Headhunted and clueless

[northernladuk]

I'm not doing anything yet, hence my request for advice.

Start by reading them links to the right, as many threads as you can on here and start googling any question you have at this stage is the best advice... And forget this role for now.

[northernladuk]

Fair point but looks positive

Agents always make it look positive. They're sales people. There will be a few hundred other people going for the role depending on client and how many agents are working it. Nearly all of them will be experienced contractors, many on the bench so can interview Wednesday and start Monday. Contractors generally can apply for many roles before they secure one. If we thought everyone looked positive and got upset if we didn't get it we'd all be suicidal by now. It's just about managing the churn. Am guessing you've got a notice period as well?

[original PM]

If you want to start contracting and if you can actually live without having a wage coming in then go for it.

You will probably find

1) If you have a notice period you will struggle to get the gig - it is only 6 months work so clients tend to not want to wait 3 or even 1 month.

2) As others have said the agent is only interested in getting the commission they will lie to you and get you to hand your notice period in even when no job is available - this just gives them backup if the role does come off and also they then have you over a barrel and so will probably dump your rate down as they know you need to be earning.

The world is choc full of lying scumbags who will do anything to make a buck out of you....

The choice is yours but you have been warned.

[SunnyInHades]

So what is the difference between being "headhunted" and being "contacted by an agent"?

I've only seen people headhunted from-to perm roles:

Headhunted:
Agent: XXX know of you from project YYY and they want to take you on immediately, subject to your notice period. They'll willing to offer you xxx. Do you want to join them ??

Contacted:
Agent: I'm recruiting for a new position, seen you details on <jobboard> and there seems to be a good match between the skills required and your experience.

[expat]

The world is choc full of lying scumbags who will do anything to make a buck out of you....and most of them are agents.

The choice is yours but you have been warned.

FTFY

[BrilloPad]

The agent might not have a position and want your CV. Or be gathering information on your current role to see if he can place other candidates in there.