I just need to get two references ...

[BolshieBastard]

I had a 30 minute 'discussion' with a global recruitment agency who i had gone in to meet with regards to them pimping out my services. I was only in there for 45 minutes

In spite of several lengthy contracts with large companies he insisted that he would not be able to put me in front of a client before he had personally contacted my two previous references himself, implying that i may not be as good as i say i am and i may bring shame on his agency.

I also added that i am registered with all of the major agencies and not one of them has insisted on contacting my references before putting me forward for a role or even registering me

I did back down somewhat by saying that if he can secure an interview for me then i would pass him the names of the references

Unfortunately they are a necessary evil but suffice to say i do not expect to get a call from him

Reed?

Just give him the names of the two previous agencies you'd work through or say as past client's have a PSL, all reference request must go to their HR not named individuals.

[quackhandle]

I had a 30 minute 'discussion' with a global recruitment agency who i had gone in to meet with regards to them pimping out my services. I was only in there for 45 minutes

In spite of several lengthy contracts with large companies he insisted that he would not be able to put me in front of a client before he had personally contacted my two previous references himself, implying that i may not be as good as i say i am and i may bring shame on his agency.

I also added that i am registered with all of the major agencies and not one of them has insisted on contacting my references before putting me forward for a role or even registering me

I did back down somewhat by saying that if he can secure an interview for me then i would pass him the names of the references

Unfortunately they are a necessary evil but suffice to say i do not expect to get a call from him

Then if he does secure an interview for you, tell him you only give references to client at the end of the interview.

It's your company policy, see? You've spoke to your own HR and even Management but they wouldn't budge.

qh

[CheeseSlice]

I had a great one the other day...

Pimp: I'm calling as I have a very exciting opportunity, but I can't tell you anything about it just yet. Can you send me references and contact names of all the people you worked for , for the last few yrs

Me: I don't send references until I have a job offer

Pimp: Oh ok, I'll have to see what my boss says about that..... Could I add you on Linkedin?

Me: I tell you what, when you have a JD you can share, send it to me and if I am interested I will get back to you.

I used to argue with them, but now they just hear this reply from me:
<click>
<continuous disconnection tone>

[vwdan]

I'm getting a lot of "We have this special, pre-selected pool of candidates. Would you like to be part of it? I just need to speak to a couple of people you've worked with."

[BolshieBastard]

I'm getting a lot of "We have this special, pre-selected pool of candidates. Would you like to be part of it? I just need to speak to a couple of people you've worked with."

Sounds like Tek Systems and their 'virtual bench'!

[jmo21]

Sounds like Tek Systems and their 'virtual bench'!

I had a voicemail from one of their minions this morning looking for an update on my situation.

[vwdan]

Sounds like Tek Systems and their 'virtual bench'!

You win, but they aren't alone!

[cojak]

You win, but they aren't alone!

No, they're not.

And I've made a point of nor replying to similar requests.

[colinrobinson]

play em at their own game

just tell them to contact my Agent@Agency. as the contract was between agent and company and i was a "service provider".

They have never contacted the Agent.

I always offer references to the client directly at interview they are usually grateful and state they didn't request them!

[FatLazyContractor]

Call from an agency that sounds like 'Dead'.

Pimp: Hi Mr. FLC , you ok?
Me: Yeah?
Pimp: Just calling to check if you are still working at Client A.
Me: Yeah?
Pimp: Are you still reporting to Mr. Jack Arse ?
Me: No. (Wonder what "still" meant)
Pimp: <<Acts surprised>> Oh, I was told he is managing all contractors.
Me: I see. Never heard that name.
Pimp: Who do you report to then?
Me: I don't report to anyone.
Pimp: <<Sheepish laugh>> I meant, who do you work with?
Me: Why do you want to know?
Pimp: <Slapped> <Stutters> <Doesn't know where to hang her head>
Me: I'll tell you what. Why don't you call me when you have a role that we could both discuss?
Pimp: Sure, great plan. I'll send you an email with my details.
Me: Good luck!
Pimp: <<Beep>>

What a stupid woman!