Reply to: honesty to agents

[AZZIK]

Trying to say 'feck off' politely is like trying to pick up a turd by the clean end. Don't bother.

HTH

LOL - excellent way of putting it!

[scooterscot]

No tell them you just got off the phone with AN other client and they would like an answer by this afternoon...

[el duder]

morning all,

ok i have a question: how honest should i be to agents when they ask me do i have any interviews lined up. Do i tell them i have when i havent, do i tell them i havent when i have???

Different people have advised me different things so ur input will help.

Cheers

Always tell them that you have had a few enquiries and you are keeping your options open.

[young veteran]

oh ok still tryin to get that first gig

[scooterscot]

That would be the clients I previously worked for via an agent

[young veteran]

what companies hire direct?

[cykophysh39]

Name, Rank, Company number, skills only!!

[scooterscot]

Don't bother straight to the client when possible,

[Burdock]

if they strap electrodes to your plums, then talk...

otherwise keep schtum. that's what i always do.

[TheFaQQer]

If they really push, I always say something like "it's a government organization that I can't disclose".

Always tell them if you have something in the pipeline. Always tell them that you do, even if you don't - if they genuinely think you've got a chance, and you may have something else coming soon, they may try and push the client for an earlier interview / decision.

[timh]

It's all a game.. Everyone in it knows the rules, after the first few plays.

Some people are better at it than others.

[shoes]

I wonder sometimes if agents know that we know why they are saying what they are saying, and when we respond with the kind of responses they would expect from someone who doesn't know why they are saying what they are saying that they think that these responses are because 'haha the contractor fell for it' or 'hmm he is just playing the game in the way I expect it to be played'. I expect they just don't know.

I know I don't.

[tino]

If they ask and you don't want to lie, just tell them that you have the potential to extend your current gig (obviously it cant be through them though )

[DodgyAgent]

morning all,

ok i have a question: how honest should i be to agents when they ask me do i have any interviews lined up. Do i tell them i have when i havent, do i tell them i havent when i have???

Different people have advised me different things so ur input will help.

Cheers

It is a good question. You dont want the agent to think that you have nothing else on the boil (they will assume you are cheap or not very good).
You need to play them, tell them that the job they have is the most interesting one of the lot, be non specific in telling them where you are going to for other interviews or lie to them (it is not really any of their business, and they fishing for leads). No harm in making up the odd interview.

Treat em mean (ish) keep em keen

[Bluebird]

Name, Rank & Number - and not even the last 2 if you can get away with it.