Dealing with recruitment agencies – advice

Redbull

I am sick and tired of their lies and games. Can anyone offer any advice on how to handle these heartless b@stards?

Id say the majority of the jobs I apply to via agencies are fake jobs. When I follow up these applications I get the same excuses “oh, that went internally”, “They are still shortlisting” “That’s now been taken” – yet im sick of seeing the same jobs posted over and over again.
Every time I get a call from an agency they always ask where im interviewing or what other direct applications I’ve made. Why?

Do they want to approach that employer to tell them they have the perfect candidate for them on their books? I got regular calls to say my skills matched perfectly for a specific job, I used to tell them all they wanted to know then I hear nothing back from them after they promised to send me full job specs etc.

I’ve now stopped giving them all this information (Where I’m interviewing, applying to etc) and today an agent said he will be unable to process my application unless I give him the name of my interviewer etc.

It just feels like im getting used and forgotten after every call
I tried to not use agencies at all…but I’ve found hardly any suitable jobs to apply to direct so I feel a bit stuck. It’s unbelievable that there is no regulation what so ever.

I would appreciate any advice - Im in the IT field if it makes any difference..and I just cant seem to get a job

Thanks

LadyMissA

Regulated or not most are the same. All talk and no action!!!

Where are you based ?

Redbull

They really have got me fuming, I feel like strangling the lot of them...im based in London

LadyMissA

Redbull wrote: »

They really have got me fuming, I feel like strangling the lot of them...im based in London

what ones have you contacted?

Redbull

Theres a huge list of them...i've probably applied to about 80+ jobs through various agencies that advertise on jobserve/totaljobs/reed etc.

I always have much better luck with direct applications. The last 2 direct applications I made got me to interview stage.

I just wonder why agents ask about recent interviews and applications, why are they so adament for that information? Is it wise to give them this info?

LadyMissA

Redbull wrote: »

Theres a huge list of them...i've probably applied to about 80+ jobs through various agencies that advertise on jobserve/totaljobs/reed etc.

I always have much better luck with direct applications. The last 2 direct applications I made got me to interview stage.

I just wonder why agents ask about recent interviews and applications, why are they so adament for that information? Is it wise to give them this info?

NEVER tell them who you are also registered with and never tell them of interviews either

They ask this so they can see if those agencies are putting your forward for the same job. I am sure you have seen the same job on more one agencies page as I know I have for accounts roles.
have you tried here
http://www.langleyjames.net/Default.aspx

hcb42

on the contrary, you need to tell them so they do not compromise you or them. Only one agent can make an introduction for a role. It is perfectly normal yo say who you have gone forward with for jobs.

LadyMissA

hcb42 wrote: »

on the contrary, you need to tell them so they do not compromise you or them. Only one agent can make an introduction for a role. It is perfectly normal yo say who you have gone forward with for jobs.

well I never tell agencies who else I am with as I know how they work and how will they compromise you since they can't put your cv forward for anything unless you say so?

Redbull

Total crooks, unfortunately they are a necessary evil as a lot of employers use them for legitimate jobs. Its just finding the very few good agencies..

I just checked my list and I have not used them (langleyjames) before...i'll have a look thanks.

Are you looking for work in accounts?

Redbull

hcb42 wrote: »

on the contrary, you need to tell them so they do not compromise you or them. Only one agent can make an introduction for a role. It is perfectly normal yo say who you have gone forward with for jobs.

If its one agent per role, why do they (almost every agent i've spoken to) insist on knowing where you are interviewing?

With me, when I asked them, they claim that the potential employer will be interested to know or for wage negotiations etc, but I don’t buy it

Some agents dont even bother asking me anything about myself/experience/CV and just go straight to where im been interviewing and applying direct.

LadyMissA

Redbull wrote: »

Total crooks, unfortunately they are a necessary evil as a lot of employers use them for legitimate jobs. Its just finding the very few good agencies..

I just checked my list and I have not used them (langleyjames) before...i'll have a look thanks.

Are you looking for work in accounts?

yeah accounts / Purchase Ledger