Meeting the agent before an interview?

**Dearnla** · 20 September 2011, 15:31

I've done a few face to face meetings with Agents. They're the ones I can still ring up years later, have some banter, give 'em an update and get them looking for me.

Works for me so don't knock it.

**craig1** · 20 September 2011, 15:36

First part, some agents like to meet up. I don't mind that, especially for sensitive roles involving board level or customer interaction where the agent is on a tough PSL, they don't want to send a simpering fool who hasn't had a wash or brushed their teeth since the 1990s who will damage their relationship with the client.

Second part, until you accept the contract you can do as you damn well see fit and reject it if you see fit. If their PSL agreement means they can only send one contractor for interview then that's not really your problem. Don't tell them that though, don't commit yourself on paper but also try not to dick them around too much.

**Rabotnik** · 20 September 2011, 15:41

Thanks guys, appreciate the feeback. Like I said, I'm new at this so I am trying to avoid getting messed about (like the "I need 2 references" trick).

**northernladuk** · 20 September 2011, 15:42

I would make sure there is a role first and he is being genuine. I fell for this looking for my first contract and went to meet a guy halfway down the M6. At the time I was bought in to his spiel about building a team for a client and wanted to speak to me to get an idea of my fit to this team yadda yadda. Unsurprisingly never heard from him again so now am very wary about generic meets.

If an interview is on the cards with a named client then yes I wouldn't mind meeting them but would just check it isn't a fishing trip first.

**MarillionFan** · 20 September 2011, 15:43

I last met an agent about 10 years ago. Never see them.

**Rabotnik** · 20 September 2011, 15:50

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

I would make sure there is a role first and he is being genuine. I fell for this looking for my first contract and went to meet a guy halfway down the M6. At the time I was bought in to his spiel about building a team for a client and wanted to speak to me to get an idea of my fit to this team yadda yadda. Unsurprisingly never heard from him again so now am very wary about generic meets.

If an interview is on the cards with a named client then yes I wouldn't mind meeting them but would just check it isn't a fishing trip first.

That's what I was worried about. He did name the client and specified where their office was, (which I checked) and he said he could even meet me on Friday before the interview he wanted to send me to on the same day. That seemed strange since the day of the interview is a bit late to decide he doesn't like the look of me. I told him my minimum rate (I usually try avoid this but they say they need to know what jobs I might be interested in) and surprise surprise it's the exact rate they are offering.

**Scrag Meister** · 20 September 2011, 15:51

Originally posted by Rabotnik View Post

I told him my minimum rate (I usually try avoid this but they say they need to know what jobs I might be interested in) and surprise surprise it's the exact rate they are offering.

Doh!!, should have gone higher.

Its a free coffee and unless you sign something there are no commitments.

Over my time, agents have.

1. Given me a diary. Pocket size not desk size, tight @rs3. £2.
2. Bought me lunch. £10.
3. 2 agents have met up prior to interview and bought a coffee. £2.50

So I think that tells you how tight they are considering that 2 of them(their employer) made over 13k per year out of my efforts.

**Rabotnik** · 20 September 2011, 16:06

Originally posted by Scrag Meister View Post

Doh!!, should have gone higher.

Its a free coffee and unless you sign something there are no commitments.

Over my time, agents have.

1. Given me a diary. Pocket size not desk size, tight @rs3. £2.
2. Bought me lunch. £10.
3. 2 agents have met up prior to interview and bought a coffee. £2.50

So I think that tells you how tight they are considering that 2 of them(their employer) made over 13k per year out of my efforts.

Very methodical of you keeping a record of those!

The other thing which is a bit annoying is I have to come all the way into London to meet this guy on my day off. If I don't get the role I will be making a furious thread in here, mark my words!

**JoJoGabor** · 20 September 2011, 16:14

Interesting, I had a similar call today with the same company. pulled the 2 references trick as we only put one candidate forward.

Are we going for the same role in NW London?

Meeting the agent before an interview?