Same contract advertised by multiple agencies

[MrMarkyMark]

I reply to all of them.
The first one to answer it's the one I get.

Anything wrong with is?

Yes, plenty.

Take one example.......

Sometimes, there may be a number of different roles going, at a client.
Some agencies will handle the, more, junior roles, the more prestigious(?!) agencies the more senior.

I had this before, the rates ranged from £350 to £600.
I went with the agency for the senior role and got it.

If I had applied to all the agencies no one would have known where I was pitching.
Was I "worth" £350 or the £600?

[BrilloPad]

I reply to all of them.
The first one to answer it's the one I get.

Anything wrong with is?

Suppose you get represented by more than one agency?

You are also encouraging agents to phone round saying "I know of a gig is coming out. If anyone else contacts you, tell them you are already represented"....

[seanraaron]

Not quite.

Don't mention PSL or anything until they have agreed to submit you and you HAVE to send an email confirming representation.

Some agencies do not request this at all and they do actually submit you. Other agencies ask you for everything and don't.

Very good point and one I forgot when I posted my "how to spot a dodgy agency" thread. Most of the agencies I dealt with in the run up to my first contract - including the one that got me it - asked for confirmation via email at every step of the transaction: CV submission, interview arranging, etc.

If nothing else it makes sure you've been as clear as you can so any confusion won't be down to your own omission.

@Bee: I suppose not, but you may not get the best rate or the best agency. In a service industry it probably pays to try to evaluate the service provider before committing. I may be overthinking it, but I wouldn't do business with bank based upon how short the teller queue is.

[SueEllen]

Thanks all for your replies, I think in future I'll apply to one or two of them and make sure I include reference to being on the PSL and an expiry on it.

As to which ones I apply to it will depend on the rate and the rep of the agencies involved

Not quite.

Don't mention PSL or anything until they have agreed to submit you and you HAVE to send an email confirming representation.

Some agencies do not request this at all and they do actually submit you. Other agencies ask you for everything and don't.

[Bee]

I reply to all of them.
The first one to answer it's the one I get.

Anything wrong with is?

[ajheywood]

Thanks all for your replies, I think in future I'll apply to one or two of them and make sure I include reference to being on the PSL and an expiry on it.

As to which ones I apply to it will depend on the rate and the rep of the agencies involved

[SueEllen]

With any government or defence role there is truthfully a number of agencies on the supplier list.

Just make sure the agency you choose you do not give exclusive rights to represent you, as if your CV is submitted for the majority of the roles they will need your NI number. This means if they can't enter your details another agency has submitted you.

[northernladuk]

FaQQer's advice sounds good. I wouldn't think that submitting your CV with multiple agencies for the same job would ever be a good idea.

When I got caught in this situation the agents started a bun fight on who had dibs so the client just cancelled the interview.

To the OP. This does get asked a lot so there are many threads all with the same advice. Have a dig through these to see if it will help. TFs post has nailed it though TBH

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=mu...obile&ie=UTF-8

[seanraaron]

FaQQer's advice sounds good. I wouldn't think that submitting your CV with multiple agencies for the same job would ever be a good idea.

[TheFaQQer]

Speak to the one advertising the highest rate, get them to confirm in writing that they are on the PSL. Tell them they can represent you on an exclusive basis for the next 36 hours, and if the CV has not been sent to the client by then, you'll look elsewhere.

[ajheywood]

Hi All,

I've seen this more recently with the market being a bit quieter but I have noticed a contract role will be advertised by an agent and then within a few hours several other agencies will advertise the same role (sometimes words re-arranged). In this situation would you:

1. Apply for the role with the first agency who advertised it assuming as they are first its legitimate?
2. Apply for the role with all of the agencies and when you speak with them ask if they are on the PSL to the client?
3. Something else entirely?

See these as some examples I've seen today:

Technical Architect - London - January-18-2016 (Ef8WP)
Technical Architect - Government Body - Public Sector - London - January-18-2016 (Ef8gh)
Technical Architect - City of London - January-18-2016 (Ef8pF)

I would welcome your thoughts on this subject.