Any experiences with Hays IT?

[wicksy]

I'm about to quit my permie job and try to break into the world of contracting (obviously subject to getting a decent contract before I hand in my notice!) Having read the threads on here about good / bad agencies I'm a bit wary about sending my CV out for fear of dodgy agents just sending it out left, right and centre for unsuitable jobs without talking to me first.

I've got a mate who works as an agent for Hays (though not the IT section) and he reckons it's worth giving them a go first. Obviously he's a bit biased (he wouldn't stitch me up though) but I just wondered if anyone had any good / bad experiences with Hays (or had any agencies they could recommend from personal experience). Or am I just being overly paranoid?!?

Cheers.

[JonnoWeb]

Only 2 experiences through Hays IT. First was working through them - I was in a contract and the clients PSL changed hence I was forced onto their books. Paid on time, but no contact with agent (maybe a good thing). This was around 3/4 years ago.

Recently applied for a contract through them, and found them wanting somewhat - no feedback etc when client had clearly filled the role (why can agents not just tell us when this happens - we are big boys and girls and can take rejection).

I also have a good friend who works for their finance recruitment division, and it sounds like the industry as a whole works very differently.

[Joe Black.]

yeah me and my boyfriend both go through HAYsIT. They are pretty professional.

[dmini]

You would be forced to use either a limited company, or one of their PSL umbrella companies. Check you are happy with their options

[Lord]

I went through Hays, they paid ahead of time, just a few days after sending the invoice, what more can you want.

Agents are all about the same in their attitude, so as long as the agency pays then that is what matters to me.

[Mordac]

I went through Hays, they paid ahead of time, just a few days after sending the invoice, what more can you want.

Agents are all about the same in their attitude, so as long as the agency pays then that is what matters to me.

Oh dear, so much to learn. Where does one start? Did they stiff you on the rate? did they spam your references? did they put you forward for roles and never get back to you? do they have IR35-friendly contracts? are they willing to alter their standard contracts if requested? do they try and push dodgy umbrella companies? do they trawl for CVs? do they alter your CV and misrepresent your skills?

Anyone else want to add any more?

[expat]

Oh dear, so much to learn. Where does one start? Did they stiff you on the rate? did they spam your references? did they put you forward for roles and never get back to you? do they have IR35-friendly contracts? are they willing to alter their standard contracts if requested? do they try and push dodgy umbrella companies? do they trawl for CVs? do they alter your CV and misrepresent your skills?

Anyone else want to add any more?

Do they pretend to put you forward but not do it? Do they give you and the client different stories (about rates, conditions, skills, expectations, contract length...)? do they treat you like an employee? Do they expect you to pretend to the client that you're their employee?

More...?

[Pondlife]

Do they say that you can't work for any of their clients ever again, anywhere in the world, in any capacity without paying them 'compensation'?

More ....?

[wicksy]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone.

Pondlife, expat and Mordac - are the questions you've posed related just to Hays or are they more of a general rant against agents?

[Pondlife]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone.

Pondlife, expat and Mordac - are the questions you've posed related just to Hays or are they more of a general rant against agents?

General rant really - I'm sure there's a hooker with a heart of gold out there somewhere.