I just need to get two references ...

[thunderlizard]

If they go after the references more enthusiastically than they try to get you into the role, they're almost certainly fishing. "Let's cross that bridge if we come to it" should be enough to get them off the subject.



But if you do have a gut feeling that they're being honest despite this, by all means give them a couple of references. The worst that can happen is that they'll get a few cold-calls, and you can warn them about that if you like.

[voodooflux]

NAME: fitzy73 etc.

Barring the name, that was taken from a real application form for a position at McDonalds wasn't it? I recall the applicant got the job too.

[Diver]

Barring the name, that was taken from a real application form for a position at McDonalds wasn't it? I recall the applicant got the job too.

it's been on here (CUK) a few times too

[blacjac]

Barring the name, that was taken from a real application form for a position at McDonalds wasn't it? I recall the applicant got the job too.

I thought that was an urban myth...

[NickFitz]

Barring the name, that was taken from a real application form for a position at McDonalds wasn't it? I recall the applicant got the job too.

I thought that was an urban myth...

You thought correctly...

[Paddy]

Buy twp pay as you go mobile phones and give false names with the numbers for references. When he calls you on a fishing expedition, then you catch him out.

[voodooflux]

You thought correctly...

Alas the best ones are always too good to be true

[Cowboy Bob]

1) When I'm hiring for a Client Co I never ask for references. All they say nowadays is that you worked somewhere between two different dates. I really don't care about that, I only care that you can do the job, so don't bother with them.

2) When I've been looking for a contract I've never been asked for references for a genuine role.

Make of those two things as you will...

[DodgyAgent]

May I just say from the horses mouth that

REFERENCES ARE NOT NECESSARY UNTIL THE CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN OFFERED THE CONTRACT AND ACCEPTED IT

The business model for recruitment agencies is that they must obtain as many potential leads as they can and that asking for references up front is nothing more than an attempt to get leads.

If someone finds a contractor fitting the bill for a job then no idiot of a recruitment agent will compromise the potential placement by insisting on references before putting the contractor up for the job.

[DimPrawn]

May I just say from the horses mouth that

REFERENCES ARE NOT NECESSARY UNTIL THE CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN OFFERED THE CONTRACT AND ACCEPTED IT

The business model for recruitment agencies is that they must obtain as many potential leads as they can and that asking for references up front is nothing more than an attempt to get leads.

If someone finds a contractor fitting the bill for a job then no idiot of a recruitment agent will compromise the potential placement by insisting on references before putting the contractor up for the job.

Traitor.


PS MODS - Can we have a sticky for this post?