A contract opened up with another hiring agent.

Anonymous

August 11,2023 at 8:16PM UTC

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A contract opened up with another hiring agent.

So, I work at XYZ company as a contractor on a one-year contract. I have 3 months left on my contract, which is held by Agent A, the hiring agent, and my employer of record.

But today, another hiring agency that provides contractors contacted me about an opportunity at XYZ that is a step up from my current role in an entirely different division.

This job would also be working with XYZ but I would technically be employed by a different hiring agent, let's call them Agent B.

Should I apply for the role? Do I risk losing my current contract if my current hiring agent finds out?

I would really like the new role but I don't know if I can even apply or if that would be dubbed as unethical to apply for a role at the same company thru a different hiring agent.

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AnonymousAugust 11,2023 at 9:27PM UTC
You treat this new contract as you would a new contract with a new company.
You honor you obligation, you give the new contract agency you availability date after your current contract expires.
This a the professional and ethical thing to do in my opinion.
Unless XYZ company and both divisions are in agreement, you do not step out on one to do the other.
Just my two cents.
Elizabyth HarringtonAugust 12,2023 at 12:27AM UTC
review the contract you signed with agency A to make sure you didn’t sign a contract that prevents you from working for a competing agency.
AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 1:58PM UTC
It depends, but your contract with Agent A probably includes an agreement that you are not eligible to pursue other contract roles within XYZ company for the duration of your contract, which (I think) would mean that, yes, your contract would be terminated if you pursue this other role. I would suggest reviewing your contract, determining whether it has such a limitation, then letting Agent B know what you’ve found, and going from there. You could have your current contract terminated and land (or not land) that higher paying role, but then you’ve burned that bridge with Agent A (and possibly your current boss at XYZ company). You *could* have a hypothetical conversation about the role, given your predicament, with Agent B, asking if it would be possible for you to complete the terms of your current contract before starting this new one, but if that’s impossible, you would miss out on that higher paying role. There’s a risk either way, and you have to determine which option you’re more comfortable with.
AnonymousAugust 12,2023 at 4:51PM UTC
Do apply, as a contractor there is nothing unethical about looking at other projects. Look at your contract as I would assume there terms in there that will provide how you leave if you choose to. My only caveat to you is be sure of 2 things. 1- that Agent B keeps your interest confidential to only that group. 2- you may have issues with company XYZ if you decide to try to go permanent.
Worst case if you do get queried about it, you can say that you were approached by someone and wanted to find out more about the role because you are interested in the potential of moving up into new territories and functions. Good luck!
AnonymousAugust 13,2023 at 2:24PM UTC
I agree with checking the terms of your contract to see if it prohibits you from applying. If it doesn’t, I think you should go for it. Your contract is up in 3 months. Unless they plan on making you perm or extending it, you need to find your next role. If they find out you’ve applied, tell them you are nearing the end of your contract and need to line up your next role. Anyone that finds fault with that isn’t realistic. Good luck.
Kelly ClarkeAugust 15,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
Nope. Don’t let your “employer“ control you like that. Apply for whatever job you think is best for you and your family.
Especially if you’re a contractor. Oh, and another common trick that these contracting agencies pull, is that they claim they’re going to extend or convert you to perm when they have no intention or ability to do so.
unfortunately, there are people who find fault with you, for applying common sense, and self respect to your work life. This Thursday is the anniversary of me being hit by a large truck doing highway speed. So many people were absolutely furious with me for getting the medical care that I needed to stay alive because it interfered with my work schedule. And so many people in the local industry community remain vocally angry with me for continuing to have a disability as a result of that selfish asshole’s actions.
That is how your job feels about you. Make no mistake.
AnonymousAugust 14,2023 at 7:44PM UTC
How is that remotely useful advice? When people come to this forum, they are seeking a supportive environment to ask questions about their lives and careers, not, in my estimation to have someone point out that they used an informal spelling of a word.