What is it with clients/agents fannying around at the mo?

[DirtyDog]

No it's not. Informing the candidate that arrangements have changed or an interview cancelled is standard practice.

When I was looking for my first contract, some 7/8 years ago, I had an interview lined up for 2pm with a client. I asked the agent if they could change to earlier in the day so that I could drive down, interview, drive back without hitting rush hour. The agent said "I'll check to get a new time and ring you back with it - shouldn't be a problem".

I'm still waiting to find out the interview time

[alluvial]

I think many will argue that. If there is something in it for the agent he will call. If there isn't, he won't. Poor but common.

Not in my experience, which I'll add, is that common decency is more prevalent than rudeness.
Are you sure you're an IT contractor, you seem to meet some very rude types on a day to day basis.

[psychocandy]

[QUOTE=alluvial;1837266]Not in my experience, which I'll add, is that common decency is more prevalent than rudeness.
Are you sure you're an IT contractor, you seem to meet some very rude types on a day to day basis. [/QUOTE

Been in the game a while. Back in the 90s, agents were still agents and a lot acted accordingly. However, most were much better I'd say.

Also, in this instance mentioned, it appears to have been the client at fault. This rarely used to happen and most clients were fair to contractors.
Increasingly these days, a lot of clients seem to think its ok to bypass common decency and courtesy it seems where contractors are involved.

Not expecting a hug every morning from the client but don;t expect to be treated like tulipe either.

[northernladuk]

Not expecting a hug every morning from the client but don;t expect to be treated like tulipe either.

You hating clients, Masonryan hating agents... You two should have a night out

[psychocandy]

I'm sure its getting worse too....

I know a lot of you will say its part of the game but I still find it extremely discourteous. Appreciate that agents just aint got the time to phone everyone who sends in their CV but if I have an interview through them, I don't think its too much to expect a quick 30 sec call a few days later to say yay or nay.

But it rarely happens and agents will just not even bother to speak to you even if you make the effort to phone them. Some do I must admit but a lot just can't even be bothered.

Maybe I'm imagining a perfect world but its professional courtesy surely.

Also, maybe that's the way the market is these days but, if I see a role come up in the future and its advertised by two agencies, you can bet I won't be picking the one who I know won't phone me back. Just don't see how this makes business sense for them not spending 30 secs on a call to keep you happy rather than piss you off for any future work that might come in.

[DirtyDog]

I know a lot of you will say its part of the game but I still find it extremely discourteous. Appreciate that agents just aint got the time to phone everyone who sends in their CV but if I have an interview through them, I don't think its too much to expect a quick 30 sec call a few days later to say yay or nay.

It is part of the game.

It is also incredibly discourteous - if you have done the interview, just let me know. And don't keep going with htings like "they haven't made a decision..." or "they are just reviewing everything..." etc.

Also, maybe that's the way the market is these days but, if I see a role come up in the future and its advertised by two agencies, you can bet I won't be picking the one who I know won't phone me back. Just don't see how this makes business sense for them not spending 30 secs on a call to keep you happy rather than piss you off for any future work that might come in.

I concur - it's one of the little factors which I use to help decide between agencies.

[Manz]

At an interview, are they supposed to normally offer it to you in the room if you passed?

[DirtyDog]

At an interview, are they supposed to normally offer it to you in the room if you passed?

If they are in a position to offer you the role, then yes. If they aren't, then no.

[psychocandy]

It is part of the game.

It is also incredibly discourteous - if you have done the interview, just let me know. And don't keep going with htings like "they haven't made a decision..." or "they are just reviewing everything..." etc.


I concur - it's one of the little factors which I use to help decide between agencies.

Had it happen to me twice now in about 3 weeks. Latest one they phoned me back after the interview to tell me how keen the client was and they were expecting an offer in the next day and they'd definitely ring me in the next 24 hours.

Then, nothing. No response to emails, left voice mail, left messages with colleagues. Its obviously not gone the way they'd hoped but at least give me an update. Very rude indeed.

[psychocandy]

It is part of the game.

It is also incredibly discourteous - if you have done the interview, just let me know. And don't keep going with htings like "they haven't made a decision..." or "they are just reviewing everything..." etc.


I concur - it's one of the little factors which I use to help decide between agencies.

A pity because there are one or two out there who are very good. For the sake of a 30 sec call or email, it makes all the difference to me.