RE: Agency warning signs

Subject: RE: Agency warning signs
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 08:33:14 -0000

Hi Cathy,

>I'm being courted by some agencies that offer high-paying work in a
>nearby city that I'm unfamiliar with. I'm eager for the money, but I've
>found horror stories in the TECHWR-L archives that give me pause. I've
>gotten some good information from the National Writers Union & STC
>sites, but I'm still wondering: What early warning signs should steer me
>away from an agency? What are the signs of a good agency? How can I best
>protect my interests?

Well, people tell horror stories here because they're unusual. IME, most
agencies are both honest and well-meaning, providing you bear in mind that
they are being paid by the company for whom you will be working - their
interests are in finding someone who will get the job and not do their
reputation with company any harm. The worst thing some agencies do,
particularly in the current recruiting climate where there are more jobs
than writers, is try to get you into the job without worrying about whether
you're suited for it: but (IME) they won't usually actually lie about it -
just stretch the truth a little in a favourable direction. Other than that,
read everything you sign, and don't feel obliged to sign everything you read

If you can take the time, go visit the city *first*. Ask for an
all-expenses-paid job interview, if it gets that far, and don't feel
obligated to accept the job if it's offered.

Jane Carnall
Technical Writer, Compaq, UK


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