What does it mean?

[MrC]

You have an opportunity to impress - don't get hung up on whether you're 1st, 2nd or 100th choice - if you can do the job and impress in the interview, then what's the problem?

Wouldn't the client get a sense of getting closer to the bottom of the barrel or do you spin it so that "fantastic new candidate has just become available?"

[GillsMan]

I agree with TAV. I've seen people get really precious about whether they were first or second choice or whatever. Surely all that matters is getting the interview, impressing, and getting the job. If you get the job because the first choice candidate pulled out, then that's just fortune smiling on you!

[The Agents View]

I agree, there is a fair chance someone ducked the interview and you were next on the list. It doesn't matter, you get a chance now to impress. Don't rule out clueless agent. Current job, agent sent completely wrong job spec and sent me to the wrong office for the interview. I was pitching for a different role for half the interview till I twigged and had a chat with hiring chap. I still got it though !

Why is the agent clueless? If his first and second choices aren't available, you should be grateful that he's had the nouse to sell you in and secure an interview for you.

You have an opportunity to impress - don't get hung up on whether you're 1st, 2nd or 100th choice - if you can do the job and impress in the interview, then what's the problem?

[lukemg]

I agree, there is a fair chance someone ducked the interview and you were next on the list. It doesn't matter, you get a chance now to impress. Don't rule out clueless agent. Current job, agent sent completely wrong job spec and sent me to the wrong office for the interview. I was pitching for a different role for half the interview till I twigged and had a chat with hiring chap. I still got it though !

[MrC]

OK point taken. Thanks your input.

[BolshieBastard]

Paranoia, that may be. I was talking to a contractor about the situ in the pub last night and he suggested that the late call - half 8 in the evening was because the clients first / second choice were no longer available and i am making up the numbers. Certainly the agent hasn't been that reliable/forthcoming with me.

And before you say that agents aren't relaible, you can rely on them to do what they need to do to get their commission. In my experience once a client wants to interview the agent becomes super keen and quick to secure the interview and get you the details.

The reason i'm thinking about this is trying to determine whether its worth spendning the weekend prepping up for this gig.

I dont get what your problem is. So what if the agent's first and second choice are no longer available?

Turn the agent down and look for something else. That's what you want, isnt it?

[Wanderer]

ISomething fishy going on? Thoughts?

No, you are being paranoid. Make sure you have a written job spec before the interview though, you don't want them sending you on a wild goose chase so they can make up the numbers for a client they have promised candidates to.

Good luck!

[norrahe]

Paranoia, that may be. I was talking to a contractor about the situ in the pub last night and he suggested that the late call - half 8 in the evening was because the clients first / second choice were no longer available and i am making up the numbers. Certainly the agent hasn't been that reliable/forthcoming with me.

And before you say that agents aren't relaible, you can rely on them to do what they need to do to get their commission. In my experience once a client wants to interview the agent becomes super keen and quick to secure the interview and get you the details.

The reason i'm thinking about this is trying to determine whether its worth spendning the weekend prepping up for this gig.

Just go for it, you have nothing to lose and it's a paying gig at the end of the day.

[MrC]

Paranoia, that may be. I was talking to a contractor about the situ in the pub last night and he suggested that the late call - half 8 in the evening was because the clients first / second choice were no longer available and i am making up the numbers. Certainly the agent hasn't been that reliable/forthcoming with me.

And before you say that agents aren't relaible, you can rely on them to do what they need to do to get their commission. In my experience once a client wants to interview the agent becomes super keen and quick to secure the interview and get you the details.

The reason i'm thinking about this is trying to determine whether its worth spendning the weekend prepping up for this gig.

[BolshieBastard]

I'm looking for insights / speculation about whats going on in the background in this situation:

Wednesday eve at 8.30pm I get a call from agent regarding a role i applied for a week prior. I'm told that agent has got me an interview on Monday and asked what time would suit me. I'm also told that agent is OOO next day but time will be confirmed by phone next day and will get written confirmation, job spec etc early on Firday. Thursday comes and goes and i hear nothing. Gets to 1pm on Friday and i call agent. Get some story about nightmare to park at their office then dragged into 2 hour meeting but was just apparently (cough) in the middle of sending me the details. Half and hour later i do then get the email.

Something fishy going on? Thoughts?

The only thing 'going on' here is paranoia! You've got the details you wanted, havent you!?

[MrC]

I'm looking for insights / speculation about whats going on in the background in this situation:

Wednesday eve at 8.30pm I get a call from agent regarding a role i applied for a week prior. I'm told that agent has got me an interview on Monday and asked what time would suit me. I'm also told that agent is OOO next day but time will be confirmed by phone next day and will get written confirmation, job spec etc early on Firday. Thursday comes and goes and i hear nothing. Gets to 1pm on Friday and i call agent. Get some story about nightmare to park at their office then dragged into 2 hour meeting but was just apparently (cough) in the middle of sending me the details. Half and hour later i do then get the email.

Something fishy going on? Thoughts?