Dumb agents and clients

**Rebecca Loos** · 10 October 2005, 11:08

maybe they wanted to offer you a permanent contract

**Not So Wise** · 10 October 2005, 11:11

I have noted a certain desperation by agents to fill permie positions of late...

**bassy** · 10 October 2005, 11:15

hah i had one of these the other week:
agent: 'we have a good job opportunity for you'
bassy: 'yes?'
agent: 'launches into spiel of what the job entails and what location - ie near me' - bassy cannot get word in edgeways for around 6 minutes.
bassy: ' what is the rate?'
agent: 'oh its permanent'
bassy: 'ah thanks not interested - i only do contract'
agent: 'but its a very good package'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'but its very close to you'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'its a very good package'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'its paying £45k'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'how much would they need to pay for you to change your mind'
bassy: 'what part of 'i only do contract' do you not understand.
agent: 'ah so you're only looking for contract work then'
bassy: 'YES'
agent: 'oh i only deal with the permanent side'
bassy: 'goodbye then'

i spent a good 15-20 minutes on the phone with this idiot and he just couldnt understand that i only do contract

**voron** · 10 October 2005, 11:20

Ah, yes, I've had a few of those. And that attitude isn't limited to permie roles. Try telling an agent that you aren't interested in a contract role - their mind simply can't comprehend that possibility.

agent: 'its paying £45k'

Yup, and they honestly think £45k is good. Normally I tell them I want £70k plus bonuses. Never hear back from them

**wendigo100** · 10 October 2005, 12:50

What is wrong with a permie job if it pays? £45K with the usual perks and a short commute is OK if you don't usually pull more than £30 an hour.

You haven't got to stay in it forever - in fact, many rabid contractors have been with the same client longer than your average permie. And not every permie job comes with unavoidable politics.

**Reccon** · 10 October 2005, 12:51

Originally posted by voron

Ah, yes, I've had a few of those. And that attitude isn't limited to permie roles. Try telling an agent that you aren't interested in a contract role - their mind simply can't comprehend that possibility.

I dont understand........your not interested in contract????

**Denny** · 10 October 2005, 18:26

Originally posted by bassy

hah i had one of these the other week:
agent: 'we have a good job opportunity for you'
bassy: 'yes?'
agent: 'launches into spiel of what the job entails and what location - ie near me' - bassy cannot get word in edgeways for around 6 minutes.
bassy: ' what is the rate?'
agent: 'oh its permanent'
bassy: 'ah thanks not interested - i only do contract'
agent: 'but its a very good package'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'but its very close to you'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'its a very good package'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'its paying £45k'
bassy: 'no thanks i only do contract'
agent: 'how much would they need to pay for you to change your mind'
bassy: 'what part of 'i only do contract' do you not understand.
agent: 'ah so you're only looking for contract work then'
bassy: 'YES'
agent: 'oh i only deal with the permanent side'
bassy: 'goodbye then'

i spent a good 15-20 minutes on the phone with this idiot and he just couldnt understand that i only do contract

No you're permanent - permanently on their blacklist for being an awkward, uncooperative bugger.

**Mailman** · 10 October 2005, 18:50

Well personally I think it all depends on the type of role you will be taking on. If the permanent role is good enough then I dont see any reason not to take it just because its not a contract position.

Mailman

**thunderlizard** · 10 October 2005, 19:04

"what is the rate?"
Dude, if you're in the habit of asking your customers what price you should be charging, no wonder they think you're suited to permie life.

Dumb agents and clients