Contracts ads with no rate - what do you do with them?

[TheFaQQer]

I usually apply. Then when they ask me about rate I ask what they are paying. They usually have an idea - they just don't like disclosing it on an advert.

Occasionally they say they want me to suggest a rate. Then whatever I want is too high so I walk.

This.

The agent will invariably come back with "well, the client is only paying £x00", and I reply "OK, thanks anyway."

[NibblyPig]

"What's the highest rate you're offering?"

[psychocandy]

I usually find an advert with no rate (or 'market rate') usually means a crap rate...

MArket rate = rate is so bad you'd be better off selling potatoes in the market.

[MrMarkyMark]

I have been on projects before, where different agents have been calling for what seems like the same role.
Rates varied widely and I accepted, through a well known financial recruiter, at the top of the scale.

While I was engaged there, I found that there were actually multiple roles, the same discipline.

The enagager had put the role through a number of different agencies, as he wanted 5 junior people and 2 senior.

He used different agencies for the junior and senior roles.
This explained to me the rate differential being offered, depending on the agency concerned.

[SueEllen]

Crap rates.

Always results in a "What is the minimum you would accept?" from agent. Which they will try and negotiate down.

Without a very detailed job description that allows me to price accordingly, I move on.

Not necessarily.

Though there are some particular agents from some agencies who repeatedly will phone you up with different roles with cr*p rates. I end up being increasingly rude to them before just blocking their agency phone number.

[BrilloPad]

I usually apply. Then when they ask me about rate I ask what they are paying. They usually have an idea - they just don't like disclosing it on an advert.

Occasionally they say they want me to suggest a rate. Then whatever I want is too high so I walk.

[clearedforlanding]

I understand by keeping the rate they are prepared to pay many clients/agents hope to find someone who asks for less than market rate or amount they are prepared to pay. How do you deal with that situations?
What do you do?
- disclose your rate expectations
- ignore them
- tell an agent that it's for him/her and the client to provide the rate - this way you are in better position to negotiate

Crap rates.

Always results in a "What is the minimum you would accept?" from agent. Which they will try and negotiate down.

Without a very detailed job description that allows me to price accordingly, I move on.

And remember, some agents will claim to put you forward at your "high" rate, asking you to sign a representation agreement and then not put you forward. They simply don't want you competing with the canditates they are putting forward that they will get a higher margin on.

[SlipTheJab]

I usually find an advert with no rate (or 'market rate') usually means a crap rate...

[Relaxed]

I understand by keeping the rate they are prepared to pay many clients/agents hope to find someone who asks for less than market rate or amount they are prepared to pay. How do you deal with that situations?
What do you do?
- disclose your rate expectations
- ignore them
- tell an agent that it's for him/her and the client to provide the rate - this way you are in better position to negotiate