I just need to get two references ...

[dkennedy1001]

2 refs

Just got asked for 2 references for the first time when trying to land my first contract. My response:

"I will present references directly to the client at a meeting, if they are asked for".

Still a permie for now but trying...

[Pete Marsh]

Every time I update my CV on the job sites, I get an email from a John Mawson of Evolution Recruitment saying:

I've seen your CV on Jobsite and have a couple of jobs that potentially look suitable for you, however I could do with a bit more information.

Please click here to enter some more details and help me find you the ideal job.

Clicking leads to some copious online form requiring (of course) the names of pretty much everyone you've ever worked with.

I've just had the exact same email from mawson of evolution. I went to their website and got presented with a form that would pretty well have vacuumed every contract and contact I'd had for the last 10 years out of my head. If I was naive enough to fill it in that is.

I think I'll pass on them and stick with more credible agencies.

[SueEllen]

I've just had the exact same email from mawson of evolution. I went to their website and got presented with a form that would pretty well have vacuumed every contract and contact I'd had for the last 10 years out of my head. If I was naive enough to fill it in that is.

I think I'll pass on them and stick with more credible agencies.

If they p!ss you off just give them another agent's name.

[IBM Agent]

I've just had the exact same email from mawson of evolution. I went to their website and got presented with a form that would pretty well have vacuumed every contract and contact I'd had for the last 10 years out of my head. If I was naive enough to fill it in that is.

I think I'll pass on them and stick with more credible agencies.

A decent agent won't need the leads that references can bring. It is a shame as it is this type of practice that gives the industry a very bad name.

I entirely agree that what you need is those elusive credible agencies.

By the same token though if you're new to an agent, how can they be assured you really are everything that you claim to be on the CV before putting you to their client?

[jmo21]

A decent agent won't need the leads that references can bring. It is a shame as it is this type of practice that gives the industry a very bad name.

I entirely agree that what you need is those elusive credible agencies.

By the same token though if you're new to an agent, how can they be assured you really are everything that you claim to be on the CV before putting you to their client?

Most companies require they employees NOT to provide professional references that give anyone a bad name for fear of hassle because of it. At most it will be confirming that they worked there when they said they did

This can be achieved by contacting HR of the companies on my CV. You don't need me to give you that phone number, but I actually wouldn't mind giving you that.

I could give the best most glowing references, and still not get past an interview because I may not be good enough/have the skillset etc.

[DodgyAgent]

By the same token though if you're new to an agent, how can they be assured you really are everything that you claim to be on the CV before putting you to their client?

If you interview them either face to face or on the phone you can establish whether they have the skills that are needed.

[IBM Agent]

If you interview them either face to face or on the phone you can establish whether they have the skills that are needed.

Is it only the 'skills' we need to assess in this business? Very short sighted reply. How about things like integration within a team, reliable, integrity etc. Do you think DA that if you asked an interviewee these types of question at interview he or she might just say "yes"?

[cojak]

Any communicator worth their salt won't just take the other person's word for it.

A conversation with a person will give you 'tells': are they gabby? Do they appear gossipy until you notice that they haven't given you 'serious/confidential' info? Do they appear knowledgeable until you probe a bit further? Will they provide you with knowledge you know to be right? Are they comfortable to be challenged or to challenge back?

There's more to communicating than having a tick-list of questions....

[DodgyAgent]

Is it only the 'skills' we need to assess in this business? Very short sighted reply. How about things like integration within a team, reliable, integrity etc. Do you think DA that if you asked an interviewee these types of question at interview he or she might just say "yes"?

You clearly do not know how to conduct an interview do you?

[MaryPoppins]

You clearly do not know how to conduct an interview do you?

Agreed.

If I were to apply for a permy role, would the employer insist on two references before interview?

Nope?