Negotiating - agency or employer?

sillysocks

Have been interviewed twice for a job in the last few weeks, originally went through an agency where the job was advertised but have had two interviews with the company directly.

Now am waiting to hear feedback but am wondering if I was lucky enough to get the job would you generally negotiate terms directly with the company or would the agency usually go as middle man? It's years since I've been job hunting and don't think I ever used an agency so just wondering what the norm is. The wages offered are pretty poor compared with my last job so hoping to get them up a bit.

sillysocks

Anyone? Would be grateful for any help!

Mr.Fred

Usually when an agency is involved there's no negotiations they tell you what you will be paid and that's that.

It usually costs the employer more to use an agency as they pay a certain rate and then some but it means yo're not directly employed with the company so they can end your contract when it suits them without the worries of redundancy sick leave etc.

There is probably some folks on here with more knowledge on it but afaik that's basically how it works.

Mrs OBumble

Mr.Fred wrote: »

Usually when an agency is involved there's no negotiations they tell you what you will be paid and that's that.

That's how it works if you're an employees of the agency. And even then, you negotiate with the agency like you would with any other employer.

If you'll be an employee of the company, and the agency just providing recruitment services for them, then you do your negotiating thru the agency, but with the company. You may have a little more scope, because the agent is a better negotiator and has an incentive to get you ask much dosh as possible because their commission is based on your salary.

sillysocks

Yes should have said I would be employed by the company not the agency. The agency don't seen to want to push for negotiations should the job be offered but the wages are almost 30% lower than my last job , worse benefits for more responsibility, but then beggars and choosers as my old company is closing!

Stheno

sillysocks wrote: »

Yes should have said I would be employed by the company not the agency. The agency don't seen to want to push for negotiations should the job be offered but the wages are almost 30% lower than my last job , worse benefits for more responsibility, but then beggars and choosers as my old company is closing!

It's usually done through the agency, the company will make an offer via the agency and the agency will present that to you

If the role is advertised at a specific salary range, then I doubt you would have much scope for negotiating an additional 30% tbh

sillysocks

I'm not expecting to get near the 30% but somewhere a bit higher than the original salary They had listed would be nice. Even a few better benefits or something would help ease the punch!

Stheno

sillysocks wrote: »

I'm not expecting to get near the 30% but somewhere a bit higher than the original salary They had listed would be nice. Even a few better benefits or something would help ease the punch!

Have you talked to the agency about how much you currently earn? Or have they asked you your salary expectations?

sillysocks

Yes I've given them all my current details and they said they've passed them onto the company. I get the feeling the agency are siding a bit with the company as they've a long term connection with them so not sure they'll push them much for more money.
Anyway still haven't been offered it so might be jumping the gun! At least I've an idea now how it should work.