Speaking to the client directly, after the interview

[chris79]

If I have not got the job why dont they just say it in my face, all it would take them is just a minute.

meanwhile I will just shut up and wont bother the agent or the client again and continue refreshing Jobserve

Imagine you are an agent who has had 150 candidates apply for a job. Now out of those you put 8 forward, and 1 person gets the job.

Following this you have to call or email all of the 7 other candidates and ending up in a discussion with them about the ins/outs of why they didn't get the job.

Ignoring the other 7 makes you 7 times more productive (for this particular process), more money for your business, far less hassle.

Welcome to the slimy world of agency contracting.

[TykeMerc]

What they all said.

Most agents are just sales spivs who consider candidates to be a commodity and nothing more, if the answer is negative 1 in 10 might bother to let you know. They would far rather not spend the time on a dead prospect that won't result in a notch on their sales figures.

The Client engaged the Agencies specifically to avoid having to deal with CV's, candidates, contracts and payments directly, calling them will get you absolutely nowhere apart from in their bad books should they need another contractor in the future.

[OwlHoot]

My agent is avoiding me(nothing surprising there) after the interview. However, I want to know how I did in the interview.

Is it wrong or will it upset client if I speak to them direct for an interview feedback or result?

There should be a CUK FAQ, as this question is always being asked.

Agents hardly ever provide negative feedback, and there are several reasons:

1. The chosen candidate may pull out, and you may be second in line

2. If the client gave them positive feedback about you (without offering you the role) the agent would rather wait for something else to turn up which you may be suitable for and interested in (1 being a special case of this).

3. They don't want to waste time or their phone bill talking to you, or be the bearer of bad news.

(probably other reasons too)

[thunderlizard]

(probably other reasons too)

...one of the more polite ones being: agents as a breed are just unrealistically positive people. If they weren't, they'd never get through the day. Hence candidates and contracts are always "superb", interviews are "just a formality" and telling people they are rubbish isn't in their nature.

[BrilloPad]

Its very difficult as you dont have the job : but you want feedback on if/where you went wrong so you can improve!

If you go direct to the client and they thought you were good, but not for that role, then you have probably burnt your bridges for good. I would think it odd if someone went direct to me not via the agency : maybe it is just me?

Hence I would leave it.

[thunderlizard]

It's all in the execution. A phone call saying "why didn't you hire me?" will annoy them. A compliments slip through the post saying "Nice to meet you. If you have any further questions please feel free to call" won't.


Just think of all the sales approaches you probably turn down in an average week, without feeling any obligation to explain why.