Apply directly?

w00519772

I was offered another job just over one year ago. It was a good job for a good company.

It was a very difficult decision for me as I enjoy my current role.

Unfortunately I was headhunted by an agency who were very pushy. For example, I said that I wanted a few days to think about the offer. The agency said the employer wanted to know that day. I asked to visit the premises one more time to help make a decision. The agency very reluctantly arranged this. When visiting; the potential employer said take as long as you want to make a decision and were very supportive. The fact that I was being pushed helped me to make a decision not to move. In high sight I realise that the agency just want their commission.

Anyway I have kept me eye on the company website for the last six months or so and they appear to be advertising the same job again. I then visited the agency website and I notice that they are also advertising the job as well on behalf of the employer!

If I did want to apply (and it is a big if) then can I apply directly rather than going through this agency? I was originally offered the job over twelve months ago if that helps.

I do not want to cut out the middleman if this is against the rules.

asajj

They wouldn't advertise it on their website if it was against their rules. Some companies only recruit through agencies some only recruit internally. Some use both. So go an apply. No one can blame you for applying to a role on their website.

w00519772

asajj wrote: »

They wouldn't advertise it on their website if it was against their rules. Some companies only recruit through agencies some only recruit internally. Some use both. So go an apply. No one can blame you for applying to a role on their website.

Do you mean apply directly? (I hope so).

I would apply via the agency if I had a good relationship with them or they added value to the process. However, I feel they just hindered the process.

Scorpio33

It depends on what agreement the company has with the Agency. They most likely state that the company can only employ you through them as they introduced you to that company. That would only hold for a length of time though - think you would be safe in 12 months passing.


So I would say approach the company directly. They may well ask you to go via the Agency, but either way there is nothing stopping you doing this.


The only word of caution is if you ever wanted to use this Agency in the future. If you cut them out now, they will be a bit miffed if you then wanted to use them in the future.

asajj

w00519772 wrote: »

Do you mean apply directly? (I hope so).

I would apply via the agency if I had a good relationship with them or they added value to the process. However, I feel they just hindered the process.

Yes. I know what you mean and if an agency is annoying, it doesn't help your job search. I have seen companies both using an agency and their own website to get a wider selection of candidates. That could be the case here too

engineer_amy

Yes, if the vacancy is listed on the company's own website then you should apply directly, given the poor experience you had with the agency.


If the original application and offer was over 12 months ago then the company would have no liability to the agency for introduction fees if they do end up employing you. Standard REC terms between the agency and company will contain a term along the lines of "if you directly engage any candidate in the 6 months following introduction by the agency, the standard fee structure will apply". some try to push this to 12 months.


So apply directly and see what happens. If you get to interview stage, I would make a point of explaining about the bad experience last time and that this made you reject the offer. It may cause the company to think a little more carefully about the agencies they engage.


Realistically, the company should want to save money on recruitment fees, and if they can deal with the recruitment process directly, they will.

w00519772

I have just had a call from a different agency (not the same agency as last time) telling me they have a job in my area. This is the first call I have had in months from an agency (I am not actively looking - I was actively looking about 14 months ago).

I said I knew what vacancy they were talking about. They asked me to tell them the name of the company. I said it begins with 'G'. They said: "we can help you". I said that I do not want them to help this time. After a few minutes of arguing they got the message.

I made it clear that I do not want them to submit my CV. At no point did we talk about the company name. I assume they will not submit my cv without my permission?

asajj

You wouldn't know - they are not supposed to do it but agencies can be cheeky. Instead of wasting time just go and apply to the role

engineer_amy

Under the conduct regulations for agencies, the agency must have your permission to submit your CV to any company, and before they do so, they must give you certain details about the vacancy such as the Company name, job title and salary band. If they submit without your permission, you could report them to their professional body or the EAS (Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate).


If they do, and get in contact with you to arrange an interview, decline, and contact the company directly. Ask either party to show you a written agreement or request for this other agency to provide work seeking services on your behalf or to submit your CV to a particular client.

skintpaul

I would wait 6 months from time they headhunted you, so agency (I think) then have no claim for 'finding you', and so wont have any hold on the firm, for any commission!

w00519772

I received a rejection letter. I am disappointed about this.

I know that it is difficult to recruit new people in my area with my skills. It took my employer over 12 months to recruit someone recently. I was talking to someone at my previous workplace recently and they said the same. I wander if my salary expectations were too high (10% above my current salary and at the higher end of the range).

They are still recruiting for this role as the advert was last updated on Friday. I emailed asking fir feedback a few weeks ago but i have heard nothing.

I have three options:

2) forget about it
2) contact the recruitment consultant who acted as middleman last year. He is recruiting again for this role.
3) there is another recruitment agent advertising for this role. Contact him/her.

I believe i should choose option 1. However, i thought i would see if anyone else has experienced this first.