Azazel the Agent: as necessary an evil as a dentist (Blog)

UKFF Mod · 02-07-2009, 09:14 AM

Welcome along to my blog, which hopefully (baring a flurry of complaints) will become a regular feature. Why would a simple blog on a website attract complaints? I will tell you why. I work in the contract recruitment market. And what you learn extremely quickly in this market is that contractors are an extremely tetchy lot. As are recruitment agents. They're as jumpy as a bunny rabbit on crack.

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If you have any comments to make about this blog post feel free to start the debate below!

Azazel · 02-07-2009, 09:35 AM

I've just been notified by the site that the first instalment of my rather lovely blog is online.

Enjoy all

Bel · 02-07-2009, 09:58 AM

Amusing and well written. Well done.

Not sure I agree with that bit about contractors needing recruiters, though. I think it's more a question of recruiters needing applicants and candidates. Without them, you wouldn't be in business.

Azazel · 02-07-2009, 01:29 PM

Evidently my words of truth have stunned most of you into silence! I know sometimes it's tough to wake up to a new world.

Bel, you've touched on an important thing but have got it muddled.

Contractors DO need agents.

And so our industry popped up. Chicken and egg.

So yes, we need them as much as they need us. But we're around BECAUSE we needed. The day all the contractors find their own work we'll flitter away into the night. But I can't see that happening any time soon, can you?

Beefy198 · 02-07-2009, 01:39 PM

Rather bizarrely, I'm one that agrees with you.

It doesn't mean I appreciate some agents' dodgy tactics though

Bel · 02-07-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azazel

Evidently my words of truth have stunned most of you into silence! I know sometimes it's tough to wake up to a new world.

Bel, you've touched on an important thing but have got it muddled.

Contractors DO need agents.

And so our industry popped up. Chicken and egg.

So yes, we need them as much as they need us. But we're around BECAUSE we needed. The day all the contractors find their own work we'll flitter away into the night. But I can't see that happening any time soon, can you?

I still don't agree with you. Recruiters intrinsically need candidates to stay in business - but flexible workers could find work via other avenues. In some cases they must use them, if hirers won't use them direct, but that's not the same as needing to use them.

'Must use' and 'need' are not the same.

Azazel · 02-07-2009, 04:03 PM

Pray tell, just how many contractors (not necessarily creative freelancers such as writers) could find work for themselves?

Bel · 02-07-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azazel

Pray tell, just how many contractors (not necessarily creative freelancers such as writers) could find work for themselves?

Most do, actually. It's a small minority that use recruiters predominantly - usually one man bands.

Azazel · 02-07-2009, 05:19 PM

Right... so what are all though jobs via agencies that populate the job boards then?

Malvolio · 03-07-2009, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azazel

Right... so what are all though jobs via agencies that populate the job boards then?

Roughly half are CV collectors, according to other agents I know

I've never been one to say freelancers don't need agencies. I will also freely admit that I am not cut out for cold-calling: I'll call people I know, but strangers? If I was allowed to hire an agent and have them sell me directly to potetnial clients rather than having to fight my way through 200 timewasters for every role, I'd do it tomorrow.

All I want is for all agents to recognise that there is a difference between freelancer and employee. The ones who have been around a while know that, but the bulk of the target-led ex-double-glazing salesmen that infest the major agencies haven't got a clue.