There is a job position where a recruiter has submitted my resume.and came back to me that there is only a 50% chance of success.
I am very tempted to apply direct with the employer as if I'm to be considered for an interview - my cost through the agent will make me disadvantaged in the position. Eg choosing between 2 similarly-qualified, but 1 is a direct applicant and the other is a recruiter-applicant - I think the employer will go for the direct applicant because of lower cost (do not have to pay for agent fees).

What is the consequence of me applying directly to the employer if the recruiter has already submitted my CV? Thanks.

I tend to agree with you. If you are qualified and "attractive," I too would think the employer would rather avoid the agency costs. The agency may never want to deal with you again, though.

I tend to agree with you. If you are qualified and "attractive," I too would think the employer would rather avoid the agency costs. The agency may never want to deal with you again, though.

Thanks, Wondergirl. Do you think I can apply direct with the employer as well? How will that affect my application?

Thanks, Wondergirl. Do you think I can apply direct with the employer as well? How will that affect my application?
Has the employer advertised "publicly" as in a newspaper? How do you know there is an opening other than through the agency?

Has the employer advertised "publicly" as in a newspaper? How do you know there is an opening other than through the agency?

Yes the employer advertised publicly in the job board.

Yes the employer advertised publicly in the job board.
The benefit that the agency gives to the employer is that the agency interviews you and vets you as being a good candidate for the job. Does this employer know you at all? If not, you might lose out to a vetted candidate who is applying through a similar or the same agency.

Yes the employer advertised publicly in the job board.
Inside his company? Like in the staff room?

Inside his company? Like in the staff room?

But the employer has its own hr dept... The manager that this position reports to briefly knows me since we are in a the same industry. I'm just worried that if I apply direct, the employer will not consider me at all knowing that the agent has also represented me.

but the employer has its own hr dept...The manager that this position reports to briefly knows me since we are in a the same industry. I'm just worried that if I apply direct, the employer will not consider me at all knowing that the agent has also represented me.
After thinking about this -- if the employer has gone to an agency to get help in finding a qualified employee, you might be better off going through the agency. It's not your concern or responsibility to save the company money.

Since you have already used the recruiter, you are free of course to contact the business but you will still be obligated to pay the recruiter since they have submitted your paper work to the company. This is more a follow up from the referral that is already given.

I would do it, but don't expect not to pay the recruiter

You can contact the manager you know as a follow-up, but do not submit your resume separately. This is unethical and will reflect poorly with the company.

The only way this wouldn't be unethical is if you were not aware of what company the agency submitted you to.