agent wants references b4 any interview

[NotAllThere]

Give him the number referenced here: http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...tulations.html

[expat]

He might be fishing. He might be genuine. you can't tell.

It is overwhelmingly likely that he is fishing; but if he is genuine, then you probably don't want to tell him to sod off.

High probability vs high payoff. Hmmm.

[smiff]

He might be genuine. you can't tell.

A serious question. Has anyone landed a contract after handing over references first with no questions asked?

I'd be interested to know.

[ft101]

References are of questionable value anyway.

I would say this guy is fishing, and as others have said, either walk away or tell him that you don't supply references until offer stage, if ever.

regards

[Mustang]

The same is true when an agent you have only spoken to once, wants to add you to his/her network on networking sites such as LinkedIn. As if you know them after such limited contact.....!

[expat]

A serious question. Has anyone landed a contract after handing over references first with no questions asked?

I'd be interested to know.

Yes, I have, that's what made me reply as I did. So that time, I was glad that I gave them.

[DimPrawn]

A serious question. Has anyone landed a contract after handing over references first with no questions asked?

I'd be interested to know.

I've done this maybe 5 times in my contracting career.

Number of interviews arranged after doing so, 0.

After the agent got the references I never heard from them again and on calling them, they were busy/out to lunch.

It is 99.999999% a scam for leads.

HTH

[AZZIK]

hi

an agent says he has a job for me , but wants references before interview ?

what do i do ?

is he fishing? and really there might not be any interview?

I'd say 99% fishing! No-one needs references if there aint even a job! They try this all the time with me - just say where the job is, ask who the client is, when's the interview. If you attend the interview, and you like it, then tell them you will happily give them what they need!

[Fred Bloggs]

99.9% fishing. I tell them I'll take references to the interview and give them to the client directly. I never give agencies references.