Reply to: Agency suggestion for covering interview costs

[Fleetwood]

Exactement, ITCA!
This bird hasn't got a clue....

[IT contract agent]

That's beside the point.

What what business (or person) increases its costs without absolute need ? I could equally point to the multi-multi-million pound annual revenues of this particular agency and client company and say they can easily afford it too, and a whole lot more. But they won't unless it is business-justified.

if you want the gig go - if you don't want it don't go! simple

Think of it as an opportunity to sell your services - if you sell well you get the gig and make money. When I go to meet clients I don’t ask them to pay my travel expenses

[Angela_D]

That's beside the point.

What what business (or person) increases its costs without absolute need ? I could equally point to the multi-multi-million pound annual revenues of this particular agency and client company and say they can easily afford it too, and a whole lot more. But they won't unless it is business-justified.

[IT contract agent]

If I was already based in London then of course I wouldn't dream of asking for travel costs. At 500 pounds/day for 6 months rolling I think it is worth the while of the agent to stump up stg.

Comments ?

A

500 a day for 6 months you can afford a flight

[el duder]

contractors these days...

just go halfs.

negotiate.

its a good business skill to learn. apart from ya java ++ ee zz pp xxx yz ## code malarky.

[Mustang]

No matter whether its a business or not, you should still negotiate to reduce your costs. If they won't pay, then (as someone else said) you have a decision to make regarding whether you pay yourself or not - bottom line, no harm in trying.

[The Lone Gunman]

Last interview I travelled to the agent paid for the flights and hotel for me and the wife for 4 days. Only after I pointed out the savings they would make over a day return for me alone. We had a lovely mini break in Heidelberg and I got the gig.

[funkyd]

FFS - you are suppossed to be a business!!! If you want things to be paid for you go and be a permie!

If you don't like working for your client (they are signing your timesheet - what more do you want?) then it's up to you to take the hit in finding something else.

If they offer then great, otherwise it's up to you. Quite why so-called "contractors" don't operate as proper contractors instead of half-arsed permie-temps beats me.

[Defamator]

BlasterBates - what ! - the evenings come alive in London......... yes, you work long hours BUT hey one has to chill / relax and there is loads to see/ do/ experience in the evening - probably too much if you ask me..........

Apart from the boring brits, London is actually a really great place to go out.... work and socialise..........

[BlasterBates]

Hi Angela,

You can get flights through easyjet from Basel to Luton there are also flights with the "cheap" Swiss airline Helvetic from Zürich to Luton.

You don´t sound too convinced about London, if you go unconvinced you´ll probably remain unconvinced after the interview, and then spend a horrible day or two wondering what you should do, followed by another couple of horrible days regretting whatever decision you made.

The trouble with banks in London is that you work such long hours you won´t have time for the variety and excitement that London offers. Well so I´ve heard...

Good luck.

[Defamator]

Christ - get a life and chill ............. have a break, have a Kit Kat.....

[BillHicksRIP]

This forum is sinking to the levels of the others out there. I know it's meant as a joke, but it's getting tiring.

[Defamator]

what the heck is a woman doing contracting - Angela_D

You should be at home looking after the kids, washing the clothes, cleaning the house and basically doing house work - blady hell what has the world come to - equality my a** get back into the kitchen and cook woman......

[The Lone Gunman]

Being in business requires you to take risks.

This is a small financial risk. It all depends if you want to take it.
If the agency or client wont pay then you have a decision to make. Don't go or pay your own way. What is it worth to you?


To the rest of you, no names mentioned, its bad form to be frivolous and rude outside the general or light relief threads unless its a real muppet.
Sorry for being snotty but I like to keep things neat.

[ClarissaG]

Hi Angela

Personally, I would play it cool.

If the agency were that keen on me they would at least come up with a compromise e.g. We'll pay if you don't get the job, but otherwise, you pay.

If the phone interview was good but the agency areplaying hard ball, why not just talk to the client and explain the problem? Perhaos you could bypass the agency, or at least force the client tomake the agency see sense??