I'm calling you recruiters out!

[DodgyAgent]

Of course I do this. But the charade is tedious. I apologise to one and all, I just had to vent.

Criticising agents is not the "shooting fish in the barrel" exercise it may seem on this site

[evilagent]

I strongly suspect recruiters will call strong candidates and say they are putting them forward for a role (and then not), just to reduce the competition for their preferred candidate.

The existing recruitment model works mainly in the favour of recruiters and I will be laughing uncontrollably when the sector is disrupted (which it will be).

Why would a recruiter not put forward the "preferred candidate" as well as the "strong candidate".

The ideal candidate is neither preferred, nor strong, but one that bills!
Better to have 2 good candidates, and get earning, from either, than play silly games, and reduce your chances.

Part of me is glad I don't have to put up with this ill-informed garbage, now that I am contracting.

[eek]

Why would a recruiter not put forward the "preferred candidate" as well as the "strong candidate".

The ideal candidate is neither preferred, nor strong, but one that bills!
Better to have 2 good candidates, and get earning, from either, than play silly games, and reduce your chances.

Part of me is glad I don't have to put up with this ill-informed garbage, now that I am contracting.

All of me wonders what drugs the op is currently on. I always think paranoia is one valid reason for not putting a person forward....

[original PM]

Just use as many pimps as you want to get your next gig.

The only interest they have in you is making money and so you should repay them with same - e.g. the only interest you have in them is them getting you the next roll.

Do not give a flying toot about anything else.

[wonderboy]

Why would a recruiter not put forward the "preferred candidate" as well as the "strong candidate".

Simple - because companies often limit the number of candidates an agency can forward. An agency forwards their permitted two candidates and then scorches the earth around by telling candidates that they have already been sent across.

...or because the "strong candidate" wants a rate that doesn't give the margin the recruiter wants (which is of course perfectly fine), but the recruiter doesn't want the candidate getting submitted via another recruiter who will accept the margin.