Do you have anything else lined up.....

[TheFaQQer]

Depending on the agent, sometimes I also say something like "I don't really need the work at the moment, so I'm only looking at things that seem really interesting"

[Wanderer]

I've been saying "not looking long" because its true. I wonder what they Really Mean,...

Welcome! For the answer to your question, (presuming it's not rhetorical one ) just see the thread I just need to get two references.

Now I seem to be getting this question quite a lot, in fact almost every conversation I have with an agent. Is there a right answer? Say no and I assume they think your useless and no one else wants you. Say yes and they think why bother putting all the effort in if he's gonna take another contract.

I agree with Gremnebulin, "not been looking for all that long" is my standard answer as the agent thinks they have hooked some fresh meat or a noobie. Act all sweet and innocent, they love it.

Even if being benched for a while blows my cover story a bit then I just say I've been studying, travelling or taking a break and only just started looking. Mostly though it's just a phrase that they drop into conversation as part of their patter. They are sounding you out as much as anything. After a few calls you get to know the chat up lines and comebacks and you're fine.

Whatever you do, you don't tell them where you have interviews unless you are really sure you know what you are doing.

[Gremnebulin]

I've been saying "not looking long" because its true. I wonder what
they Really Mean,...

[DS23]

you could try "yes, i'm working on a number of opportunities that i can't disclose"

or "no, it's really quiet out there"

or "nothing at all - have you got anything suitable?"

or "no, i'm trying to give it up"

[TheFaQQer]

What I normally say is, "I have just started looking this week, Ive just had a few calls but nothing concrete.".

This makes you look you are available, but haven't been rejected alot.

That's the best way.

Can you get way with that on a monday morning lol!

I always phrase it as "I've only just started looking, so have spoken to a few people about different roles, but nothing concrete yet".

[kandr]

Can you get way with that on a monday morning lol!

No thats true I have another one for that.

"I have just started looking last week, Ive just had a few calls but nothing concrete.".

[SimonMac]

What I normally say is, "I have just started looking this week, Ive just had a few calls but nothing concrete.".

This makes you look you are available, but haven't been rejected alot.

Can you get way with that on a monday morning lol!

[kandr]

Now I seem to be getting this question quite a lot, in fact almost every conversation I have with an agent. Is there a right answer? Say no and I assume they think your useless and no one else wants you. Say yes and they think why bother putting all the effort in if he's gonna take another contract.

What I normally say is, "I have just started looking this week, Ive just had a few calls but nothing concrete.".

This makes you look you are available, but haven't been rejected alot.

[SimonMac]

Now I seem to be getting this question quite a lot, in fact almost every conversation I have with an agent. Is there a right answer? Say no and I assume they think your useless and no one else wants you. Say yes and they think why bother putting all the effort in if he's gonna take another contract.