Recruiters and rate per hour

[ApeShape]

Just wondering what others modus operandi is when posed this question by recruiters. I always find it quite opportunistic, you're being asked to price yourself prior even seeing the work or getting a feel of the client requirements. Sometimes you'll get send a JS or brief that's all very high level 'Fix the computer' 'Make sure it works' blah blah.

Window shopping if you will, me thinks.

Thoughts?

[eek]

Just wondering what others modus operandi is when posed this question by recruiters. I always find it quite opportunistic, you're being asked to price yourself prior even seeing the work or getting a feel of the client requirements. Window shopping if you will.

Thoughts?

Lowest bid wins - so don't expect anything to come from it.

[ApeShape]

Lowest bid wins - so don't expect anything to come from it.

Yes, but what would you do. Ignore the recruiter?

[eek]

Yes, but what would you do. Ignore the recruiter?

Stock answer - depends on the actual job requirements so it's too early to say.

My point was that as soon as I hear that question I write the contract off as it isn't going to go anywhere...

[courtg9000]

I always used to say. I only quote on detailed spec and there are a number of factors that affect the rate so for a general sweep anywhere between NMW and £200 per hour.

This gets rid of the tyre kickers fast.

[ladymuck]

When asked to give a rate, I give a range and state that my rate is determined by the role and its location.

Sometimes I hear back, sometimes I don't.

[clearedforlanding]

When asked to give a rate, I give a range and state that my rate is determined by the role and its location.

Sometimes I hear back, sometimes I don't.

So knowing you, Ken High Street standard rate, anything further than lower Ken Church Street x4?

[ladymuck]

So knowing you, Ken High Street standard rate, anything further than lower Ken Church Street x4?

I may stretch to a full half mile radius from my front door before the price goes up.

My rate more depends on how interested I am in the gig. If it's an industry I'd like to get into or a project that sounds good then I'll take a lower rate. Repeat clients won't get fleeced as they tend to generate longer term work. Next time Barclays or RBS come calling, they will get the sod off and leave me alone rate (and, yes, if I'm not working I'd take the gig at that rate until I find somewhere sane to work)

[BlasterBates]

Surely you have an hourly rate plus expenses, just quote it.

I don't quite get the "I need to check it out", unless you want to signal you're putting your rate down.

[jayn200]

I don't have a problem with pricing myself based off the original job ad, the client (company + industry + location), working conditions (hours, flexible working, etc), how desperate or interested I am. So I just ask these questions back. Also sometimes I ask them what the client's budget is or what rates other candidates are being submitted with, it's like 50/50 whether they offer that info up. The more information you can get the better but they can also lie and you can end up getting anchored as well. Obviously in an ideal world you would negotiate directly with the decision maker and only after they have decided they want you but the world is not ideal.