I just need to get two references ...

[geoffreywhereveryoumaybe]

Meeting up with the Pimp

Responded to a Jobserve advert and the agent phoned up saying they wanted to meet up as 'we always tell clients that we know our candidates' and wanted to see me where I work - which is Waitrose City in Bracknell.

The old adage, there is no such thing as a free lunch, if they insist on meeting up my advice would be to do so only if it doesn't cost you anything in time or money.

[TallTree]

"Hello Tall Tree,

I'm working with two or three Companies who might be interested in you. One of them is KPMG, and there are another two I'm working with, on a retained search so I can't go into very much detail at this point. I'd like to catch up in the morning and give you some more details.

Best regards,

Daniel"

"Hi Daniel,

I'm quite busy at the moment so unless you can give me the names of the companies and a job description I'm going to have to decline a phone conversation. Thanks for the consideration however.

Regards,
TallTree"

On the ball?

[istvan]

An agent contacted me and in order to have my interview set up, she asked me to supply two references. Well both of my references I gave her live and work now in the US, so one of them is GMT-8 hours the other is GMT-6 hours away. So there, she can have fun calling them. I am sure what they are looking for is yet another two sets of C-level executives where they can place contractors.

[geoffreywhereveryoumaybe]

I love this!
What I have done in the past is ask them to hold the line while I get out some names and numbers and then placed the phone next to the radio. Every couple of minutes, pick it up and apologise for the delay...repeat until they hang up.....

My policy, now, is to freely provide my referees:
James Page, Bob Plant, Jonathon Bonham, J. P. Jones

[istvan]

I provided two sets of references, but nobody called them. I have the contract signed and ready to start. So, I am pretty sure the agent collects them for leads only.

[jonathanOnshore2010]

"ROC Search" agents seem to be briefed to ask for two referees otherwise 'they can't put your application forward'. First time I thought it was genuine, the second got wise...

[jonathanOnshore2010]

I hate to say, but today was a landmark for banking recruiting in London. Aston Carter, who I've dealt with many times and are actually quite good in general, are starting to collect and present references....... at APPLICATION stage!!!!

Ideally seeking written references from line managers otherwise preferring representation of other candidates who can do this (even given that most banks have a formal policy of no written references). I can confirm this is not another lead generating pursuit (as they have enough candidates) but representative of how desperate and competitive things have become. What is the contract recruiting process coming it?

[avamaria]

similar experience

check whether the job is advertised by more than one agent as this may give you an idea as to whether there is a genuine requirement or not.
Times are tough for everyone including agents and when things are slow is when you get speculative calls from agents or an increase of 'contracts' 'requiring references'. It may well be that the agents are now holding contractors to randsom by withholding your CV unless you give then references/contacts even though the client may not require references. Every time I have refused I heard nothing more even though I say I would be happy to supply references should the client want to interview. I wonder if the client would approve of such behaviour if they knew that the agent was placing this filter on contractors that could well be more suitable than the agent is offering - I guess we have to hope for competition amongst agents for positions. This development I think just illustrates how bad things are getting and how desperate the 'agents' are becoming. Unfortunately, I cannot see things improving as regards contracting and I believe more and more work will become contract based making contracting more of a norm amongst the working population such that much of the economy will rely on 'body shops'. Contracting will then no longer demand a premium rate. The writing is on the wall.

[jonathanOnshore2010]

Just to be clear, AC are actually saying it's not mandated by the client. But that it makes their applications more competitive against other agents who aren't supplying up front references. And all things considered, I tend to believe them in this case. (as from an end client posn receiving many applications, I would favour those with a 3rd party recommendation.)

[craig1]

New record today for me. I was out having a walk at lunchtime and had some time to spare when I got the call. It took just over 15 minutes ibefore the agent finally gave up in the huff. We went through every permutation of the trick from:

Agent: our clients are very protective of their privacy so we can't give their name
Me: so, you won't give me the potential client company's name but you want me to give you my current contract line manager's details?

Agent: we can't send out your CV without those references
Me: you can contact the agencies I've worked through

Agent: our client will only accept the end-company as a reference
Me: I believe HR at both my last companies can confirm, please send your request to HR, Client X, Client Address.

Agent: sorry, it needs to be the line manager
Me: unfortunately, the line manager has had bad experiences with agencies trying to pull a fast one
Agent: we'd never do something so underhand!
Me: I'd never work for him again if I gave his details
Agent: we'll be discrete
Me: I know he's busy finding replacements for those of us leaving so you might have to wait for me to get permission
Agent: (drooling sounds over the phone)

I did feel a wee bit cruel towards the end...