How do you fit in interviews?

[The Agents View]

Agency interview:- They should be coming to you if they want to meet you - end of. I'd never expect a candidate to come to me - especially if they're working (benched contractors are a bit different - they tend to like the time away from DIY/fun prevention officer). I disagree about the fishing - but that's just me I guess - I'm far too bothered about making sure everything fits (ie person turns up suited and booted, not in combats and jumper - yes, really I've seen it happen). It also gives me a chance to tweak any areas I think are weak (simple things like hand shake, voice projection, etc to ensure the first impression is the one the end client remembers). Perhaps if you were less sceptical, you'd have agents prepping you in the way you should expect - I have notes which go back 5 years on interview styles, likely questions, etc etc on all of my major clients - this information IMO gives my candidates the edge.

As previously stated though - if you want back to back contracts, you need to invest the time in meeting end clients - this is a business cost I'm afraid - like anything - a business needs a sales function, and that will take human resource - if you're the only person who works for your business, then I'm afraid you have to do it.

Ask yourself - would YOU employ a contractor on the basis of just a telephone call?? No, me neither......

[dynamicsaxcontractor]

You are running your own business? You make the interview fit in to your day! When I have an interview for a new contract 2 hours away, I extend the day - the ordinary 8 hours + 5 hours for the travel and interview. Interview at 11 AM, Work 6 to 9, 2 to 7 = 8 hours working day. If the interview is more than 2 hours away you need to be clever and try to have it a morning or an evening, or even better at the weekend.

[Brussels Slumdog]

Visit Agents while not working

What I have done is visit as many agents in my area face to face while being on the bench. Also many
agents visit an area where I currently work so I have obtained a few beers from touring agents on large expense accounts.

You have to evaluate the volumn of contracts the agency advertises in your specialised area. Would you like to establish a long term relationship with this agency or is this agency a new kid on the block or just has this one off contract offer which you may not get.

I also check the agents profile on linkedin to evaluate how long he has been with the agency and where he has gained his marketing experience.

[The Agents View]

I also check the agents profile on linkedin to evaluate how long he has been with the agency and where he has gained his marketing experience.

Although naturally - agencies do employ women these days......

[EricCartman]

As already said an agency interview is a complete waste of time, don't bother. As for client interviews, do you want the job? Is a 6 month contract worth a half day? Think about it.

[GillsMan]

As already said an agency interview is a complete waste of time, don't bother. As for client interviews, do you want the job? Is a 6 month contract worth a half day? Think about it.

Yes but I wasn't asking about whether or not I should attend a client interview was I? I was wondering if it was at all common that you can schedule out of hours interviews?

[Drewster]

As already said an agency interview is a complete waste of time, don't bother. As for client interviews, do you want the job? Is a 6 month contract worth a half day? Think about it.

Yes but I wasn't asking about whether or not I should attend a client interview was I? I was wondering if it was at all common that you can schedule out of hours interviews?

Well actually mate......

........ Other stuff about Pimp.........
What happens when/if the client wants an interview though? My current client doesn't have a work from home policy and if I take a day or even half a day off, that's a lot of money I'm pissing down the drain.

So what do you guys do when you're in a contract and it comes to interview time. Any tips?

It seemed like you were whinging about time "lost" for client interviews......

[SueEllen]

Yes but I wasn't asking about whether or not I should attend a client interview was I? I was wondering if it was at all common that you can schedule out of hours interviews?

No harm in asking but it still doesn't get over the problem that the interview may be an hour away from where your present client site is. So even if the interview is scheduled for 8.30am you won't get to your client site in time.

Or alternatively you could have an interview at lunchtime but then there is no guarantee that it won't run over to last a few hours.

[GillsMan]

Well actually mate......


It seemed like you were whinging about time "lost" for client interviews......

I can see how it appears like that but it was actually an attempt to be self-deprecating (pissing time/money down the drain attending an interview I probably won't succeed in).

Anyway, on the pimp interview thing: I actually thought it was quite a useful exercise. He told me a lot about the role, the company, the people, and he went through my CV and picked bits out he thought the company would particularly be interested in. He said that his client insists that he has taken the time to meet candidates before sending them over, which seems fairly reasonable to me. It was just down the road from my work and he paid for the coffee. So a perfectly fine way to spend my lunchbreak IMO.

[Going Strong]

I can see how it appears like that but it was actually an attempt to be self-deprecating (pissing time/money down the drain attending an interview I probably won't succeed in).

Anyway, on the pimp interview thing: I actually thought it was quite a useful exercise. He told me a lot about the role, the company, the people, and he went through my CV and picked bits out he thought the company would particularly be interested in. He said that his client insists that he has taken the time to meet candidates before sending them over, which seems fairly reasonable to me. It was just down the road from my work and he paid for the coffee. So a perfectly fine way to spend my lunchbreak IMO.

so did you get the job then?