Reply to: Can you give me a list of all companies where you have been submitted?

[Eirikur]

Someone really wanted the OP to help with his PPI claim

[stek]

I was called Friday morning by 3 different agents regarding a newly just-released role and Wednesday morning as well. Within 2 hours... 3 calls from different agencies wanting to represent you to a specific company.

I'll be happy when I've signed my contract and can actually start a nice gig though.

Your mum left a lot of messages, maybe give her a call and make sure she's got your hot water bottle ready.

[ujjain]

I do find this 27 voicemails a tad unbelievable as well but I've never looked like a permie so could be the way for permie roles.

I've spoken to a number of agents over the last few months and asked why my phone has been so quiet and they told me they just don't need to bother calling anymore. They slap it on jobserve and then wade through all the responses. No need to go chasing people that are most likely to be in contract anyway.

It's a short term thing that will stop once your CV looks like a contractor. Grow some and see it through.

I was called Friday morning by 3 different agents regarding a newly just-released role and Wednesday morning as well. Within 2 hours... 3 calls from different agencies wanting to represent you to a specific company.

I'll be happy when I've signed my contract and can actually start a nice gig though.

[jjdarg]

I was asked this morning if I could tell them where I've been applying.

I laughed and asked him who his clients were...

"Oh, we've been very busy, too busy to take on new work..."

Yeah, right.

[northernladuk]

Wait until you have had two months on the bench and not a single call. You will be begging to be back in this position. Just be happy you get all these calls. You only need one and your are sorted. 1 gig out of 27 calls is a lot better than 0 for 0.

I do find this 27 voicemails a tad unbelievable as well but I've never looked like a permie so could be the way for permie roles. I've spoken to a number of agents over the last few months and asked why my phone has been so quiet and they told me they just don't need to bother calling anymore. They slap it on jobserve and then wade through all the responses. No need to go chasing people that are most likely to be in contract anyway.

It's a short term thing that will stop once your CV looks like a contractor. Grow some and see it through.

[PerfectStorm]

The bit that winds me up about the particular question of where you're applying to is when they use the "pally voice" to ask it... so you feel like a right nob declining (well, at first anyway).

Anyway I don't see why you shouldn't contract. Ignore naysayers on here, success doesn't always like company and feel free to ask any questions

[ujjain]

You stop being an <mod snip>, you've had your say in the last topic. I'll do fine as a contractor. I'm young, have no commitments and I've had 27 voicemails in the 4 hours Monday morning when putting my CV online. I might not commence a £500 day rate, but it's not about the money for me. I've always had multiple permie offers to choose from when changing jobs and having multiple interviews, I'm sure I'll be fine. Besides, I have a 2 week notice period in a permanent job and I can live 2 years on savings on my bank account, from selling my own company 3 years ago. If this contracting thing does not work out, my boss even said I could come back to my current job. So you stop invading my threads and being an <mod snip>.

[Pondlife]

STOP!

As mentioned in your previous thread. You are not cut out to be a contractor. Talk to your current boss about next year's plan and work out how to meet it.

Stop wasting time on here.

[tomtomagain]

It is "locked in" to the business process of most agencies.

Agencies have processes???

[DodgyAgent]

Because I don't want your CV to end up twice somebody. This must be a trick question to collect names of companies that are looking for people, right?

It is "locked in" to the business process of most agencies.

[DaveB]

Or ask them "Are you planning to submit my CV to clients without telling me? If so, I don't want to deal with you, otherwise tell me the client and I'll tell you if I have already been put forward."

[FatLazyContractor]

Because I don't want your CV to end up twice somebody. This must be a trick question to collect names of companies that are looking for people, right?

Jokes aside, a simple response could be:

- It is my company's policy not to reveal any information about my clients ... yada yada. Tell me who your client is and I will confirm whether I have been submitted or not.

[Sausage Surprise]

Just bear in mind some clients do require references as part of the SLA with the agent so learn when it is appropriate for them to ask and how to respond. A straight 'F off' is not always the correct response.

Works for me

[ujjain]

Thanks, it's appreciated!

[northernladuk]

There is a sticky thread covering all of this kind of marlarky so you could with having a read through some of the posts...

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...eferences.html

I hope I am not too rude in mentioning this but I haven't heard of someone coming out with such a bold request before so can't help thinking your interaction with these guys maybe making you look a bit wet behind the ears hence them trying this on. I could be wrong and it's just one idiot who asks everyone this but I do believe if you give the impression you know what you are doing the agents won't treat you like a soft touch. Having the right attitude with them helps bat off a lot of the stupid tricks they pull like this one and also screwing you on rate. If they smell a sucker they will offer a rate well below what they would pay and pocket the rest. I have no doubt they will still try it on with anyone but more so if they think they can pull the wool over your eyes.

Remember you are doing them a service as much as they are doing you a service and don't take any crap. They are not gods or in charge of anything so don't need to pay them too much lip service or roll over. Maybe something that will come with experience but be aware of it from day one.

Oh yeah and be aware of the Opt In/Opt Out situation. They do legitimately have to ask for references at the right part of the process depending on your status but be aware this isn't right at the beginning of your engagement.

Long thread on Opt In/Opt out below

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...-2003-act.html

Just bear in mind some clients do require references as part of the SLA with the agent so learn when it is appropriate for them to ask and how to respond. A straight 'F off' is not always the correct response.