How much do I tell recruitment agencies?

[BillHicksRIP]

If you're intending going after roles in larger companies, always ask the pimp if they are on the Preferred Supplier List for any clients discussed.

[KentPhilip]

I normally tell them I have a couple of interviews coming up - it incentivises them a little to get me an interview.

Also you don't want to appear to be failing to get a job, as they may infer from this that you're no good. So it helps to say you are getting interviews and won't be long on the market.

[jmo21]

I normally tell them I have a couple of interviews coming up - it incentivises them a little to get me an interview.

Also you don't want to appear to be failing to get a job, as they may infer from this that you're no good. So it helps to say you are getting interviews and won't be long on the market.

This is the problem for me.

Make myself sound a little popular, but not too popular.

You'll drive yourself crazy second guessing yourself like this and trying to out think a salesman whose angle is anyone's guess.

[TheFaQQer]

I normally tell them I have a couple of interviews coming up - it incentivises them a little to get me an interview.

Also you don't want to appear to be failing to get a job, as they may infer from this that you're no good. So it helps to say you are getting interviews and won't be long on the market.

That works well when you are getting interviews and aren't long on the market. If things go pear shaped, and you're still looking a few months down the line, you've implied that you interview lots but can't get the gig.

[garnet]

So I finally decided to quit my perm job for contracting.
I am getting these sort of questions for recruitment agencies:

Have you applied for any other roles?
How far are you down the process of applying for another role?

I understand they don't want to waste their time trying to get my role if I accept one elsewhere.
Equally I want to apply for lots of roles so I there is more chance I will get offered one and it's nice to have a choice.

I've had a couple of phone interviews but no face to face interviews as yet, but likely will have one soon.

So far I've been honest with the agencies, telling them I am applying for other positions. However as I get further down the application process, I'm worried I'll put off agencies from putting me forward for other positions if I remain being so honest.

Am I over thinking this? ( I am a newbie at contracting )

Mark

Hi
if you get called by them with specific role on mind, NEVER let them know if you are chasing other roles with other agents. The less they know on your plans besides that you are keen on the role they offer, the better for you.
Chase roles at the same time in parallel. This gives you more choices.
Choice is all...

[KentPhilip]

That works well when you are getting interviews and aren't long on the market. If things go pear shaped, and you're still looking a few months down the line, you've implied that you interview lots but can't get the gig.

I'll have forgotton that I said I was getting interviews, and they'll have probably forgotten as well. After a few months you're new meat to each other..

[AtW]

38/39

Even Tyson lost a few towards the end. ;-)

38 contracts?!?!? Do you work at King Cross or something??!?!

[No2politics]

I'm fairly certain the same thing happened to me as well! You have to be on your guard at all times. It's a shame because most recruiters probably don't do this, they genuinely want to schedule a call to you at the appropriate time.

If they ask you when do u finish, what do you guys do. I think I might start adding three months onto the end of every contract to avoid the situation u describe.

[northernladyuk]

38 contracts?!?!? Do you work at King Cross or something??!?!

It's more of a hobby for him nowadays.

[mudskipper]

It's more of a hobby for him nowadays.

He is a (very) soon to be married man.