Recently, I replied to an advertised position that stipulated “no third-party agencies”. During the ensuing video conference, the interviewer mentioned that the process will take longer since I chose to go through an agency. When I questioned his statement, I was informed that an agency had forwarded my resume and that the required finders-fee (etc…) would need to be addressed. I did not authorize any agency to represent me for this specific position. But, apparently, some of these freelance vultures consider posted resumes as open carion, free for the pickings. Also, I discovered that my page and a half resume was cut down to a page length, something I would never have authorized without viewing a pre-release copy.
The interview did not go well. There was a negative aire from the beginning. I believe this was due to the third-party agency. Steering clear of the legal aspects of misrepresentation, I have a question regarding what immediate action I could have taken. First, how could I have declared self-representation without placing myself or the employer in jeopardy? Secondly, if I am represented by an agency then choose to present myself, is there a specific time period before I can contact the employer on my own?
