Question about consulting/contract work:

[Myrina]

When a head hunter calls you about a potential job opening and submits your skills profile/general information as part of a larger bid on an implementation project, is there any legal reason why you can't have a different head hunter do the same, since they're both bidding for the project as a whole?

Or is it just bad etiquette?

(Head hunter #2 did NOT ask if I'd already been approached by anyone else about this position/project, by the way).

[Scuba]

1. If you've not signed a contract, you're not legally bound....

... as for the etiquette issue, you might want to put your own best interests ahead of etiquette. If agency A isn't doing a good job of representing you, I recommend you consider another.

I once accepted a job, then reneged when I was offered a better one. I did feel badly, especially considering the first place had treated me very well during the recruitment process. It was much harder to call them and tell them I wasn't coming than it was to make the decision. Pay, career advancement and family issues all lined up with the second place.

[HopeHoops]

2. It's definitely bad etiquette, but it really depends on your relationship with the headhunter.

[Myrina]

3. I have no relationship with either

They found my resume on Dice.com and cold called me, as it turns out, they're bidding on the same project.

Why should I limit my chances if one or the other happens to be a better propOsal writer?

[haele]

4. Unless you signed an exclusive contract with one them to be on that proposal, you're okay.

Even government contracts assume that you're not on the team until they actually hire you. I've seen opposing contract proposals with the same subcontractors listed.
Since you're a potential employee instead of a named employee in a critical position, you're considered fungible - pretty much just a resume - until you actually sign up with one or the other of the companies.

Good luck.

Haele

[Myrina]

5. Awesome, thank you

Nothing's in writing except the resume they both pulled off the net.

[HopeHoops]

6. It depends on the market you're in. In many areas the pickings are slim.

If you piss off one, you won't be in favor with them ever again. And don't think that they don't talk among themselves. I don't know of any industry where those in the same profession don't congregate. Pissing off one could piss off a lot more at the same time. It's frustrating as hell, but some companies just will not consider anyone who doesn't come through an agent (headhunter). Tread carefully.

[Myrina]

8. One is local, the other is in NY State ...

... so I can't imagine that they talk. Then again, who knows?

[HopeHoops]

10. Well hey, WE talk! Maybe there's a "Headhunters Underground" out there. This is HU!

Still, if they're separated by distance, you're probably safe double dipping.

[TrogL]

7. I had multiple head hunters after me for the same contract

I signed with the one who got me the job first.

[undeterred]

9. Theres no legal reason, but sometimes the potential employer

will use 2 submissions of the same candidate as a reason not to consider you. Its better to just go with one - try to get a better rate by telling them someone else wants to submit you.