Accepting a job offer?

[lucemma4]

I recently went for a job interview through an agency and unfortunately I didn't get it. However the director of the company has since rang me and said the person they took on is likely leave due to sickness. They didn't actually say I could have the job..it was a bit vague but said could they go directly through me and not the agency which implied to me they want to take me on. I said it would be ok to go through me, I'm guessing as they paid an agency in the first place they don't wanna pay out again. I really want the job but I'm not sure if they're offering it to me! They said they'd ring me in the next couple of days but the anticipation and uncertanity is keeping my mind busy! What do you think of this?

[OBonio]

The agency only get paid if the company take you on. Sounds like they're trying to go behind the agency's back and save a few quid! I'd keep stum and plead ignorance if (that's a big IF) the agency finds out. Depends how much you want the job I suppose.

[OBonio]

To justify keeping stum, my view is that job agencies are worse than estate agents. Talentless idiots getting rich from other people's efforts (ie, CV creation, interview attendance etc)!

[atolhurst]

There is weight in the argument that if you were to take the role via the company rather than going through the agency, then you/they are being unethical. You contacted a 3rd party to assist you in finding work (as did the company) yet you are now considering going in via the back door. There is also the paperwork to consider; did you sign an agreement with the agency when you registered? Did the company?

However, with all that said, this is your life and being nice isn't always going to get you far. The agency did get money from the client when they took on the first person so the agency may not get upset if they hear about this, anyway.

Even if they do mind, as long as nothing has been signed which might tie you in to something legally, what've you got to lose??

The question is, can you afford to be ethical?

[metagirl]

as someone who worked in recruitment -

if the company goes ahead and hires you they will still have to pay the fees required by the recruitment agency. as the recruitment agency was hired to supply suitable candidates the company has to pay as they introduced and arranged the interview. it would be different if you had applied direct.

even though the company is trying to be sneaky i can guarantee you that the recruitment agency will find out who they eventually get to fill the vacancy.

it would be best if you told the recruitment agency as they will find out anyway and you may want to use them again in future.

also, most companies do not pay an upfront fee for recruitment services, they only pay if the vacancy is filled so what that company is trying to do is really bad actually.

[WendyS]

If the company is prepared to be unethical and sneaky regarding their professional obligations, I wonder if they're prepared to be equally unethical and sneaky in the way the treat their employees? I suppose you could always put the director in a difficult position if he comes back to you and ask him why they contacted you direct and whether it was to avoid paying a second fee as that has made you wonder about the ethics of the company. He may squirm a bit and possibly change his mind about wanting to employ you but at least he would know he'd be getting a future employee who was prepared to be honest and straighforward in her dealings.

[sarahbowen82]

Just another thought, I also work in recruitment, and can definetly say the agency will find out - we do random checks all the time on companies we suspect have ' backdoored'. When this happens you are putting yourself in a very awkward position with regards to your potential employers. Another thing you may have signed terms and conditions which state that you will not approach a company you have been introduced to...so again you are leaving yourself vunerable. Finally, if the first person didnt work out, the fee they paid the agency would probably have been refunded, especially if it was within a 3 month period. My advice would be to play dumb if and when they ring again - reiterate you are very interested in the job but then drop in that you have discussed it with the agency, who were pleased for you etc - this should sniff out their motives for double crossing the agency.

[tellboy]

Do not worry about the recruitment agency. Not your problem.
Go for it.

[sarahbowen82]

Tellboy and moodoo must like to live dangerously - I reiterate do not leave yourself open to criticism and the possibility of compensation claims. Good luck whatever you choose to do - I hope you let us know

[ugly_bob]

Go for it. Sod the agency. No personal offence meant to anyone, but my experience with employment agents is that they are useless spongers. Just earn money through other people's hard work and unreliable with helping the people they're there to serve

[lucemma4]

Thanks everyone for your advice, I appreciate it, I've put myself first and taken the job without letting them know. Whatever the right thing to do is..I have found it really difficult to get a job I like and my past experiences with agencies has been bad-they're useless! Im pleased that I've now got a good job and Im not worrying about them!

[WoWo]

As people have said unless you signed an agreement with the agency then, it's not your problem. Your employer may get into trouble but thats not your concern.

Without any agreement with the agency (written or verbal) you can do as you please.

[saxo_boi]

go 4 it mate! i know i would if i was in your situation!

[Hgrove]

I think you did the right thing in taking the job. My experience with recruitment agencies has been extremely negative, I would place them a long way beneath estate agents. I don't know your line of business but there are probably millions of agencies out there so you need not use this one again in future. I would imagine the agency has received a payment for the other person who took the job, and then did not work out, so I don't see how they can demand more money from the employer, but either way, it is not your problem.