Agency Repetitive Calls - The Ins and Outs

There’s that point in the year when everyone puts their CV's online.
Whether you’re actively looking for a job or not your CV goes up there as someone who is actively seeking a new position.
You need to be careful when doing this is and ensure that you don't get caught because some employers actually use the same job boards when they are looking for new hires and it won't be funny as your manager puts in your skill set in the search engine and up pops UR CV. Your bosses search for a new employee may change for a search for your position lol

This puts the fear in employees to use job boards, however don't be fooled they have probably done one of the following

A - registered their CV but just adjusted their settings to 'private' so it can't be viewed.

Or

B. decided to register with an agency.

I have mixed feelings about agencies being that my business incorporates that concept I call my business a consultancy.

Have you ever received that call from an agency?

He/she introduces themselves, state where they found your CV and then has an in-depth conversation about your career history, expertise, your challenges, success, weakness, company environment then the other half of the conversation id then spent discussing what you would like in your next role etc, salary, your preferences to working for a large corporation or a boutique sized company.

By this time you’re expecting to hear about a specific role that they have in mind for you that matches your skill set and environment preferences, and then he next sentence you hear is...

"I'd like to meet with you face to face to put a face to the voice and we can talk in more detail"

People, what that really means is
“I want to see you to make sure you don't have a blue Mohawk and purple shoes with a tattoo on your face before I present you in front of my client, I don't actually have a position in mind, but when I do I want to be reassured that you do not disgrace me"

Now let me focus on the actively looking employees,  the ones that display their CV online because they are unemployed and looking for they are opening seeking a new position because  my friends is another kettle of fish.

Think about a time where you were seeking employment and actively job hunt....... 7 out of 10 calls your receive are from Agencies, and not direct employers.

There is nothing wrong with using an Agency, it’s the consultants within the agency, and they like to ASSUME which is a downfall because it makes an ASS out of U and ME lol.

Consultants don't actually know what you are looking for in your next position just like we humans are not physic. The problem is they don't ASK.

The most common scenario goes like this.

“Hi Jennifer, I saw your CV on a job board and looking at your CV I can see that you have worked as a financial analyst for Barclays Capital and was there for 5 years and also in 2004 you worked for Citigroup and you were there for a year and a half, I have a fantastic role with one on my clients Standard Chartered Bank, they are looking for a financial Analyst which matches your skill set shall I put you forward?"

WOAH WOAH WOAH!!! HANG ON!

A. How do you know what I think is FANTASTIC, your fantastic and my fantastic are totally different! and you don't know what my fantastic because you haven't ASKED!!

A. How do you know I want to remain as a Financial Analyst I may want to specialise in one area i.e. Profit/Loss, Spread betting financing etc. or try mu luck as a Business Analyst

B. How do you know I want to stick with Investment banking? I may want to move out of Investment Banking sector and work in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods)

C.  How do you know what my salary is currently and what I would be looking for?

How do you know I’m not leaving the country and looking for international positions????

Then consultants will get annoyed when their candidate doesn't turn up for an interview or the deal falls through because they DIDN'T ask the basics.

Another fact is when different consultants from the SAME company ring you within the space of five minutes... It makes you wonder if they are sitting on different ends of the planet.

It makes me loose respect and credibility for the Agency, so Transquisite's final thought is short and sweet!

“KYC - KNOW YOUR CANDIDATE!!!!"