Reply to: Agents call

[Criticular]

Generally filter calls I don't recognise, although have been known to talk within earshot of whoever is sorting out a renewal if they aren't being quick enough!

Hm... Good idea

[SussexSeagull]

Generally filter calls I don't recognise, although have been known to talk within earshot of whoever is sorting out a renewal if they aren't being quick enough!

[psychocandy]

I never speak to agents in the client office in full view. I never answer calls from unknown number (which 99% of agents use) and let it go to voicemail.

If I'm actively looking I might go somewhere quiet and phone them back otherwise will wait until lunchtime/end of day.

Or I dont bother if Im mid-contract and not looking.

Emails - ignore the fishing ones but if its someone I know I will answer.

[worzelGummidge]

I ignore the phone unless it is a number that I know.

My current rate is always higher than it is.

If asked what my rate is, I ignore it and ask them what they are offering.

I have a answerphone message that says that I am available in .... CV available from ... email is ....

Easy.

[vwdan]

Am I the only one that doesn't get these volumes then? I still find it a tad hard to believe unless something is fundamentally wrong.

Nope - even when I'm deliberately fishing for a job (I.e., posting my CV and applying to ads etc) I'll only get 3 - 5 calls a day. Although they seem to come in clusters, when in contract I probably get 3 - 5 a week.

[FatLazyContractor]

When I was a new contractor I got 20 calls a day.

Didn't get so many emails as agents hadn't worked out how to spam people through email.

Didn't get any text messages because they hadn't worked out how to use their phones.

You attached your pic to your CV back then, didn't you?

[northernladuk]

When I was a new contractor I got 20 calls a day.

Didn't get so many emails as agents hadn't worked out how to spam people through email.

Didn't get any text messages because they hadn't worked out how to use their phones.

They had texts back then????

[SueEllen]

It appears so. I also feel vastly inferior to someone that gets 20 calls and 50 emails (*cough* bullshyt *cough*) a day.

When I was a new contractor I got 20 calls a day.

Didn't get so many emails as agents hadn't worked out how to spam people through email.

Didn't get any text messages because they hadn't worked out how to use their phones.

[Whorty]

Am I the only one that doesn't get these volumes then? I still find it a tad hard to believe unless something is fundamentally wrong.

I don't get them either I get 2 - 3 e-mails a day, but usually only calls from people I've spoken to before (thankfully) - but then I don't put my phone number on Linked-In so agents can't blindly call me

[AnotherGuy]

Yeah, I used to have that note in my CV about not calling me in working hours and use email instead. I don't think a single recruiter read that

So now I just don't include my phone number at all in any online CV, just my email. And I have my CV always hidden on websites unless I'm actively looking for a new role.

I got calls from old recruiter agencies from time to time that already have my phone, even with the CV hidden, but mostly I get emails, and I reply in case I'm interested in, to ask for more information before jumping to the phone.

Seems to work fine for me.

[northernladuk]

On the top of my CV: "Out of respect for my current employer/client I don't take calls during business hours, but please feel free to call me after 17:30. I do answer e-mails within 30 minutes and can step out quickly for a phone call if needed."

I had the same problem. Many agents calling for the same roles.

Sorry but that's just ridiculous.

[TheFaQQer]

On the top of my CV: "Out of respect for my current employer/client I don't take calls during business hours, but please feel free to call me after 17:30. I do answer e-mails within 30 minutes and can step out quickly for a phone call if needed."

I had the same problem. Many agents calling for the same roles.

You expect an agent to read, understand and bother?

How naive.

[ujjain]

On the top of my CV: "Out of respect for my current employer/client I don't take calls during business hours, but please feel free to call me after 17:30. I do answer e-mails within 30 minutes and can step out quickly for a phone call if needed."

I had the same problem. Many agents calling for the same roles.

[BolshieBastard]

90% of those who call probably do not care about rate, sometimes I think all they need is to check box that they have made 100 calls so their manager is happy.

If you make it known to agents you're charging the top quartile for your skillset, by default you will get less calls. Alternatively, if you have very generic skills you'll also get swamped.

[jmo21]

Well, I used to have a voicemail on my recruitment sim card but one third of agents are incapable of leaving their name and phone number properly, another one third are not available at the time I call them back, and the rest start asking the questions - who are you, when did I call you and can you read me your CV aloud over the phone.
So voicemail has no benefit in dealing with agents, they can only remember you if your CV is now on their table or if they are close to getting their commission.

That was more for personal calls I meant that

I find agents are perfectly able to leave messages IF they have a role. Time wasters don't usually bother