Reply to: Agents asking for current rate

[Churchill]

Figure what out?

I say a rate thats I want for the role if the agent comes back and says a lower one then I dont go for the role simple.

What do you do then? Flash your "six-pack" and demand more?

[MrRobin]

Thanks for all your replies.

I just had another example of this happening, from an agent who didn't have anything specific for me, just wanted to know what kind of roles I was looking for (read the CV?!). I asked why do you want to know and she said it was to guage what kind of level I was at. When I said my current rate I'm on is between my current agent and myself she got all shirty and hung up!

WTF?! Was that just fishing??

[Zippy]

If you are asking for the going rate for the job, then the agent will probably accept it. He'll still haggle, but he'll accept it. So, in your .NET example he wouldn't expect you to work for £250 a day.

Ask for a plausible figure and stick to your guns.

I tend to quote a figure (usually based on a vague spec) but say that the rate is dependant on the actual job I'm expected to do. So if I get to the interview and they want a code monkey, fine. If I get there and they want additional skills(e.g. team management) then the price goes up.

[The Lone Gunman]

You could always ask them what their current margin is. Sort of a "I'll show you mine" kind of deal.

[ChimpMaster]

So you are on 250/day, but you want 500. It goes like this.


Agent: what rate are you looking for.

Johnny contractor : 500 / day

Agent: What rate are you on now?

Johhny contractor: 500/day


Sorted, init.

Exactly, this is as simple as it needs to be. It's all part of the negotiation process. And as the young lady at the airport says, if you have been contracting for a while and have savings in the bank, you can afford to be more picky about your rate -- you can turn down offers that you're not happy with.

For example, you might not work for less than 400/day unless you were down to your last month worth of savings. You might not work for less than 500/day if you have 6 month worth of savings.

And ultimately, you may not need to work at all if you have saved/invested wisely in order to generate a cash flow in excess of your average monthly expediture.

[Pickle2]

So you are on 250/day, but you want 500. It goes like this.


Agent: what rate are you looking for.

Johnny contractor : 500 / day

Agent: What rate are you on now?

Johhny contractor: 500/day


Sorted, init.

[Lockhouse]

My take on it.

Never tell the truth if it doesn't suit you. The whole business of dealing with agents is exactly like Poker - bluff and double bluff and keep a straight face - don't feel like you have to be honest because I'll tell you now, the guy at the other end of the phone certainly isn't.

ALWAYS look out for number one. Every £20 extra per day is £20 nearer retirement.

[Bright Spark]

They ask your current rate is so they can fill your current position with another contractor once you move out, otherwise your required rate
is the only rate they should need to know.

HTH

[alreadypacked]

I think you're missing the point of my question dotnetter...

Say you want £500/day, and when the agent asks what you are currently on, and it is £250/day, would you perhaps feel that the agent might think:

'Blimey, that's a big jump - no chance!'

Would you instead blag it and say 'I'm on £450' or something?

If you feel better saying £450, say it.
But I would say £500 is my day rate, and if asked again, "No it's still £500"

You just haveto be prepared to take the risk, that you don't get the job and have to wait.

Hence the money in the bank comment earlier.

You have to ask yourself, how much do you want the higher rate.

[SallyAnne]

I think you're missing the point of my question dotnetter...

Say you want £500/day, and when the agent asks what you are currently on, and it is £250/day, would you perhaps feel that the agent might think:

'Blimey, that's a big jump - no chance!'

Would you instead blag it and say 'I'm on £450' or something?

Just lie! (or "blag it" as you put it)

It's none of ther business what your current rate is anyway, but if they insist on knowing, then just pick a figure ff the top of your head.

They're all such a bunch of kn*bs.

[max]

I give my day rate, if someone asked my current rate. I would say that's between me and my current agent. The same answer to the question where are you working now.
I had an agent offering me half my day rate, I just laugh, only because I can last 6 - 8 without working. Money in the bank changes you attitude to a lot of things.

Why don't you simply give any old rate..they're never going to find out anyways.

Say whatever you want, to enhance your case.

Don't be telling them some welfare rate...

(doh)

[oraclesmith]

I know this has been asked before but I can't find the thread so apologies for the repeat.

Getting many agents asking me about my required rate - fine, I give that to them. But then they ask for my current rate... I refrain from divulging because what I'm asking for is quite a jump - due to change in location, high demand and the fact I think my current rate is undermarket (yea yea don't we all ) I tell them I'm not sure what relevance my current rate has...??

Any input from you guys?

You could say 'My current rate is £XXX per day but I'm not happy with it, which is why I'm talking to you'

[MrRobin]

I think you're missing the point of my question dotnetter...

Say you want £500/day, and when the agent asks what you are currently on, and it is £250/day, would you perhaps feel that the agent might think:

'Blimey, that's a big jump - no chance!'

Would you instead blag it and say 'I'm on £450' or something?

[alreadypacked]

I give my day rate, if someone asked my current rate. I would say that's between me and my current agent. The same answer to the question where are you working now.
I had an agent offering me half my day rate, I just laugh, only because I can last 6 - 8 without working. Money in the bank changes you attitude to a lot of things.

[dotnetter]

Figure what out?

I say a rate thats I want for the role if the agent comes back and says a lower one then I dont go for the role simple.

The rate would 9 times out of 10 be higher than the one I'm currently on depending on the role.