Negotiating your rate

The sole aim of the agent to get as much out of the potential client and to give you as little as possible. The agent will usually be paid commission as a percentage of your hourly rate, anywhere from 15 per cent to 25 per cent, depending upon industry and sector. The agent gets paid only if you get work. Some clients have agreements with agencies to supply freelancers on a fixed level of commission. In this case, the agent's margin is usually non-negotiable, so if you want more money it will need to come from the client.

Rate negotiation is a game; don't is afraid to push for the rate you want. To get the highest rate you can requires a strong bargaining position. The strongest position is after you have been interviewed and the client wants to hire you.  The agent won't want to go through the whole recruitment cycle again, or be seen to let the client down if you refuse.  Although you may have agreed a rate before the interview don't be afraid to re-open negotiations, in fact you may find some agents will try to increase their margins after the client has made an offer. Stand your ground and ask for what you want.