Shall I Apply Direct ?

[Tickytocky]

I applied for a job on Indeed- didn’t really read JD/PS, just attached CV and hit Apply.
A recruitment agency got in touch and gave more detail including slightly different job title and location- it was a lot further than stated but said they would consider a remote candidate (advert did say flexible working available), all good.

They’ve come back to me and now said Line Manager would be fine but CEO wants everyone in office 2 days a week. I can’t do this. I’ve told agency I would go in for any meetings if necessary but not work onsite for 2 whole days.

I’ve just gone on their website and REALLY like the JD - do you think I should apply directly, with the hope of discussing it in interview once they realise how fab I am ?
Would this be considered cheeky ?!
Or forget it as there’s clearly a logistics/culture clash from the outset ?

It does say on advert call for an informal discussion….
It’s a specialised role and they’ve advertised it ‘a while’ unsuccessfully if that’s at all relevant!

I guess the flexible part is the compromise of 2 days in the office and 3 days wfh. There's no harm in trying but I think you need to be prepared for them to say no, they've made it clear in the job description so people know what they are applying for.

I say this as someone who regularly interviews and advertises for staff and I make it very clear what the expectations regarding working hours will be but still people apply and turn up for interviews then say they can't work the hours on offer. It can be frustrating and wastes everyone's time.

Ahh ok yes I imagine that would be very frustrating !

I think the agency overegged how accommodating they were to remote workers. Along with changing the job title, and relocating their head office by 50 odd miles !

If you got the role they would still have to pay the recruitment fee.

Don’t do this.

Not only will the company still have to pay the agency fee if they hire you, you’ll look like you’re desperately hitting “apply” on everything.

Yes recruiting fees would still apply, I appreciate that.
This wasn’t to avoid them 😁

I don’t see what you would gain by going direct - you’ve already asked the Q and they’ve said no? It might be easier just to keep speaking to the agency, you could always say actually you’ve changed your mind and you’re open to office working just to get an interview.

Yes I’ll keep in contact with the agency, you’re right.