Reply to: A funny thing happened....

[Batcher]

In that case if they got as far as meeting you, its down to either what you look like or what you smell like.

You're welcome

Or both. My money is on the accumulator

[lukemg]

WHS - If contacted by another I just say look, I think softlad have put me in, can you check and if not you can do so....
Each time softlad HAD put me in but worth a check !

[northernladuk]

In that case if they got as far as meeting you, its down to either what you look like or what you smell like.

You're welcome

If it's not bad enough I get caught in the crossfire and lose a gig you guys pick on me as well <sniff>

[northernladuk]

I am having a dense moment, forgive me. I know exactly who the client is, they interviewed me. I've accepted their offer so I don't think it likely that I'll hear from Agency A again. Agency B did all the hard work, as it were.

I did indeed get the gig without hassle but it was a high risk strategy. And if there's anything we contractors are used to, it's taking risks. (Does that sound cool enough??)

Sorry I meant during initial contact with first agent. I've done this once with a finance client in the NW. Exact location gave the client away as I was aware of them already. Agent I don't know calls me about it, I do some digging and ask them to send me the spec. In the meantime I do a bit of sniffing. I did a bit of digging and found a bigger agency on the PSL I'd be happier with. Contacted them and they confirmed they had the gig so went with them. Nothing came of it TBH but hey ho.

[TheLordDave]

Client told me as I was in his reception by this point.

Why do agents do this, not only do you get discounted I expect the agency was removed from the supplier list. No one wins.

[v8gaz]

Client told me as I was in his reception by this point.

In that case if they got as far as meeting you, its down to either what you look like or what you smell like.

You're welcome

[TheLordDave]

I have had this for several roles, it's quite comedic. I even had computer futures tell me the client didn't want to interview me for a role that I had already interviewed for with a competitor been offered and was due to start. I think the best bet is agree for them to represent you for a period of days, if another agent calls then 9/10 they can check with the client to see if you have actually been submitted by agency a.

[SlipTheJab]

I am having a dense moment, forgive me. I know exactly who the client is, they interviewed me. I've accepted their offer so I don't think it likely that I'll hear from Agency A again. Agency B did all the hard work, as it were.

I did indeed get the gig without hassle but it was a high risk strategy. And if there's anything we contractors are used to, it's taking risks. (Does that sound cool enough??)

Simples, don't update your LinkedIn and brush off the agent if/when he calls (it's not like they don't know how that feels) for the next X months and all will be fine

[Elliegirl]

No it was at interview stage. B got in with first offer and just by chance A intervened while I was sat in the car park ready to go in.

Way out of this is to reply to A and say you agree to represent you for the next X number of days. After that its open season.

Also try and find out as much about the client as you can. Some are easily identifiable by their location and industry and then go investigate the agent situation. Doesn't always work but worth considering in situations like this.

Granted you got the gig without hassle in this instance but I still wouldn't go making a habit out it personally.

I am having a dense moment, forgive me. I know exactly who the client is, they interviewed me. I've accepted their offer so I don't think it likely that I'll hear from Agency A again. Agency B did all the hard work, as it were.

I did indeed get the gig without hassle but it was a high risk strategy. And if there's anything we contractors are used to, it's taking risks. (Does that sound cool enough??)

[northernladuk]

Some people really will believe anything they're told

Client told me as I was in his reception by this point.

[northernladuk]

But did A pop up once you had been made an offer? I know your usual position on this is to stick with the first Agency who put you forward, and I'd normally agree. I'm just intrigued by not knowing if you really have been put forward for a role. You only have the Agency's word that this is the case.

No it was at interview stage. B got in with first offer and just by chance A intervened while I was sat in the car park ready to go in.

Way out of this is to reply to A and say you agree to represent you for the next X number of days. After that its open season.

Also try and find out as much about the client as you can. Some are easily identifiable by their location and industry and then go investigate the agent situation. Doesn't always work but worth considering in situations like this.

Granted you got the gig without hassle in this instance but I still wouldn't go making a habit out it personally.

[TheFaQQer]

the client dropped me to avoid the hassle

Some people really will believe anything they're told

[Elliegirl]

this has been an on going topic of discussion about agents on here for years.

Then I'm sorry to have woken you up. The weekend is coming!

[Elliegirl]

You did get lucky. Same happened to me and A popped up again. A bun fight ensued as to who should rep me and the client dropped me to avoid the hassle. Been happening from the dawn of contracting and will do to its death.

But did A pop up once you had been made an offer? I know your usual position on this is to stick with the first Agency who put you forward, and I'd normally agree. I'm just intrigued by not knowing if you really have been put forward for a role. You only have the Agency's word that this is the case.

[northernladuk]

You did get lucky. Same happened to me and A popped up again. A bun fight ensued as to who should rep me and the client dropped me to avoid the hassle. Been happening from the dawn of contracting and will do to its death.