Not always but there are usually certain key details that are consistent across postings. Length of contract, specific skills needed. It is generally easier to tell for a technical contract position than others.

Generally speaking, however, agencies don’t usually re-write job descriptions for posting…pretty easy to tell.

It is imperative though that you speak in-depth with the recruiter to be sure that you are not being submitted twice. This may take some due diligence on your part. Clarify even down to the requisition number on the company’s website if you must.

If an agency refuses to tell you who the client is and is otherwise secretive about the opportunity…move on. You most likely don’t want to work with that particular agency anyway.

If you are just not getting any answers, or feel that the agency is unresponsive to you…fire them as you would any other service provider. Give them an opportunity to rectify and if the condition persists…put it in writing and move on.

Thanks for clarifying that point!

Jen

At one point I was called by four agencies about the same opportunity. When I told them that I was working with another recruiter on the same role, each of them dropped me (courteously) like a hot potato. Nobody had articulated the ‘thou shalt not’ as clearly as you did above, but it just seemed like the right thing to let them know.

One thing that’s tricky here is the letter disallowing the first agency from representing you. It sounds right but also has a risk of burning a bridge. (Admittedly one that wasn’t getting you anywhere, but on the rare occasions I’ve burned a career bridge I’ve always regretted it). My take on that would be to have a frank conversation with the person first so that at least the letter doesn’t come as a surprise; would you agree with that approach?