Applying for a job twice?

[Wanderer]

Is it bad to send my CV independently to Big Bank ?

Option A: The agency get your CV they MAY send it to the bank and the bank MAY look at it and if they like it they MAY be willing to enter into negotiations with the agency (most likely NOT on their PSL) who will want a fat cut of the money and they MAY come to some arrangement. You will be unaware of all this happening.

Option B: You send your CV to the bank directly then they WILL definately get it and quite likely take a few minutes to look at it too.

Which option do you choose? It's a no brainer to me. If the bank are advertising the job themselves then it's obvious that they are willing to deal direct so why on earth would you (or the bank) want to involve some random agency in the deal? What value do the agency add? None, they just take their cut out of the money that is available to pay the contractor. Cut the agency right out of the deal if at all possible by going direct.

Once you have an offer, you may find that the client requires that you work through an agency and they will have a preferred suppliers list (PSL) of agencies which take a minimal cut <10% in exchange for factoring your invoices and dealing with the contractual stuff and contractor management for them.

Say NOTHING to the agency if you get the gig. DON'T tell any agency where you are working or who you have applied to, it's none of their business and there is no point talking to them unless you are looking for work. If you want a job and they are offering a job then they are your bestest friends, other than that don't talk to them. If you tell the agency you applied to that you are working for the bank, (gone direct or through another agency) then you are going to cause a big tulip storm as they willl try and squeeze their bit of money out of they deal by claiming you were exclusive with them or some such nonsense.

[lukemg]

I have had this in the past and when a second agent has phoned I say look, I think another agency has sent in my details but I am not sure if they have, can you check ? Usually they then make a call to the client to enquire if I have been submitted and react accordingly (most times I had already been submitted, once I had not). This is more honest, has the same result and doesn't leave the agents in a mess/annoy the client.

[northernladuk]

You say the agent pushes you to let him be the sole representative but what else can you do? Unless it's a former client and you can skip the agent altogether where would there be a case for not agreeing to this?

I can't see that there is, you have to chose someone. It is an informal agreement though to cover the agents ass and if you break it all the agent can do is sulk alot and try and prove to the client he had rights on you. if the client does pick you he has to take it through that agent. I dunno if this has ever been done or how binding it is to be honest. All I would guess is that if you get in to a situation where two agents are fighting over you infront of a client it can't be that good for you.

[Funkywood]

Don't assume anything. Just keep applying until someone tells you otherwise. If the agents don't tell you the client (which they often don't) then how are you supposed to know it's the same role. Only comes a bit unstuck if one agent pushes you to let him be the sole representative. Then it becomes a bit messy applying to different agents.

You say the agent pushes you to let him be the sole representative but what else can you do? Unless it's a former client and you can skip the agent altogether where would there be a case for not agreeing to this?

[northernladuk]

Similar situation.

Job advertised today. My CV has been sent to the client by an agent.

Job is being advertised by other agents.

Do I assume that the agent is on the Preferred Supplier List & not apply twice.

Or

Do I assume that he is trying to blag his way in with my CV & apply through others?

Don't assume anything. Just keep applying until someone tells you otherwise. If the agents don't tell you the client (which they often don't) then how are you supposed to know it's the same role. Only comes a bit unstuck if one agent pushes you to let him be the sole representative. Then it becomes a bit messy applying to different agents.

[LegendsWear7]

... did you send anything to the agent saying you will use him as sole contact for that role? Depending on the wording it could get a bit sticky. I don't think the client will take you direct if you have applied via an agent.

At no time did we talk or email anything regarding exclusivity. [For a regular contract I would not consider applying by a second route.]

I don't begrudge the agency getting a fat fee (for the service of forwarding the requirement to a job site and then forwarding my submitted .doc profile to the client company), I just want to get an interview leading to job and if submitting direct to their HR monkeys gets more [positive] attention then I should do it. Urgh. I hate being on the bench.

Bit 50/50 on this one.

[Fat Dave]

Unless you are absolutely sure your cv has been sent, apply through the other agent as well. When I was an employer I was not in the least bothered by multiple applications. At the worst, one of the agents will get arsey with you - tough - that's life. Just say you didn't realise you were applying for the same gig twice.

[JimBobTwoTeeth]

Similar situation.

Job advertised today. My CV has been sent to the client by an agent.

Job is being advertised by other agents.

Do I assume that the agent is on the Preferred Supplier List & not apply twice.

Or

Do I assume that he is trying to blag his way in with my CV & apply through others?

[Fat Dave]

The job is very juicy indeed for me so I want it too much. Really would rescue me from the bench.

This says it all. Do it

[The Wikir Man]

?What would you do ?

I'd have a search on CUK and see how many times it has been discussed whether you should or should not send your CV in twice.

FWIW, I'd not send it direct.

[northernladuk]

Fixed term contract leading to possible perm. The job is very juicy indeed for me so I want it too much. Really would rescue me from the bench.

I applied via agent 8 days ago as that's how I found it. I asked for feedback this morning and he replies 'Heard nothing, maybe end of week'. I don't know *for sure* that he put me forward.

I've now seen it posted on big bank's site [since several weeks] and also another job that suits me too.

Is it bad to send my CV independently to Big Bank ?

I know traditionally it is poor form to apply for a contract via two agents. As I understand it (from agents) if the client sees same profile from two sources the candidate is binned because if selected which agency is representing ?

But maybe HR would like to see 'their' system winning. It is in Asia if that is relevant.

The job and me are a perfect fit but I fear that Bob or an ex-419er will blag it to the max and get in front of me.

?What would you do ?

You are right it is bad form to apply via two agends. There is a small chance it might help your cause, there is a bigger chance it is going to land you in a tulip storm and people will know your name for the wrong reasons. I did this when applying for my first contract and the agents got very nasty and probably aired their dirty washing with the client who won't have been pleased.

I don't think there is a problem applying directly however. You are not pitching agents against each other who could attempt to screw it up for you out of spite and I don't think an HR bod will get too upset to see two CV's. Thing is though did you send anything to the agent saying you will use him as sole contact for that role? Depending on the wording it could get a bit sticky. I don't think the client will take you direct if you have applied via an agent.

The only advantage would be I think, if the agent DIDN'T submit you your CV gets infront of the client. If he did the client will probably just bin the direct one.

I see no harm in trying but I wouldn't be overly pushy to either party and start to look desperate. If these people are going to get it over you they will get it for a good reason and not just because they didn't see your CV.

[LegendsWear7]

Fixed term contract leading to possible perm. The job is very juicy indeed for me so I want it too much. Really would rescue me from the bench.

I applied via agent 8 days ago as that's how I found it. I asked for feedback this morning and he replies 'Heard nothing, maybe end of week'. I don't know *for sure* that he put me forward.

I've now seen it posted on big bank's site [since several weeks] and also another job that suits me too.

Is it bad to send my CV independently to Big Bank ?

I know traditionally it is poor form to apply for a contract via two agents. As I understand it (from agents) if the client sees same profile from two sources the candidate is binned because if selected which agency is representing ?

But maybe HR would like to see 'their' system winning. It is in Asia if that is relevant.

The job and me are a perfect fit but I fear that Bob or an ex-419er will blag it to the max and get in front of me.

?What would you do ?