Multiple agencies

[BlasterBates]

Sounds gr8, that's what counts. Good luck.

Working near home is a huge boon.

[kingcook]

I applied for a totally different role too (only advertised by one agency AFAICT). I spoke to the pimp and he gave me the usual "your CV looks good i'll put you forward and get feedback to you after the weekend". I said in writing that i'd be happy for him to represent me providing they get me an interview arranged by Tuesday 9am

Had a phone call from the agent for this gig! Interview is tomorrow!!

Was hoping for a long break over xmas but this is too good an opportunity (very rare 45 min drive from home to client co, compared to my usual Mon-Fri commutes staying in a B&B).

[Mephisto]

I must admit to using a 'carpet bomb' approach when multiple agencies advetise the same role (and it is usually VERY obvious that is the same!).

I will then allow the first to call to represent me unless they make a hash of the questioning or mention references

[kingcook]

Erm, this last bit doesn't make sense. He has to represent you to get the interview so your proviso is arse about face surely?

Hmmmm you could be right there.

I said what I said to the agent to avoid being the agent's backup plan. I didn't want my CV sat on the agent's desk gathering dust while he gives me some BS about how the client are interested. Meanwhile, he has another candidate arranged and ready for interview possibly even agreed to start.

[northernladuk]

Thanks all.

I applied via the higher paying agency on early Friday. I never heard anything so i'll be applying via the other agency on Monday morning



I applied for a totally different role too (only advertised by one agency AFAICT). I spoke to the pimp and he gave me the usual "your CV looks good i'll put you forward and get feedback to you after the weekend". I said in writing that i'd be happy for him to represent me providing they get me an interview arranged by Tuesday 9am

Erm, this last bit doesn't make sense. He has to represent you to get the interview so your proviso is arse about face surely?

[kingcook]

Thanks all.

I applied via the higher paying agency on early Friday. I never heard anything so i'll be applying via the other agency on Monday morning

I'd make multiple submissions and see who contacts me about submission to the client with the best terms. A big part of this is granting exclusivity for 48 hours.

I applied for a totally different role too (only advertised by one agency AFAICT). I spoke to the pimp and he gave me the usual "your CV looks good i'll put you forward and get feedback to you after the weekend". I said in writing that i'd be happy for him to represent me providing they get me an interview arranged by Tuesday 9am

[BolshieBastard]

When you are between jobs and you see roles advertised by more than one agency, you should never limit yourself to one agency. There's no certainty the one you contact will put you forward. And when you have no money coming in, that isn't good.

I'd make multiple submissions and see who contacts me about submission to the client with the best terms. A big part of this is granting exclusivity for 48 hours.

Yes, you have to be careful but when you have no income, you have to play the percentages.

Just my opinion though.

[captainham]

The attitude and practices of agencies is often morally wrong when selling their own grandmother

Almost there. Try this one.

[Notascooby]

Be upfront, say you've submitted your CV to adverts on the board and they look as if they may be the same position - find out the rate from both and if they willing to put you forward and go with the one you like.

[northernladuk]

Oh, and please never again use the phrase 'morally wrong' when discussing relationships with agencies

The attitude and practices of agencies is often morally wrong when dealing with clients and contractors.

How's that?

[northernladuk]

...but becareful!!!!! If one of the agencies cocks up or tries do be devious and submits you when your preferred one puts you forward it can cost you the gig before you have even been offered it. It happened to me and we have had other instances on the boards.

Be absolutely certain you word it correctly with both agencies. The one that you do not chose MUST NOT put you forward. If they do your agents will start a tulip storm with the client about who was first and the client is likely to drop you to avoid the hassle.

Since then I have approached both agencies but I have made it absolutely clear what the situation is. Don't be tempted to play them both off against each other to get your CV in front of the client. They can be a devious bunch at the best of times let alone when there is some commission floating in front of them

[captainham]

Oh, and please never again use the phrase 'morally wrong' when discussing relationships with agencies

[captainham]

I'd say it's worth it...one might not put you forwards if they already have 'regulars' in mind, whereas the other might have fewer bites so more likely to put yours forward.

As long as the CV gets before the client (from one of course, not both) then you're one step further down the road...

[Notascooby]

do it all the time - I bet the rate varies by at least £25

[kingcook]

Ok, I can see the same gig advertised by 2 different agencies.

Rather than apply via 1 agency alone (incase of non reply), I'm thinking it would be better to apply via BOTH agencies at the same time.

First agent to get back to me (and assuming I reply to their "happy to be represented by $agency" email)... WINS

Morally wrong? Who cares?

Worth doing?