Strange Agent Request - Quick Advice Needed on

[smiff]

Hmm, seems it's a trend starting to appear, that some contractors are worried about getting gigs in the current climate, and giving up references willy nilly.

[JoJoGabor]

I had these items requested by an agency at the beginning of this year for a role. As I was away at the time and they wanted to meet me in person I had to travel back to london (130 miles), so I explained to the agent that I had to travel a long way and it wasn't for:

a) gathering references
b) selling a training course
c) anything else.

She assured me it was standard process for all candidates, so I said I would be providing written references with contact details blanked out, which was fine. I got put forward for the contract, interviewed and got the role, but turned it down for another one.

Just be honest with the agent and see what they say (but dont expect them to necessarily return the honesty)

[PAH]

If you have to give references - only give the agents' details.

Interesting solution. After all your contract is with the agency not the client, so giving the agent's details is a reasonable response.

I'll do that if I'm ever asked for references. Can't remember the last time, certainly many years ago. All I have on my CV is name and location of company. Maybe it's because I'm a code monkey, so they can easily test/assess my skills rather than relying on references.

[Turion]

Interesting solution. After all your contract is with the agency not the client, so giving the agent's details is a reasonable response.

I'll do that if I'm ever asked for references. Can't remember the last time, certainly many years ago. All I have on my CV is name and location of company. Maybe it's because I'm a code monkey, so they can easily test/assess my skills rather than relying on references.

Refs are oft asked, but never given. I do this SAP stuff for big $$, but never get tested either, thank god. Would flunk it badly as most of the roles are leading edge stuff no-one knows much about. Maybe that's the secret of success. Do niche stuff no one (including one self) knows, combined with being a fast learner.

[Jubber]

Who is the agency? In my 15 years contracting, my experience is that most good larger agencies will not ask you for any of this information until you have written confirmation of a job offer post interview.

So, my advice is... don't send the agency anything until you have been for the interview and have written confirmation that you have been offered the role.

I would note though that copy of utility bill, 2 previous references and copy of passport is standard fare to establish identity. But shouldn't be a problem for you if you have a written job offer.

I agree (WHS is the standard text is it not?)