How much do I tell recruitment agencies?

**AtW** · 23 July 2013, 22:18

One application - one contract offer.

That's the MarillionFan way.

**thunderlizard** · 23 July 2013, 22:36

I think this is a rare case where you can benefit from being honest. If they know that their contract is your only iron in the fire, then they might invest a bit more effort into making your application a quality one, knowing they are more likely to get it. But if you are weighing up several offers, then if they know that, they will be inclined to hurry up the client, which is probably what you want even if it risks scaring them off.

If you're not sure, "yes, a couple of things but I don't have high hopes" is a good default answer.

**Wanderer** · 23 July 2013, 23:30

Originally posted by Angrybunny View Post

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.

The reason they ask is because they are fishing for leads and if they find out who else is recruiting they will be straight in there trying to get one of their own people into the job. Do not trust them further than you can spit. Make up some cover story about why you haven't applied for any roles. I normally tell them that I've been taking a break from work and they are the first agency I've spoken to - makes them feel all special.

**MarillionFan** · 24 July 2013, 00:11

Originally posted by AtW View Post

One application - one contract offer.

That's the MarillionFan way.

38/39

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

**eek** · 24 July 2013, 01:43

Originally posted by MarillionFan View Post

38/39

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

Is that why you went permie.

**Old Greg** · 24 July 2013, 06:38

I say, 'I have made other applications but I don't currently have any CVs in front of clients.'

**mudskipper** · 24 July 2013, 07:28

It's when they ask you where you interviewed and what the name of the person you saw is that you need to be a little coy.

**eek** · 24 July 2013, 07:43

Originally posted by mudskipper View Post

It's when they ask you where you interviewed and what the name of the person you saw is that you need to be a little coy.

Why? If I didn't get the job and I like the agent (its a rarity but there are 3 or so I like dealing with) I'm happy to give them other companies who employ contractors.

**DS23** · 24 July 2013, 07:59

[QUOTE=Wanderer;1779759]The reason they ask is because they are fishing for leads and if they find out who else is recruiting they will be straight in there trying to get one of their own people into the job. Do not trust them further than you can spit...QUOTE]

i once had a contract (direct to client) which was mostly wfh with occassional trips to clients hq abroad.

i was on my second trip out there and was working in the business hiring managers office and as we discussed solution options to a tricky business problem i spied on his filing cabinet a letter from an agent who knew about my status at said client. (converstaions with the agent had been about how i was, what i was up to, when i was due to end at the client, if there was likley to be an extension and what my rate would be for a new contract that they have in the pipeline)

the letter offered another contractor at a lower price than me for the remainder of the project time that i had told the agent i was on contract for.

this agent still calls me regularly (every quarter). in over 5 years of contact the agent has never, ever, offered an actual role to me. the calls are always fishing for my end date and extensions. the agent knows my rate and will simply try to replace me on my current role.

be careful out there.

How much do I tell recruitment agencies?