Interesting 'recruitment' process

[SussexSeagull]

It's been debated many, many times on here, this "practical test/assessment" lark. I'll simply restate my own opinion during my 23 years of contracting: I never, ever agree to any form of "test". Period. Between me and a client or agency, there is only work. And work is always chargeable.

I point-blank refused to do any form of test for my current client (an IB.) Simply informed them that my c.v. and verifiable references were more than enough and they would get nothing more. At that point they dropped the test. I've now been here 2 years and ticking...

EDIT: To clarify, that's my opinion. So, please, let's not start the ten page flame-wars over this issue again! And if you disagree with me, please give me a PM, as I have a house that needs decorating and I'd be happy to "assess" your painting skills for free. Shouldn't take more than 4 hours / room.

I am beginning to warm to that opinion! If someone can't work out if someone knows what they are talking about on the back of a half hour interview, they shouldn't be charged with recruiting someone.

[nomadd]

I am beginning to warm to that opinion! If someone can't work out if someone knows what they are talking about on the back of a half hour interview, they shouldn't be charged with recruiting someone.

Careful, you'll set the "test trolls" off with sensible opinions like that.

[d000hg]

It's well proven that interviews are a terrible way to judge practical skills. Not sure why giving up an hour for an interview is worse than an hour doing a test. But it probably depends on the level of experience... if you've got stints with IBs on your CV it really should be enough.

[SussexSeagull]

It's well proven that interviews are a terrible way to judge practical skills. Not sure why giving up an hour for an interview is worse than an hour doing a test. But it probably depends on the level of experience... if you've got stints with IBs on your CV it really should be enough.

I am not dismissing tests but they need to be snappy and not something the client can gain any benefits from the results of.

[jmo21]

How does your agent know for sure another agent had people rejected?

How do you know your agent is not lying?

What exactly did you say to the MD of the client via email and what was his response (I'm surprised he bothered to respond whether they did fleece you or not)

[SussexSeagull]

How does your agent know for sure another agent had people rejected?

How do you know your agent is not lying?

What exactly did you say to the MD of the client via email and what was his response (I'm surprised he bothered to respond whether they did fleece you or not)

Because they told him. Like me he isn't in possssion of all the facts but probably thinks that if it smells wrong, looks wrong and tastes wrong, it is probably wrong.

I asked one of his subordinates to delete all copies of the report I produced as it was produced under a false pretention and as I was under contract it wasn't there intellectual property, to which the MD replied and swore at me (although confirming it had been deleted).

At the end of he day I have my view of what happened and I only posted this as a cautionary tale to others as I have something else lined up so have no plans to dwell on it.

[Wanderer]

This suggests to me that their was no contract and they just wanted some free labour.

What can we say. Sometimes you're the seagull, sometimes you're the statue....

[cojak]

Well, at least you now have an answer for the trawlermen, sorry, agents who ask you where you've interviewed recently. Tell them. All of them. Even the ones who don't ring you.

Oh yes.

[SussexSeagull]

What can we say. Sometimes you're the seagull, sometimes you're the statue....

Never a truer word said and moderately clever if it was a reference to my username!

[escapeUK]

Pwnd you!!

If this is a guy who has ever had a contract and not a bored teenager hanging out here, id be VERY surprised. If he is a contractor, how is he manages to post all day? How about doing some work and not wasting your time answering questions that 9/10 you know nothing about.