Asked to supply an updated CV to client

[d000hg]

My (direct) client keeps a database of technical skills, and CVs, to use as part of their bid process if needed.

I've been asked to complete a CV using their company-branded template as part of this, and it makes me feel uncomfortable but I can't decide if it's reasonable or not. It seems to me that as well as being a potential IR35 indicator, it is not really appropriate for them to advertise my skills/experience as part of their "package".

I don't want to be a dick about it, wondered what you lot thought should be my response (beyond ignoring the emails about it and hoping it goes away)?

Thanks.

[Danglekt]

why not have the conversation pretty much as written above?

[d000hg]

why not have the conversation pretty much as written above?

This is my thought, but I want to make sure I'm not being daft, or if it should be a flat-out-refusal, before finding out how big a deal it is to them.

[LondonManc]

This is my thought, but I want to make sure I'm not being daft, or if it should be a flat-out-refusal, before finding out how big a deal it is to them.

You're building a B2B relationship. Don't jeopardise it either way (inside IR35 vs burning bridges) but express your concerns about being seen as a permie. Maybe positioning you as an associate is an option for them. This can often mean that they'll give you a shout a year down the line, bin the agent off and get you in on more money than you were on before.

[unixman]

Good question. As a permie consultant I was asked for similar information when my employer was bidding for new business. In that situation it was understandable.

In this case, it isn't really honest of the client to boast of your talents. You are a contractor and might leave at a moments notice, or when your contract is up. It might be reasonable if your contract covers the whole of the business they are bidding for, and if they make it clear to their prospective client that you are a contractor and not permanent.

Awkward.

I wouldn't like it if (for example) SJD accountancy assured me of my personal accountant's qualifications, without making it clear he was a contractor and up for renewal at the end of the month.

[TheFaQQer]

From an IR35 perspective, it doesn't look good - particularly if you have been there a long time.

Someone there must have seen your CV in it's current format, though, so if they are insistent that you provide one I'd hand over one in your own company format - you can't control what they do with it after that, though.

Depending on how they include them, it may or may not be dishonest - there's a big difference between "we can get this guy" and "these CVs are typical of the people we would use", for example. Years back, I was working with a (then) small consultancy on a big bid they were putting together and they wanted to use my CV in their fixed-price paperwork because I was one of the original authors of the solution. I was happy for them to use it because they were going to market me as someone they potentially would use, but without any guarantee that they would have the person available full-time.

They didn't get the work, though, so it was all a bit moot.

[BolshieBastard]

My (direct) client keeps a database of technical skills, and CVs, to use as part of their bid process if needed.

I've been asked to complete a CV using their company-branded template as part of this, and it makes me feel uncomfortable but I can't decide if it's reasonable or not. It seems to me that as well as being a potential IR35 indicator, it is not really appropriate for them to advertise my skills/experience as part of their "package".

I don't want to be a dick about it, wondered what you lot thought should be my response (beyond ignoring the emails about it and hoping it goes away)?

Thanks.

Would be a 'sorry no, Im not one of your employees or resources' etc, etc.

Bugger this dont burn bridges nonsense. All this pussyfooting around is why clients ask you to do these things.

[slice16]

I have recently had a situation like this, where it was in my contract saying 'provide an up to date CV for any consultant providing services'... this failed with QDOS. So it was changed to a 'Business Profile', which basically said exactly what services my company provide and the 'typical' skillset of my consultants. Fully branded with my logo etc....

If you send something like that, in your branding and word it as 'Here are the services my company can provide', and they re-format it etc... thats on them.

[SueEllen]

My (direct) client keeps a database of technical skills, and CVs, to use as part of their bid process if needed.

I've been asked to complete a CV using their company-branded template as part of this, and it makes me feel uncomfortable but I can't decide if it's reasonable or not. It seems to me that as well as being a potential IR35 indicator, it is not really appropriate for them to advertise my skills/experience as part of their "package".

I don't want to be a dick about it, wondered what you lot thought should be my response (beyond ignoring the emails about it and hoping it goes away)?

Thanks.

You should speak to the person sending the emails face-to-face and tell them that you cannot supply your CV for that purpose as you are not one of their employees but a service provider. That means using your CV in that way would be dishonest, which would not only damage their professional reputation if it's found out but your company's as well.

If you have ever employed people or used subcontractors then point out that while to them you may look like a one-man band in reality you have used other people to provide services to other clients.

BTW years ago I worked for a company that took over another company claiming to have skilled "staff" in a particular specialised area. 3/4 of the skilled "staff" were contractors. Needless to say some lawyers made more money on the deal than they thought they would.....