Being represented by multiple agents

[aussielong]

There is one role, multiple agents are trying to represent you.

Do you have to choose one? Or can you let all of them represent you?

Clearly they all want to be the only one who represents you, and they insist on that.

If its reasonable to go with more than one, should you play your cards close to your chest or be open with all of them?

[conned tractor]

If you knowingly allow yourself to be represented by more than one agent, the clientco will drop you like a hot potato.

What Toolpusher said. Although you never know whether your cv actually makes it to the client as agents can and do block cvs in preference of another of their candidates.

[Ardesco]

Just tell each agent the job sounds familiar and can they check with the client before they submit your CV to ensure they aren't sending in a duplicate.

Hopefully it will get through to the end client with one agent and agents don't tend to like submitting duplicates.

[eliquant]

Get it in writing via e-mail that the agent has sent and the client has received your CV for that 'specific' role - quote number and attach.

Checking with the end client sometimes irritates them.

If the agent is being coy about doing the above then use another, use an agency that is not small (can go under in these times) and is on the preferred supplier list.

[Tarquin Farquhar]

Just tell each agent the job sounds familiar and can they check with the client before they submit your CV to ensure they aren't sending in a duplicate.

Hopefully it will get through to the end client with one agent and agents don't tend to like submitting duplicates.

1. So the second agent checks and finds that your CV is already in. So then they tell the client that you have agreed to be represented by them. Client smells trouble and eliminates you, which is one less competitor for second agent.
2. Or the first agent tells you that your CV is submitted, but actually it isn't. The second agent finds this out and so submits you. First agent will claim to have priority. Client doesn't want hassle and eliminates you, which is one less competitor for first agent.
3. First agent tells you that your CV is submitted, but actually it's on their backup list. Second agent actually submits you (maybe!). First agent's original set of CVs all rejected, so they submit the backup list. Yours arrives at the client as a duplicate, so client eliminates you. All parties pissed off.


I hate them.