Direct approach to the client

[Gentile]

Hi,

I got a contact detail from one of my mate who is also a contractor. My mate does not work for that client any more but he forwarded me the client co's main person's contact details so that I can enquire about a contract position if they have any. I am not sure about what's the best way to approach this? i.e. Do I need to tell them where did I get their contact details.(Keeping in mind that my mate requested not to disclose that he has forwarded me their contact information.) and what other things I need to keep in mind when approaching potential client directly? This is for a potential .NET contact position.

Thanks

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I had foresworn off ever dealing with a client directly again after a bad experience of being messed around over payment in the early noughties, but I've been giving it a go again recently.

My approach has been to simply get in touch via whatever means is provided by the Client. Usually, that means e-mailing in response to some requirement they've advertised on their own website.

I stick to introducing myself, giving a short summary of which of my skills may be applicable to the project they're tackling, and attach my CV and a link to my technical blog so they can read further if they're interested.

I conclude by giving an estimate of my daily rate. e.g., "I'm available on a contract basis. My rate varies depending on location and duration, but as a guide is around £xxx per day for a 3-6 month contract in the xxxx area".

Ideally, follow up within 48 hours with a phonecall to establish if there's any interest or further information that the ClientCo needs to make a decision.

As for whether you should disclose your sources: usually I'd say to do so, but I think your mate has already answered that question for you in this case, hasn't he? He told you not to say he'd given these contact details to you, so don't.

[SarahL2012]

Hi,

I got a contact detail from one of my mate who is also a contractor. My mate does not work for that client any more but he forwarded me the client co's main person's contact details so that I can enquire about a contract position if they have any. I am not sure about what's the best way to approach this? i.e. Do I need to tell them where did I get their contact details.(Keeping in mind that my mate requested not to disclose that he has forwarded me their contact information.) and what other things I need to keep in mind when approaching potential client directly? This is for a potential .NET contact position.

Thanks

I'd definitely give them a call. If you're right for the role then they might be pleased to take you on directly and avoid paying the agency cut. I've also emailed people my CV in the past when I've got their details - a 6 week role came out of a speculative approach like that. If you do go direct then PCG has sample contracts you can use if you're a member.

[northernladuk]

You might find that the client has a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) of agencies they only go through for new recruitment (contract or permie) and as you r are not on that list then the door is closed even if you are the perfect candidate for a possible role they have going.

I was assuming that as his mate has already worked there and named him as the main man that there wasn't an agent but thought it prudent to ask in my thread as well. If this client does go through and agent and his mate hasn't pointed that out the best advice we could give to the OP is to go find some less moronic mates.

[chef]

You might find that the client has a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) of agencies they only go through for new recruitment (contract or permie) and as you r are not on that list then the door is closed even if you are the perfect candidate for a possible role they have going.

[northernladuk]

I think there are a number of ways you can do this, none of them are rocket science though :|

Personally I would say ring him to introduce yourself, ask him where the advertise roles, how you could find if anything is coming up and so on and see how forthcoming he is with information. If he isn't just advise you will be sending your CV for further consideration should anything come up. Stick a business card in as well. If he gives you an email or you already have it then great, if he doesn't snail mail it.

The other option would be to just email your CV with covering letter asking to be kept in mind for roles.

I don't see why you should ever need to divulge where you got the information and even if he asks, which I am sure he won't, just say you heard about the company from discussions with ex colleagues and leave it at that.

If you don't hear anything back just keep sending your details in every 3-6 months so he doesn't forget you but not too much to be a pain in the ass.

You are sure they take contractors on direct?

[acontractor]

Hi,

I got a contact detail from one of my mate who is also a contractor. My mate does not work for that client any more but he forwarded me the client co's main person's contact details so that I can enquire about a contract position if they have any. I am not sure about what's the best way to approach this? i.e. Do I need to tell them where did I get their contact details.(Keeping in mind that my mate requested not to disclose that he has forwarded me their contact information.) and what other things I need to keep in mind when approaching potential client directly? This is for a potential .NET contact position.

Thanks