I just need to get two references ...

[SueEllen]

Did anyone try to ask an agent to send a spec and company details first? If they fail to provide them then obviously there is no gig.
If they do, then disclose some two referees but then there is nothing to prevent you from contacting the company either directly or through other agent to check whether this gig really exists and whether your CV has been indeed submitted.

Even if there is a role I don't disclose my referees until I have secured it and only to a checking service or the client. Why?

If there is a role they will first phone up the referee to get a reference and end with touting for work. Then a week or two later they phone up the same person touting for work. Some will even harass the person again months down the line. If there isn't a role they will just harass them repeatedly. I've overheard client people being harassed in this way.

[WTFH]

Even if there is a role I don't disclose my referees until I have secured it and only to a checking service or the client. Why?

If there is a role they will first phone up the referee to get a reference and end with touting for work. Then a week or two later they phone up the same person touting for work. Some will even harass the person again months down the line. If there isn't a role they will just harass them repeatedly. I've overheard client people being harassed in this way.

Not only that, if the client starts to get annoyed, the agent will say "SueEllen"* (insert your own name here) gave me your details and said I should contact you. Hey presto, the agent is no longer the bad person in the client's eyes, but you are.

[theroyale]

Square One Resources - Freddie ****** took me on a fishing trip for references just now, wasted ten minutes of my time.

[LondonManc]

Square One Resources - Freddie ****** took me on a fishing trip for references just now, wasted ten minutes of my time.

Be positive - you wasted ten minutes of his by not providing him with two references.

Strange business for Freddie Starr to fall back to though.

[seanraaron]

Soooo many things to remember...I almost want my current gig cut short just for the agent handling practice!

[The Janner Miss Tanner]

Square One Resources - Freddie ****** took me on a fishing trip for references just now, wasted ten minutes of my time.

Just give them details of 2 agents through which you have secured a role at some time.

That's all you're ever going to need under ANY circumstances.

[dragon]

I was hoping the same but I think I got a indirect banned from this forum.

Therefore, anyone mind lend a helping hand?

[theroyale]

Square One Resources - Freddie ****** took me on a fishing trip for references just now, wasted ten minutes of my time.


mod note: name removed

Maybe this has been debated before, but why are names of time-wasting agents removed? Surely it is in our professional interests to know about these things?

[northernladuk]

Maybe this has been debated before, but why are names of time-wasting agents removed? Surely it is in our professional interests to know about these things?

Because it's part of the game. They will continue to do because there is always someone is stupid enough to give them the information, and sadly there are plenty of them. Should we name and shame every contractor that feeds this habit? It's a bit sly but it's not illegal or immoral, it's a salesman getting leads. There is no benefit whatsoever to name them and it's not really a slur on the individual doing what agents do so what's the point?

If you are not professional enough to spot it and deal with it then I can't believe naming them is going to make a difference.

[TheFaQQer]

Maybe this has been debated before, but why are names of time-wasting agents removed? Surely it is in our professional interests to know about these things?

That would only make sense if they never had a real role - because if they do, declining to talk to them because someone on the internet said that they tried to get some references from them once might just be cutting your nose off.