Unsure whether to believe agent about offer

[sandyh2001in]

Hello folks!
I interviewed telephonically for a role last Thursday, the interview went alright, no great shakes.
Friday evening, agent called to say they interviewed two people (including me) and they want to make an offer to me. They however need approval from US management so couldnt produce a contract until Friday next week.

This seems suspicious as I have never encountered this. Usually after an offer being made, the agent is all over you like a rash with paperwork flying about in a matter of hours. Nothing like that here.

Monday morning, I emailed agent to confirm over email that the offer was made, which he did.

I still am unsure of whats going on, especially as I have to let my current client know that I will not accept an extension (if its offered that is). Actually, thats another one doing my head in... its less than a month to contract end, and current client has not hinted anything if they will extend or not?

So basically tying myself into knots as the situation involves moving countries. (currently in BE and new offer in IE)


Have any of you had such trust issues with agents before. What could be going on, any thoughts?

[northernladuk]

This seems suspicious as I have never encountered this. Usually after an offer being made, the agent is all over you like a rash with paperwork flying about in a matter of hours. Nothing like that here.

I would argue that this isn't the usual at all. In most cases maybe but certainly not usual. There is another thread going at the moment and a few in the last week with no paperwork turning up that would go against what you think is usual.

I have to say if this uncertainty is doing your head in then are you sure you are COTBAC? It just seems par for the course for me and part of what we do.

The only things you need to know right now is you are in a gig that ends in less the month. You do not have an extension and you do not have a new gig to go to. That is closer to reality than the situation you paint.

Why would your current client hint if they are going to extend or not? You have told them you are not going to accept anything so what's the problem?

I think you are worrying about this far too much. Until a contract is in your hand and you are sitting at your desk assume you have nothing and continue to look. It could be the agent is stringing you along with a load of bollocks or he could have genuine issues with getting the contract. Either way the situation is exactly the same, you have nothing, keep looking.

[sandyh2001in]

I would argue that this isn't the usual at all. In most cases maybe but certainly not usual. There is another thread going at the moment and a few in the last week with no paperwork turning up that would go against what you think is usual.

I have to say if this uncertainty is doing your head in then are you sure you are COTBAC? It just seems par for the course for me and part of what we do.

The only things you need to know right now is you are in a gig that ends in less the month. You do not have an extension and you do not have a new gig to go to. That is closer to reality than the situation you paint.

Why would your current client hint if they are going to extend or not? You have told them you are not going to accept anything so what's the problem?

I think you are worrying about this far too much. Until a contract is in your hand and you are sitting at your desk assume you have nothing and continue to look. It could be the agent is stringing you along with a load of bollocks or he could have genuine issues with getting the contract. Either way the situation is exactly the same, you have nothing, keep looking.

To clarify,
I have not told current client that I wont renew (that depends on being certain that I have the new contract paperwork from new agency).

If this new offer turns out to be a dud, then I will not say anything to current client who may want to renew but just slow . (I have seen some internal budget documents with me lined up against a couple of projects till end of year, so I believe they will want to renew).


Really, all I needed to ask was - has anyone waited a while after being offered verbally for paperwork to arrive. Will you put your current client on notice if all you had was a verbal offer from new client - is all Im asking.

[TheFaQQer]

This seems suspicious as I have never encountered this. Usually after an offer being made, the agent is all over you like a rash with paperwork flying about in a matter of hours. Nothing like that here.

They aren't making you an offer. What they are saying is that if certain conditions come true, then they will make you an offer. The offer that they make may, of course, be completely unacceptable to you.

Monday morning, I emailed agent to confirm over email that the offer was made, which he did.

If they have made you an offer, then they should have sent you some paperwork. Ask them for your start date - they will then clarify that they haven't actually made you an offer. They have indicated that all being well, an offer will be forthcoming, but that's no guarantee.

I still am unsure of whats going on, especially as I have to let my current client know that I will not accept an extension (if its offered that is). Actually, thats another one doing my head in... its less than a month to contract end, and current client has not hinted anything if they will extend or not?

If there is no contract on offer, then that makes everything much simpler. You could discuss with the current client about whether there will be an extension coming or not, which would help your situation. Remind them of your end date and ask who should you be handing over to.

Have any of you had such trust issues with agents before. What could be going on, any thoughts?

The agent may not know what is happening. The client may have made an offer to other people, and they are waiting for their decision before they let their 2nd choice know. The client may want to take multiple people on now having seen how good / not good the candidates are, so need higher-up approval. The person who interviewed you may have been sacked and they are looking to see what to do. The person who interviewed you may not have the relevant authority to approve the contract.

There are many, many possibilities. If you worry about dealing with them, then I'd suggest you consider contracting very carefully.

[TheFaQQer]

has anyone waited a while after being offered verbally for paperwork to arrive.

I'd bet almost everyone has.

Will you put your current client on notice if all you had was a verbal offer from new client

I wouldn't. But I don't look for other contracts while I'm already in one.

[SpontaneousOrder]

[QUOTE=sandyh2001in;1919544 Will you put your current client on notice if all you had was a verbal offer from new client - is all Im asking.[/QUOTE]

You don't need to as your current one is expiring anyway, and they haven't offered you an extension
*if* they offer you an extension, then you can say 'ok, I'll get back to you in a couple of days'. Until then you're aiming for an ulcer for no reason at all.