Can you give me a list of all companies where you have been submitted?

[ujjain]

Because I don't want your CV to end up twice somebody. This must be a trick question to collect names of companies that are looking for people, right?

[tractor]

...

Because I don't want your CV to end up twice somebody. This must be a trick question to collect names of companies that are looking for people, right?

Yes, and it is one that you should counter with 'Can you give me a list of all clients you have placed someone with and their rates?'

[northernladuk]

Yes, and it is one that you should counter with 'Can you give me a list of all clients you have placed someone with and their rates?'

Hays do this proactively from time to time don't they?

[ujjain]

Hehe. How should I respond when they ask me "Who is your current boss?"... they ask me that a lot since I'm going to move from permanent to contracting very very soon with 2 week notice.

[northernladuk]

There is a sticky thread covering all of this kind of marlarky so you could with having a read through some of the posts...

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...eferences.html

I hope I am not too rude in mentioning this but I haven't heard of someone coming out with such a bold request before so can't help thinking your interaction with these guys maybe making you look a bit wet behind the ears hence them trying this on. I could be wrong and it's just one idiot who asks everyone this but I do believe if you give the impression you know what you are doing the agents won't treat you like a soft touch. Having the right attitude with them helps bat off a lot of the stupid tricks they pull like this one and also screwing you on rate. If they smell a sucker they will offer a rate well below what they would pay and pocket the rest. I have no doubt they will still try it on with anyone but more so if they think they can pull the wool over your eyes.

Remember you are doing them a service as much as they are doing you a service and don't take any crap. They are not gods or in charge of anything so don't need to pay them too much lip service or roll over. Maybe something that will come with experience but be aware of it from day one.

Oh yeah and be aware of the Opt In/Opt Out situation. They do legitimately have to ask for references at the right part of the process depending on your status but be aware this isn't right at the beginning of your engagement.

Long thread on Opt In/Opt out below

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...-2003-act.html

Just bear in mind some clients do require references as part of the SLA with the agent so learn when it is appropriate for them to ask and how to respond. A straight 'F off' is not always the correct response.

[ujjain]

Thanks, it's appreciated!

[Sausage Surprise]

Just bear in mind some clients do require references as part of the SLA with the agent so learn when it is appropriate for them to ask and how to respond. A straight 'F off' is not always the correct response.

Works for me

[FatLazyContractor]

Because I don't want your CV to end up twice somebody. This must be a trick question to collect names of companies that are looking for people, right?

Jokes aside, a simple response could be:

- It is my company's policy not to reveal any information about my clients ... yada yada. Tell me who your client is and I will confirm whether I have been submitted or not.

[DaveB]

Or ask them "Are you planning to submit my CV to clients without telling me? If so, I don't want to deal with you, otherwise tell me the client and I'll tell you if I have already been put forward."

[DodgyAgent]

Because I don't want your CV to end up twice somebody. This must be a trick question to collect names of companies that are looking for people, right?

It is "locked in" to the business process of most agencies.