Am I blacklisted at this agency now?
Discussion
I had an interview with a company through an agency last week. Upon arriving at the company they escorted me to another premises, and empty warehouse which was apparently their old premises. It was a fabrication role so I completed a test at the empty warehouse, then was asked to leave when I'd finished.
They phoned later and offered me a job - this was on Friday morning, they wanted me to start with them on the following Monday. I told them I was uncertain what the role was as I had not seen what they produce or what their working premises was like, all I'd seen is an empty warehouse. I asked if I could visit the place I'd actually be working at and also said that phoning on Friday and asking me to start on Monday was a bit difficult as I currently have a job and wouldn't want to leave in such an unprofessional manner. I was then told the job offer was revoked.
Do you think I will be blacklisted from the agency or company? I kind of wish I'd known more about it as it's hard to be disappointed about it when I'm not sure what I've missed out on. The experience was just strange.
They phoned later and offered me a job - this was on Friday morning, they wanted me to start with them on the following Monday. I told them I was uncertain what the role was as I had not seen what they produce or what their working premises was like, all I'd seen is an empty warehouse. I asked if I could visit the place I'd actually be working at and also said that phoning on Friday and asking me to start on Monday was a bit difficult as I currently have a job and wouldn't want to leave in such an unprofessional manner. I was then told the job offer was revoked.
Do you think I will be blacklisted from the agency or company? I kind of wish I'd known more about it as it's hard to be disappointed about it when I'm not sure what I've missed out on. The experience was just strange.
If that agency have that kind of job repeatedly, who cares if they blacklist you. You cant do / wont do what their clients want (which is unreasonable for someone in an existing job anyway) so maybe, if that's their typical kind of client they're better off with other candidates who're able to start same day/next working day.
Edited by andy-xr on Thursday 5th March 09:30
bad company said:
davek_964 said:
I don't think the agency will blacklist you. You are simply potential commission to them and this time next week most of them wouldn't even remember what they've sent you for.
Exactly. 
And tbh OP I think that you did the right thing in respect of both professionalism with your current job and wanting to see the working environment.
I once had a similar thing happen to me for an IT contractor role - I had an interview with one company (which was the one I preferred) and another TELEPHONE interview with a large bank HQ in Leeds. The second bank contract got offered straight away, but I had never seen the place. I tried and tried to get to go and at least visit, see the offices, what I'd be doing, meet the team etc. They were a bit evasive. I took the offer anyway as the first place hadn't yet decided.
When I got to the offices (it was between Leeds and Bradford) they were pretty horrid, and the whole parking arrangements etc were just anarchy; I was very much celebrating the diversity and rich culture. I was employed as a Unix admin but appeared to be doing some very basic tasks, not the sort of thing I was expecting at all. I lasted an hour and a half before leaving.
Luckily the first contract role was still open and available to me, and it was a really good contract.
Back to your original question OP - I have worked for the same agency twice since, and also for the same bank (different role, different offices). No hassle.
bad company said:
davek_964 said:
I don't think the agency will blacklist you. You are simply potential commission to them and this time next week most of them wouldn't even remember what they've sent you for.
Exactly. Last time I changed contracts I had an offer with a big company (household name) through an agency. I'd verbally accepted and they were desperate for me to start. Very shortly after I got a better offer from another big company.
The was a bit of tennis between offers and I ended up pissing the first agent off. In the end he had a big rant at me down the phone, and ended it by saying that they MIGHT not consider me for any similar roles
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