Reply to: Being hounded by agents

[psychocandy]

They called a lot this week, 3 times on Thursday.


I had around ~10 voicemails from Indian recruiters from different companies Avance, Skillrecruit regarding a role in Northampton. I think 5 different people from Skillrecruit called me regarding that role, even though I have big font size 20 letters that I'm only looking for contracts in Central London. It does seem that some of these companies are outbound call centers trying to make as many calls and e-mails a day, all about quantity and no attention for quantity. It is somewhat a pain while finding a new contract, but it's part of the game.

Oh yes. Lots of agencies ignore the contract thing and just assume you're dying to do a perm role.

Part of the game though. Leave for voicemail. Log in at end of day and delete.

[ujjain]

They called a lot this week, 3 times on Thursday.


I had around ~10 voicemails from Indian recruiters from different companies Avance, Skillrecruit regarding a role in Northampton. I think 5 different people from Skillrecruit called me regarding that role, even though I have big font size 20 letters that I'm only looking for contracts in Central London. It does seem that some of these companies are outbound call centers trying to make as many calls and e-mails a day, all about quantity and no attention for quantity. It is somewhat a pain while finding a new contract, but it's part of the game.

[LondonManc]

All agents have mobile phones.

If your CV is good enough and you block private numbers they will call you from their mobile.

Especially if they have a contract that you'd genuinely consider looking at rather than laughing at.

[SueEllen]

Well I'm on my third contract in the last year with the disreputable Hays according to your theory I'd still be sat on the bench waiting for one of these reputable agents I hear you talk of? I hate that they use Private numbers but there are times when you need to answer those calls or reduce the number of agencies who can get hold of you. But have we not established that showing your number is not proof that you are a reputable company? Or displaying a UK number when you are calling from abroad?

All agents have mobile phones.

If your CV is good enough and you block private numbers they will call you from their mobile.

[psychocandy]

OP - not having a dig but whys it annoying at client site?

My phone (set to vibrate or silent) probably rings about 2/3 times per day minimum. I certainly dont answer it in client office. That would annoy people.

Also, even if Im looking for a new gig (mostly Im not) then I know 90% of the calls will be time wasting crap.

Voicemail matey. Check later, delete crap ones, call back ones you want to.

[NotAllThere]

... But have we not established that showing your number is not proof that you are a reputable company? Or displaying a UK number when you are calling from abroad?

That's well established, but irrelevant. If the number is withheld, I don't answer. It has never affected my ability to work. If you are known to agents and they think they can make money from you, they'll contact you. Even for those who don't withhold their number I don't always answer - most of the time I get an email a little time later beginning "couldn't get you on the phone..."

[kingmob]

No you don't. Most reputable (or the least disreputable) agencies don't withhold their numbers. If the number is unlisted it doesn't get through on my phone.

At least I could fix that for you!

Well I'm on my third contract in the last year with the disreputable Hays according to your theory I'd still be sat on the bench waiting for one of these reputable agents I hear you talk of? I hate that they use Private numbers but there are times when you need to answer those calls or reduce the number of agencies who can get hold of you. But have we not established that showing your number is not proof that you are a reputable company? Or displaying a UK number when you are calling from abroad?

[Bluenose]

Hi Unixman,

Looking at my email history I average about 1 email a month from these guys over the past 2-3 years.

Not excessive but I think I blocked their phone number ages ago as they just specialise in low paid contracts.

From what you have posted it looks like you do indeed have a problem with these guys, if spam and number block don't work out for you I would consider contacting their management team.

[Phil Rouge]

I get heaps of them from an 0203 number.

As soon as I hear the Indian voice it's a <click> from me, I'm afraid. Can't even be bothered with the polite "thanks but no thanks" spiel anymore.

They're getting almost as bad as Computer Futures....

[NotAllThere]

Often listed as Private number as are a lot of Agencies so if you are looking for a role you need to answer

No you don't. Most reputable (or the least disreputable) agencies don't withhold their numbers. If the number is unlisted it doesn't get through on my phone.

Yes, correction, it is "Avance". Explains why my initial search didn't return anything. I also managed to misspell "hounded" in the thread title.

At least I could fix that for you!

[unixman]

It's 'Avance' isn't it?

Pretty sure they're calling from India too via some sort of local number service.

I get loads too from them, can't understand a word, I usually wait until they mention Wipro and say no way, not working for that shower of shiite.....

Yes, correction, it is "Avance". Explains why my initial search didn't return anything. I also managed to misspell "hounded" in the thread title.

Yes, they have been outed before. Seaching these forums for avance (correct spelling) -> many hits about agencies to avoid, crappy contracts and worse. I feel happier about blocking them now.

[kingmob]

I hang up and block them. What's the fuss?

Often listed as Private number as are a lot of Agencies so if you are looking for a role you need to answer

though would be nice if they had an atlas/google maps - Welwyn Garden City isnt in Central London ffs!

[NotAllThere]

I hang up and block them. What's the fuss?

[northernladuk]

They've been outed on here as well.

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...numbers-3.html

[stek]

It's 'Avance' isn't it?

Pretty sure they're calling from India too via some sort of local number service.

I get loads too from them, can't understand a word, I usually wait until they mention Wipro and say no way, not working for that shower of shiite.....