently using Abraxas and have been for nearly a year now - I've no complaints and they're always very helpful. My only criticism is they don't keep in touch as often as I'd like - I take the initiative to call - but that may well be normal.

Good luck

**DirtyOldMan** · 7 March 2006, 01:37

**tim123** · 7 March 2006, 08:19

What is it you do.

I can recommend a couple of guys for Technical (what I call, non IT) work.

tim

**Mordac** · 7 March 2006, 09:20

I have to put in a good word for Sanderson here. I now have the rate I asked for, an outside IR35 contract (where I'm not mentioned by name anywhere), I was never asked for references, and they told me their margin (11%). I've never come across them until this current contract, but I have to say I'm rather impressed with them.
In answer to the OP, as a general rule I'd say as long as you avoid all the S3 crowd (Huxley, Futures, Progressive and a few others - have a look on the S3 specific thread) Computer People, and MSB (who were the original cowboys) then you ought to be OK.
Just follow the golden rules (keep your brain switched on and don't give out any unnecessary information) you should be OK. Remember, you are dealing with professional sales people, they are trained to extract information from you without you realising it.

**tim123** · 7 March 2006, 10:10

I've had a couple of approaches from Sanderson recently. The rates have been laughably low (even compared to the generally low rates that I'm finding in the UK for what I do).

I have concluded that either: the agent has ramped up the margin, or they are trying to buy a client by telling them that they can place people at lower rates than other agents are charging and hoping to find some mugs to go along with it.

I sent them away with a flee in their ear and I shan't be dealing with them until/unless they offer me the going rate for my skills.

What is this S3 company (I've heard of the individual parts but not the group)

**malvolio** · 7 March 2006, 10:28

Known Sanderson for years, they are small and efficient and honest. They also know their markets. If you're really getting grief with low rates then either your expectations are wrong or the agent is being "imaginative" with margins - if it's the latter, drop me a PM with some details and I'll have a word.

They are among the small number of good guys out there, but there's always exceptions!

**tim123** · 7 March 2006, 10:58

Rates, I'm looking for 40+ because that's what I'm on at the moment and what I was on when I left the UK in '99.

Most agents (including the ones that I trust) are suggesting that 35-38 is more achievable in the current UK market. Sanderson offered 25-30 for the two roles in question, this is someone having a larf.

I can't give you specific examples as I've been looking since before Xmas and I've made no attempt to keep them up to date with my job search.

I suspect that they are out of 'their market' with my type of work.

tim

**malvolio** · 7 March 2006, 11:07

London or South West? There's about a 20% differential there for a start. Why do you think I live in Somerset and work in London...?

**DodgyAgent** · 7 March 2006, 11:14

Originally posted by malvolio

London or South West? There's about a 20% differential there for a start. Why do you think I live in Somerset and work in London...?

So you wont find life intellectually challenging all week

Newbie Needs Advice