Agencies keep asking for references before submitting CV

[robin]

I'm currently between contracts and applying for roles, I've had 3 agencies contact me recently for roles I have applied stating they will submit my CV but can I give them references before they do. I've not really experienced this up until now.

I get all the normal rubbish 'they need them to be prepared' 'they won't use them' etc etc I got a bit funny with one saying if they do not need them till the interview (which is what they said) then I will give them if I get an interview what difference does it make but they got really funny about it. I do believe they may have not put me forward for the role in the end because of that due to info they were going to send me and never got. I know its silly really as what do I care if the names I give get called by them to see if they can get any business and most fob agencies off anyhow as they get as annoyed by them as us but it does annoy me when they seem so almost desperate and start with their stupid comments that are so transparent.

I've since had 2 more that have said 'in order to submit your CV can you give me a few references from your last few jobs' I know they are scouting for leads but would agencies actually not submit your CV due to you not giving them references now?

[northernladuk]

Am sorry, did you miss the sticky that is 58 pages long at the top of this part of the forum titled 'I just need to get two references ... '

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...eferences.html

[Notascooby]

In short - your last two employers were your previous two agents.

So give the agents the agents details.

[robin]

I know the sticky is there and have read it some time ago but my main question was more 'Would some agencies not put you forward if you never gave them the refs?' as like I said I just had a feeling one didn't because of that.

[cojak]

A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.

If they really had a job they thought you'd get then they wouldn't be prepared to lose the commission for 2 lousy names.

So there was no job and it was all a phishing exercise.

[b0redom]

In short - your last two employers were your previous two agents.

So give the agents the agents details.

This.

Also: "If you need further references, see the endorsements on my LinkedIn profile."

[BlasterBates]

Absolutely a reference from your previous agency is prefectly sufficient.

The job/contract market is so sh**te that you really are not missing out on anything at the moment.

[northernladuk]

I know the sticky is there and have read it some time ago but my main question was more 'Would some agencies not put you forward if you never gave them the refs?' as like I said I just had a feeling one didn't because of that.

The Agents View goes in to this exact question in response to a poster who said the same as you. Discussion starts at post 354 on this page...

http://forums.contractoruk.com/busin...ml#post1226259

[Liamxtype]

A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.

If they really had a job they thought you'd get then they wouldn't be prepared to lose the commission for 2 lousy names.

So there was no job and it was all a phishing exercise.

+1
I'm getting the same calls, I have an arrangement with a former colleague to give me a reference / give the slimeballs the brush off if needed, I've given his name to the last two slimeballs that called me and guess what - he got called and asked what vacancies they can help him fill!

[kingcook]

I don't give references to an agent, either before or after interview (and I have been asked to, always declined and had no problems). Quite happy to provide references to the client direct if they want it (although i've never been asked).

Remember, those referees are part of your client base. Why would you want to give away your client's details to an agent who could use these to introduce other suppliers to your client?