I got an interview through and agency but can I contact the company directly?

Question

I recently got an interview through a recruitment agency for a job that I really, really want. Unfortunately the employer had to cancel on the day due to unforseen circumstances, and I was told by the recruitment agency that they would be in touch once they had arranged a new date. 3 days later I still haven't heard a new date, despite phoning the agency every day. I have the name of the person who would be conducting the interview, shall I contact them directly to let them know how keen I am?

Answer 1

I dont think you are supposed to bypass the agency if they were the ones who set you up with the interview to start with

I know its frustrating but you will just have to wait to hear from them

My daughter had a similar problem a few months ago and was getting very frustrated about waiting to hear but it all worked out in the end and she got the job too :0)
hang in there!

Answer 2

Strictly speaking you should go through the agency as they will have an exclusive contract with the company to fill the vacancy - but there is nothing stopping you from ringing the company direct, the agency will still get their commission but do let them know in order to prevent any crossed wires.

Unfortunately, companies can be quite inefficient when recruiting, something crops up and they will cancel an interview at a drop of a hat ( they have nothing to lose) and after an interview will promise to let you know in seven days time. You spend all day waiting for a reply in vain. Moral: Just keep on applying for as many jobs as possible even if they are not what you want as there is nothing better than attending an interview with an offer in your pocket so that you can call the tune:

" Thank you for seeing me to day - I would very much like to work with you, I would appreciate an early reply, as I have an offer from another company. May I ring you on Thursday, in the mean time, is there anything else I can tell you and please tell me if you have any doubts about my suitability for this position.

Good luck and be positive, pleasant, enthusiastic and confident but do not be too pushy - always be polite and have a nice smile

Answer 3

3 days isn't too long a wait. I'd give the agency at least a week before doing anything - including badgering them. If you pester them too much they'll put you at the back of the queue and give yourself a bad name. They may be waiting for the company. You have to be reasonable about this or you'll end up looking needy. If the agency do nothing in a week, ask them if it's OK for you to phone the Co yourself. This might put a rocket under them. If they still do nothing.....phone the company.

Answer 4

You'd probably be doing more harm than good if you contacted the company directly.

If a company has elected to source personnel though a recruitment agency then they definitely don't want all and sundry contacting them directly.

Nag the Agency. It is in their interests to get you the interview.

Answer 5

I know with recruitment agencies, that you can't apply for the job on your own..

but this sounds different, i would go ahead and make the call to the employer, and make sure that they understand that it still has to go through the recruitment agency.

but i wouldn't wait around for the agency to get back to you if it's been 3 days already.

good luck