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Subject:Working through angencies From:Michael Andrew Uhl <uhl -dot- mike -at- epa -dot- gov> To:"TECHWR-L, (Tech Writers)" <TECHWR-L -at- LISTS -dot- RAYCOMM -dot- COM> Date:Mon, 06 Dec 1999 09:57:25 -0500
I have to agree with Andrew on this one. We have to understand the
relationships among the three parties here: tech writer, agency, and
client. The fact is, the agency cares only about the technical writer
insofar as the writer will enhance the relationship between the agency
and the client. Remember, the agency wants the client's money. We are
the means to that end.
I have found that working *with* the agency, in a prudent and ethical
manner, benefits *me* as well as the agency. Good agencies will want to
work with people who work with them and make their clients happy.
Too many of my colleagues have far too high expecations concerning what
the agency ought to do for them.
-Mike
--
Michael Andrew Uhl (mailto:uhl -dot- mike -at- epa -dot- gov)
Lockheed Martin - U.S. EPA Scientific Visualization Center
Ph. (office) 919.541.4283; 919.541.3716 (lab)
P.O. Box 14365 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Andrew Plato wrote:
>
> > In your case, I would have said, "that's none of your business."
> > And left it at that. After a while you get to know which businesses
> > are ethical and which are not.
> >
> > One of the biggest "traps" or "tricks" that recruiters use nowadays
> > is asking "have you had any interviews at any other companies?"
> > Frankly, that's none of their business. Period.
>
> Wrong. This is absolutely the agency's business. If you want to use the
> services of a recruiter, then you need to be honest with them about where you
> are interviewing.
>
> It looks bad when a recruiter submits a candidate to a client where the
> candidate has already interviewed. Recruiters make money from connecting
> people with jobs. If you are not willing to help the recruiter do his/her job,
> then why should they help you get a job. You have to give a little before you
> can take.
>
> This attitude really burns my ass. Some people think consulting and recruiting
> companies are their personal job shoppers. Guess what, these places are a
> business and if you want to use their services then you have to be willing to
> help them help you. Recruiters are not in business to help you build your own
> personal empire.
>
> If you are unwilling to work with a recruiter - then DON'T USE THEIR
> SERVICES!!!
--
Michael Andrew Uhl (mailto:uhl -dot- mike -at- epa -dot- gov)
Lockheed Martin - U.S. EPA Scientific Visualization Center
Ph. (office) 919.541.4283; 919.541.3716 (lab)
P.O. Box 14365 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
