employer references for contractor

[NewCUKMember]

I had been contracting for several years now. I am now considering a permanent offer. As part of background check, I need to provide previous employers references. Since I was contracting in past, and my clients being not my employers, should I provide reference of the agencies with whom I had signed the contracts? Or is it ok to provide clients details for this.

[northernladuk]

Most clients won't give contractors references so you need to check first. They will just be checking your working dates so IMO the agents should be your first port of call as that is who you were contracted with.

[SueEllen]

Phone up the company and ask them what exactly they want.

They may just want dates which agents can give them or they may want someone who has known you to say you are a great person.

If it's the latter also use a friend you have known for over 5 years with a professional job title e.g. doctor, teacher, accountant , another contractor who you worked alongside with the word "manager" in their role title, or an organisation you volunteered for in the last couple of years.

[BrilloPad]

It is usually the agencies.

[clearedforlanding]

Phone up the company and ask them what exactly they want.

They may just want dates which agents can give them or they may want someone who has known you to say you are a great person.

If it's the latter also use a friend you have known for over 5 years with a professional job title e.g. doctor, teacher, accountant , another contractor who you worked alongside with the word "manager" in their role title, or an organisation you volunteered for in the last couple of years.

SueEllen has got this right for a permit role. I would follow her advice.

[BlasterBates]

All references are for is usually to confirm your position. Just use the agencies. They might come back and ask for personal references, then just contact individuals with whom you still have contact.

[SueEllen]

All references are for is usually to confirm your position. Just use the agencies. They might come back and ask for personal references, then just contact individuals with whom you still have contact.

If you speak to the employer first to find out what type of references they want it speeds things up, especially if it's the type of role where you can't go on site until the references are obtained.