Agencies!! Thy will be undone!!

[threaded]

But surely on people4business, they *can* check for the contractors' price, availability and skills? Isn't that the whole point?

You miss the point most aptly summed up by the joke "Human Remains". HR people are without doubt the laziest of lazy permies. They need to be told who to employ, and agencies do this for them.

[errorista]

More and more clients are capturing CV's via their own website. Most have a 'jobs' or 'careers' link or are installing one.

Agencies will have to change and become 'recruitment consultancies' if they are to compete.



error

[DodgyAgent]

But surely on people4business, they *can* check for the contractors' price, availability and skills? Isn't that the whole point?

I know that I am leaving myself open to "he would say that would'nt he" but this basic information on the CV is only a starting point of the process of placing a contractor. For instance what happens if the contractor is up for 3 jobs at once and is keeping his/her cards close to the "chest"? Simply writing the skills on the CV is not enough, few people write perfect CVs. How can the contractor truly test the validity of the clients requirement without speaking to the line manager at a fairly early stage.

I know that agencies are a pretty dodgy bunch but at least they are predictable and live by the laws of the jungle. Someone has to do the time wasting stuff (from the point of view of the contractor and the client).

As I said earlier if you can come up with anlternative way of delivering a line manager say 6 Cvs of people who are keen on the job, whose (thanks Fleety ) skills match the job and who are likely to take the job should it be offered then you are part of the way to removing agents.

[DimPrawn]

I'm afraid Dodgy is right.

For most big corporates (and these are boys that need contractors and can afford them), the hiring process goes through purchasing and then HR and these parasite permies need someone to tell them who to hire.

Agents really don't add much value but for the thick, lazy, useless feckers in HR, they are essential to the process.

I'm surprised HR even have the ability to talk to an agent or answer a phone.

[colart]

Jungle survival tips?

I know that agencies are a pretty dodgy bunch but at least they are predictable and live by the laws of the jungle.

What would be your top 5 survival tips in this "jungle"?

[Denny]

If you fail to understand the basic dynamics of the agency system

Patronising.

Those who swing the first punch and the ones reacting emotionally.

I think most of us know all too well what the dynamics of the 'agency' (actually, it's the EB) system is. That's why you're so keen to come lurking on here just to keep a check on whether we're signalling to plan an anti-EB revolution on the scale of the Gunpowder Plot.

Now run back to REC or ATSCO or whatever toady trade organisation you're affiliated with and snitch on us your usual weekly update, there's a good boy!

[DodgyAgent]

Patronising.

Those who swing the first punch and the ones reacting emotionally.

I think most of us know all too well what the dynamics of the 'agency' (actually, it's the EB) system is. That's why you're so keen to come lurking on here just to keep a check on whether we're signalling to plan an anti-EB revolution on the scale of the Gunpowder Plot.

Now run back to REC or ATSCO or whatever toady trade organisation you're affiliated with and snitch on us your usual weekly update, there's a good boy!

And how is your little campaign to change the name "agency" going?

[DodgyAgent]

Patronising.

Those who swing the first punch and the ones reacting emotionally.

I think most of us know all too well what the dynamics of the 'agency' (actually, it's the EB) system is. That's why you're so keen to come lurking on here just to keep a check on whether we're signalling to plan an anti-EB revolution on the scale of the Gunpowder Plot.

Now run back to REC or ATSCO or whatever toady trade organisation you're affiliated with and snitch on us your usual weekly update, there's a good boy!

One tip only.

Dont believe anything unless you have checked it or you have it in writing signed by a company director.

EG if your contract is "in the post" call the client to make sure there is indeed a contract.

[Fleetwood]

The three biggest lies

a) Of course I love you.
b) The cheque/contract's* in the post.
c) I promise not to come in your mouth.

(*Delete as appropriate)

[ratewhore]

Thanx for the info... Those sites are definitely going on my favourites list.

Maybe we need a phased approach...

Phase 1 : Sort the wheat from chaff
An unofficial agency review or rating site really be a handy first step. Then at least we can aviod the blatant sharks. The ratings should be on contract given criteria (not self promoting rubbish)... such as: contactability, responsiveness, courtesy, value for money...

Phase 2: Educate the employers.
Mobilise the might of the contractor population to help reveal the true nature of the pimp.

Phase 3: Promote and reward direct engagements
Testimonials, word-of-mouth,

Sorry - that's all a crock of bollox. Rate a fecking agency? Do a trawl of the posts here and you'll see everyones experience of agencies is different.

You don't have to create a new system just work the one you've got. Act like a business in your dealings and skill up so you have something someone wants to buy. Don't be a pseudo-permie and cry because an agent isn't handing you a gig on a plate...

...and if you hate pimps that much, go direct yourself!!