Reply to: Do you chase agents?

[Dearnla]

No.

If they want me and there really is a role, they'll call me.

You learn over the years that ringing them back before they ring you is pointless.

[psychocandy]

If you go for an interview and get the role then the agency will be at your back non-stop literally calling every 30 mins until they get hold of you. Only other scenario is where you are second choice in which case they would wait for first choice's decision and delay you by saying "waiting for client" - yeah right.

30 mins. More like 3 mins !!!!

[Beagalier]

Don't chase them. I have applied for the same role and I do not need the competition.

[strawberrysmoothie]

Nope. Never. If an agent wants me they will give me a call. If have a conversation with an agent and I don't hear back I move on to the next thing.

[Robinho]

To an agent you're a walking pile of cash. If he wants you he will ring you.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

WHS

as a rule don't call unless a role looks that extra bit special

If you go for an interview and get the role then the agency will be at your back non-stop literally calling every 30 mins until they get hold of you. Only other scenario is where you are second choice in which case they would wait for first choice's decision and delay you by saying "waiting for client" - yeah right.

[Spacecadet]

For generic rate/job/rubbish location
I generally don't bother calling, let them call me it's not that exciting anyway.

For a great rate/job/location and very specific to my niche skills
I call 15 minutes after submitting my CV, some lazy agents will only actually read the first 10 CVs and send off 4-5, if you were number 11 unlucky... but if you call and give them your elevator speach...bingo.

I will chase a little if the role sounds cool...leave a couple days...call.... and do the same after interview if I don't hear anything.

But is all based on if it excites me.

WHS

as a rule don't call unless a role looks that extra bit special

[Mehmeh]

For generic rate/job/rubbish location
I generally don't bother calling, let them call me it's not that exciting anyway.

For a great rate/job/location and very specific to my niche skills
I call 15 minutes after submitting my CV, some lazy agents will only actually read the first 10 CVs and send off 4-5, if you were number 11 unlucky... but if you call and give them your elevator speach...bingo.

I will chase a little if the role sounds cool...leave a couple days...call.... and do the same after interview if I don't hear anything.

But is all based on if it excites me.

[TestMangler]

No, I don't chase agents as I don't see the piont in spending my money to be bulltulipted to.. If they think there is money to be made they will chase you.

WZS

[psychocandy]

In cases where the agent obviously thinks I'll be a match for the role then I've had calls literally one minute after submitting my CV.

Then again for other roles where I think I'm a good match I dont get called. In these cases, I will try to contact them.

Otherwise, its mostly a waste of time because they just bulltulip you etc.....

If the agent thinks theres money to be made out of you then they'd walk to your house over broken glass to try and get you the gig !!!!!

[Zippy]

No, I don't chase agents as I don't see the piont in spending my money to be bullshit:ted to.. If they think there is money to be made they will chase you.

[JSP]

I use the following approach


Applying for a role
Apply to advert with CV
Wait 5/10 minutes - Phone Agent
If no response phone an hour later
If no response again phone 2 hours later
If no response then ditch

Speaking to an agent
If successful getting through then discuss role with agent
If B/S role, fishing , not interested or not qualified then ditch
Otherwise try to get on to shortlist to send

Shortlist
If shortlisted then let agent send off
If after two days no response follow up with agent.
If cannot get agent - put to backburner
If get agent and get the 'we're waiting' then wait until period stated by agent, phone up and if nothing put to backburner
Else interview

Interview
Go to interview, if do not like the client get interview short and leg it
Otherwise do interview
Wait for agent to call to tell of success or failure
If after two days no feedback follow up with agent.
If cannot get agent - backburned
If get agent and get the 'we're waiting' then wait until period stated by agent, phone up and if nothing put to backburner

Offer
If offered then either accept or decline based on reasons
Post 'Boomed' thread on CUK for accept or 'Agent is hassling me will I be blacklisted' thread if you decline.

Repeat as necessary

Very useful! Think I need to change my approach in future - I tend to apply and although suitably qualified, if I don't here back I just move on to the next application...

[MarillionFan]

I use the following approach


Applying for a role
Apply to advert with CV
Wait 5/10 minutes - Phone Agent
If no response phone an hour later
If no response again phone 2 hours later
If no response then ditch

Speaking to an agent
If successful getting through then discuss role with agent
If B/S role, fishing , not interested or not qualified then ditch
Otherwise try to get on to shortlist to send

Shortlist
If shortlisted then let agent send off
If after two days no response follow up with agent.
If cannot get agent - put to backburner
If get agent and get the 'we're waiting' then wait until period stated by agent, phone up and if nothing put to backburner
Else interview

Interview
Go to interview, if do not like the client get interview short and leg it
Otherwise do interview
Wait for agent to call to tell of success or failure
If after two days no feedback follow up with agent.
If cannot get agent - backburned
If get agent and get the 'we're waiting' then wait until period stated by agent, phone up and if nothing put to backburner

Offer
If offered then either accept or decline based on reasons
Post 'Boomed' thread on CUK for accept or 'Agent is hassling me will I be blacklisted' thread if you decline.

Repeat as necessary

[Project Monkey]

Yes, but only at one specific point: If I send in my CV for a role I found on a job site then I'll give a courtesy call the next day as far too often an excellent application can get lost in the massed generic CV applications of the F5-apply crowd of panicking benched people and unemployed permies. At least that way I know my CV will be read rather than join the unread and deleted pile once the agent gets bored reading.

WHS, but if I get the "isn't available at the moment can I take a message" response, I just tell them why I'm calling, thank them politely and forget all about it.

[craig1]

I am a firm believer that if an agent has some positive news about a contract they will be in contact as soon as possible so they can get their commission, otherwise just put it to the back of your mind and forget about it.

Does anyone chase an agent for information? Is it worth while or do you just come over as annoying

Yes, but only at one specific point: If I send in my CV for a role I found on a job site then I'll give a courtesy call the next day as far too often an excellent application can get lost in the massed generic CV applications of the F5-apply crowd of panicking benched people and unemployed permies. At least that way I know my CV will be read rather than join the unread and deleted pile once the agent gets bored reading.