How do you handle intrusive recruiter question.

[vwdan]

I once had something similar. Call seemed to be going okay, role sounded fairly legit and he just randomly comes out with "So, what's your home situation?". I was a bit taken aback, and asked for clarification and he started down the line of "Oh, I'm just wondering - y'know, you married, got kids?". I answered yes and yes and it then rapidly became "So, how are they with you working away? You're not going to be running back home all the time are you?" etc.

I was absolutely stunned, to be honest - really taken aback. Without saying the exact words, I pretty much told him to **** off. Told him how inappropiate and legally questionable this line of thinking was. Said I was a succesful contractor who'd more than proven myself reliable and I wasn't going to be justifying myself on the phone to a recruiter, and nor was I interested in their job.

Wish I could remember who it was, but it was a couple of years ago now.

[northernladuk]

I once had something similar. Call seemed to be going okay, role sounded fairly legit and he just randomly comes out with "So, what's your home situation?". I was a bit taken aback, and asked for clarification and he started down the line of "Oh, I'm just wondering - y'know, you married, got kids?". I answered yes and yes and it then rapidly became "So, how are they with you working away? You're not going to be running back home all the time are you?" etc.

I was absolutely stunned, to be honest - really taken aback. Without saying the exact words, I pretty much told him to **** off. Told him how inappropiate and legally questionable this line of thinking was. Said I was a succesful contractor who'd more than proven myself reliable and I wasn't going to be justifying myself on the phone to a recruiter, and nor was I interested in their job.

Wish I could remember who it was, but it was a couple of years ago now.

I had a similar line of questioning when I went for my last remote gig and, to be honest, it didn't really bother me. Both the agent and the client at the interview checked on my situation.

Previously I've been turned down for a gig because it was based in Maidstone and the feedback was they've been burned by remote contractors taking the gig and then leaving early as it's too much. I didn't get the chance to explain my situation and how it won't affect remote working. I might have gotten the gig if they'd asked me and I had the chance to make the situation clear.

I've also worked with a number of remote contractors and a majority of them have been a pain in the arse, either giving up a few months in or hitting the desk first week and immediately asking for a couple of days WFH etc. It's inconvenienced me and the client was less than happy as well. We've got one here at the moment that is constantly missing trains and turning up late (if at all) due to distance. He's a decent contractor but his reputation is in the gutter.

I can understand why they ask and as it's no issue to me I don't mind explaining. The logistics is a risk to the client so, if done properly, I don't see why they shouldn't check. Blatant discrimination isn't acceptable though.

[simes]

We've got one here at the moment that is constantly missing trains and turning up late (if at all) due to distance. He's a decent contractor but his reputation is in the gutter.

How, may I ask, does that make him decent?

[northernladuk]

How, may I ask, does that make him decent?

I mean he knows his stuff. Without the travel issues he'd be good.

[simes]

Fair play.

But it is Exactly this sort of behaviour that is shooting everyone else in the foot when it comes to what others may perceive as intrusive questions. To my mind, if this type of behaviour is all pervasive, then I find myself siding with the agent. He needs to ask, and then even challenge the answer.

Personally, I wouldn't want to be recruiting the same position every two months...

As to your guy, sounds like he needs a rocket.

[northernladuk]

Fair play.

But it is Exactly this sort of behaviour that is shooting everyone else in the foot when it comes to what others may perceive as intrusive questions. To my mind, if this type of behaviour is all pervasive, then I find myself siding with the agent. He needs to ask, and then even challenge the answer.

Personally, I wouldn't want to be recruiting the same position every two months...

As to your guy, sounds like he needs a rocket.

Correct which is why I don't really mind the question for remote gigs.

To be fair as long as he's delivering it shouldn't really matter about times but that's not how the client sees it.

[psychocandy]

I had a similar line of questioning when I went for my last remote gig and, to be honest, it didn't really bother me. Both the agent and the client at the interview checked on my situation.

Previously I've been turned down for a gig because it was based in Maidstone and the feedback was they've been burned by remote contractors taking the gig and then leaving early as it's too much. I didn't get the chance to explain my situation and how it won't affect remote working. I might have gotten the gig if they'd asked me and I had the chance to make the situation clear.

I've also worked with a number of remote contractors and a majority of them have been a pain in the arse, either giving up a few months in or hitting the desk first week and immediately asking for a couple of days WFH etc. It's inconvenienced me and the client was less than happy as well. We've got one here at the moment that is constantly missing trains and turning up late (if at all) due to distance. He's a decent contractor but his reputation is in the gutter.

I can understand why they ask and as it's no issue to me I don't mind explaining. The logistics is a risk to the client so, if done properly, I don't see why they shouldn't check. Blatant discrimination isn't acceptable though.

For a change you're right NLUK. I don't think you can blame a client being a bit wary to be honest for the reasons above.

My client is a nightmare for not thinking of this. They offered perm role (crap pay as well) to a guy who lived about 90-120 mins drive away (in an area where the job market is way better than wales). This guy had just been made redundant. It was obvious he was in "feck I've been made redundant Im going to apply for every job within 2 hours drive" mode.

You can guess what happened. Didn't turn up. Got something closer to home.

[northernladuk]

Crikey. PC agreeing with me and Simes posting something remotely correct. I'm liking this. I'm sure it won't last long though

[simes]

Correct which is why I don't really mind the question for remote gigs.

To be fair as long as he's delivering it shouldn't really matter about times but that's not how the client sees it.

Ah well, if he is delivering then all well and good. I was understanding a lack of delivery in his absenteeism. The client will have to be educated.

[psychocandy]

Crikey. PC agreeing with me and Simes posting something remotely correct. I'm liking this. I'm sure it won't last long though

sure you'll be back to talking tulipe soon.