Large influx of bob agents?

[kempc23]

I ended my current contract in mid-December, and took a well earned three week break. I have been actively looking for a new role the last week or so, and it seems very quiet out there (as expected for January), but I have had several calls from a number of different bob agencies. I didnt realise such a thing existed!

I am struggling to understand the business model... are they offshoots of the big Indian consultancies? Do they offer clients a mix of onshore and offshore resources? Or do they simply provide recruitment services far cheaper than a UK based agent could?

I found all three of them that I spoke to (Silverlink, Damco and cant remember) extremely difficult to understand, and had to ask them to email me with details. One of them came out with a classic quote - "What is the maximum bottom line you will work for?"

Anyone else found this?

[vwdan]

No idea of their business model, but they're a total waste of time. I don't engage with them at all, now. Rates are always crap and requirements are always a joke.

[stek]

Hi Stek,
My self Nithilesh working as an Technical Recruiter with Avance
It is regarding an Job Opportunity
Job Role: Middleware Consultant
Location: East Croydon, UK
Job Type: Contract
Please contact me nithilesh .g @ avanceservises . uk or call me on +44-203-478-5323 EXT#: 553

Nithilesh .G
Technical Recruiter for UK process at AVANCE CONSULTING

Can't even spell 'services'.

And role spec fit's me none!

[FatLazyContractor]

I personally don't have a problem working with them if I am jobless and am biting deep into my warchest. As with any other agency/contract, the basic rules apply:

- Fully reviewed /agreed/ modified contract before signing.
- I found them slightly more money oriented than the rest. If you are lucky, you will get your rate. If you aren't comfortable haggling, steer clear.
- Contract must clearly reflect the ownership, Client POC etc. They Sub-contract jobs that are usually done by Bob software houses and expect you to be a slave for that company. The hours etc MUST be agreed and printed on metal.
- Weekend working arrangements MUST be agreed in advance if you are sub-contracting. I usually charge 1.5 * rate for Saturday and 2 * rate for Sunday with an agreed minimum number of hours. Learnt my lessons after burning my fingers Sub-contracting for a Bob Software house.
- yada yada

[DodgyAgent]

No idea of their business model, but they're a total waste of time. I don't engage with them at all, now. Rates are always crap and requirements are always a joke.

It just goes to show how brilliant we UK recruitment agents are

[vwdan]

It just goes to show how brilliant we UK recruitment agents are

Being marginally better than rubbish is no mark of greatness.

[DodgyAgent]

Can't even spell 'services'.

!

Spelt "screwthebastards"

[FatLazyContractor]

It just goes to show how brilliant we UK recruitment agents are

at what?

[DodgyAgent]

at what?

[FatLazyContractor]

It just goes to show how brilliant we UK recruitment agents are

On a more serious note, what do you agents think about the Bob agents in the market? Are they any competition? Or are they just vultures?