Reply to: Agents!! Why do they try this on every time?

[Sausage Surprise]

How did the negotiations go? Easy or hard?

Took 2 weeks but stood my ground and the contract duly arrived

[d000hg]

For those interested, I start the new gig tomorrow at the originally agreed rate

How did the negotiations go? Easy or hard?

[Fred Bloggs]

For those interested, I start the new gig tomorrow at the originally agreed rate

Well done.

[Sausage Surprise]

Good stuff, let us know how you get on.

For those interested, I start the new gig tomorrow at the originally agreed rate

[Wanderer]

First thing that annoys me is that im the back up so havent been offered the job so im the 2nd choice, plus I have been asked to take it for less which is a twist of the knife.

Don't take it all so personally for goodness sake! It's not like you've chatted up some totty but she's snogging some other bloke but she's telling you that you're in if she doesn't pull.

If and when they come back with a contract offer, a rate can be negotiated depending on the circumstances at that time. Don't make a one-sided committment that you'll come down to X per day because it limits your options going forward.

Understand that you are making an Invitation to treat not a binding offer at this stage.

[The Agents View]

In terms of being first choice - I wouldn't read too much into that if I were you. It might have been that you were the superior candidate, but more expensive and therefore seen as the "rolls royce option". Afterall, a Rolls Royce will do the same job as a BMW, just in a more expensive and refined fashion.

The issue is whether you are prepared to sell your Rolls Royce for the price of a beemer, or whether you are prepared to wait for someone who really needs a roller. I would suggest in this climate, buyers of rollers are few and far between - but what do I know? I'm just a pimp........

[pmeswani]

All good points guys, thanks. First thing that annoys me is that im the back up so havent been offered the job so im the 2nd choice, plus I have been asked to take it for less which is a twist of the knife. You guys are right I will wait when she comes back to me then I will be in a better position to stand my ground. whats the likelihood she is telling the truth?!

If she wants to make her commission, then there is every chance she will tell the truth. If she doesn't, well that's your guess.

[jig]

All good points guys, thanks. First thing that annoys me is that im the back up so havent been offered the job so im the 2nd choice, plus I have been asked to take it for less which is a twist of the knife. You guys are right I will wait when she comes back to me then I will be in a better position to stand my ground. whats the likelihood she is telling the truth?!

[pmeswani]

If the other guy does't take it "due to rate", why would that be a reason for you to take it at the rate that the other guy turned down?

Some people can survive on a lower rate than agreed before the interview. As we are in a recession, I am wondering if it is worth cutting the rate in order to get some form of work. But I see what you are saying.

[The Wikir Man]

If they were to fall through because of rate – would you consider 450 per day? (the other candidate may not take it due to rate)'

If the other candidate isn't interested at that rate, then why would you be? Tell the agency to keep you posted if the situation changes.

Then ask what rate the first choice guy was after - if it's reasonable then tell them you will go £5 a day under. Then leave it.

Start looking for something else, unless you are going to take £450 anyway - in which case you may as well take it now.

[expat]

Any a similar situation went for an interview, was put forward at £500 a day (which was £50 less then the rate I wanted) but accepted. Interview went well and was told they will be making a decision today and yesterday I got this emai from the agent...

'Just to keep you posted – positive feedback about you from XXX but they have put an offer out to someone at 450 per day – that person had a slightly more XXX focus – which is pending

If they were to fall through because of rate – would you consider 450 per day? (the other candidate may not take it due to rate)'

So now what? Do you think the agent is trying to squeeze or the client is?

Best approach in this situation? any suggestions?

Cheers
Jig

If the other guy does't take it "due to rate", why would that be a reason for you to take it at the rate that the other guy turned down?

[pmeswani]

Should I email the agent asking if I have been offered the job, think she hedging her bets, want the job what is the best way to proceed? play the waiting game?

How you play it is up to you, but as I suggested, you should stand your ground. If the agent is telling you to drop your rate to £450, they should have done it before they put you forward to the client. The chances are they are looking to cut your rate in order to increase their margins.

You will also have ask yourself if you are prepared to lose any chance of getting this role if you do stand your ground. If you do drop your rate, how far will you drop your rate before you say no to more rate cuts?

I wouldn't bother chasing them for the role to be honest. If you get it, they will contact you and make you a firm offer. If you don't get, you would be wasting your time and theirs by asking for an update. Move on and find another role.

[ratewhore]

Because they are ***** and this is how when the market is shyte, all \ most agencies report 'upturn in profits \ magnificent trading position' blah, blah, blah.

They are making too much money off our backs.

Bit harsh that. We're all in business to make money. Pimps will try in their own way, we contractors will try in our own way.

That's the way the world works...

[jig]

Should I email the agent asking if I have been offered the job, think she hedging her bets, want the job what is the best way to proceed? play the waiting game?

[jig]

Firstly, stand your ground. Tell the agent that you agreed £500 p/d, and that is the rate you are prepared to go in at.

If you have the client details, it may be worth contacting them apologising for not taking the role over the issue of rate.

thanks pmeswani. Ive just emailed agent back saying to call if the situation changes (ie the first person declines). I think I should wait and when she gets in touch play my cards, what do you think?