Agents

[Chaffinch]

I've read a few comments about dodgy Agents - when Agents ask questions about who's hiring, etc.

I just wondered why scratching the back of an Agent by offering this info was as bad thing - surely you would earn some credit with said agent for the future?

[Old Greg]

I've read a few comments about dodgy Agents - when Agents ask questions about who's hiring, etc.

I just wondered why scratching the back of an Agent by offering this info was as bad thing - surely you would earn some credit with said agent for the future?

[Chaffinch]

(Maybe I should add I've only been contracting for six months !)

[northernladuk]

I love this smilie..

but anyway.. people have differing opinions about the agents. Some are quite happy with the way they work, understand why and know how to deal with them, others see them as just a necessary evil and then down at the bottom end are those that see them as slimey toads that can't be trusted, which is more an indication on the person with that opinion than agents IMO.. but anyway...

It's up to you how you deal with them. I for one am quite happy to let them to try the odd tactic on me as, on the whole, I know what they are doing and why so can play the game to suit myself.

I wouldn't however be giving them any info in the hope you can make a friend. One thing they are at the end of the day is a salesman farming roles out. Trying to get in with them in the hope they get you a role is akin to farting in a force 10 gale IMO. If they have a role that you would fit they will come find you, if they don't they will forget who you are. It's how it works.

Some more specialist ones might be different but generally they are not. You make him happy by fulfilling a contract, making his margin and not bothering him while doing so. The rest I don't think he will care about.

[alreadypacked]

I've read a few comments about dodgy Agents - when Agents ask questions about who's hiring, etc.

I just wondered why scratching the back of an Agent by offering this info was as bad thing - surely you would earn some credit with said agent for the future?

1. They will pester the person you gave to them and use your name. Client will not be asking you back.
2. Agents have the memory of a goldfish when is comes to returning favours, hell they will not even return your calls.

6 months, you have plenty of time to learn the hard way.

HTH

[Old Greg]

1. They will pester the person you gave to them and use your name. Client will not be asking you back.
2. Agents have the memory of a goldfish when is comes to returning favours, hell they will not even return your calls.

6 months, you have plenty of time to learn the hard way.

HTH

WSS. Forget about returning favours.

Remember that Stalin said, 'Gratitude is a disease of dogs.' Then decide for yourself whether agents have a better moral compass that Stalin.

[Chaffinch]

WSS. Forget about returning favours.

Remember that Stalin said, 'Gratitude is a disease of dogs.' Then decide for yourself whether agents have a better moral compass that Stalin.

I guess I'll just expect to learn a few lessons the hard way.

I also think that what goes around comes around - if an agent uses my name in the way suggested above then I would be well within my rights to cast a cloud over their professional reputation.

I've been lucky so far - I used to hire contractors in their dozens, so I've built up some good relationships with Agents - seeing it from the other side of the fence has given my a different outlook I suppose.

The agents I'm currently dealing with also know me and know the contacts I have - doubt they would take the risk of losing a valuable contact - could be wrong of course .....

[Arturo Bassick]

I guess I'll just expect to learn a few lessons the hard way.

I also think that what goes around comes around - if an agent uses my name in the way suggested above then I would be well within my rights to cast a cloud over their professional reputation.

I've been lucky so far - I used to hire contractors in their dozens, so I've built up some good relationships with Agents - seeing it from the other side of the fence has given my a different outlook I suppose.

The agents I'm currently dealing with also know me and know the contacts I have - doubt they would take the risk of losing a valuable contact - could be wrong of course .....

You may be batting under a false impression. In my experience the agent feels no real connection to the contractor except when he has them on placement. I have built relationships with a couple of agents, but it is not their job to push me as a candidate. If they have a role that fits then I would hope they will think of me, but if I do not appear on the first page when they search their database I may not.

I never give names and locations to agents who have not placed me. I usually tell them there was a non disclosure clause in my contract. I outright tell them to piss off when they ask about roles I am currently up for, at best I do the agent thing and give them a vague company profile and vague location.

[rd409]

I've read a few comments about dodgy Agents - when Agents ask questions about who's hiring, etc.

I just wondered why scratching the back of an Agent by offering this info was as bad thing - surely you would earn some credit with said agent for the future?

You're a sockie of TAV, and I claim my "Receive no fishing call for 6 months" card.

[Chaffinch]

You're a sockie of TAV, and I claim my "Receive no fishing call for 6 months" card.

I'm not a "sockie" of anyone - a mod will verify

I'm also not fishing, genuine question !