Can an agency find out what rate you were on previously?

[Hireonomy]

Quite frankly my current rate is no ones business but mine. It has no bearing on the rate I will accept for my next role. Any agents that ask me that get short shrift.

Thats fair enough, and each to their own...

Some Contractors are more than happy to disclose, some aren't, there's no problem we simply state "not disclosed".

[Hireonomy]

True, so either say nothing or tell the truth.

EXACTLY! It's taken 3 pages and 20 posts but ^ is the answer

[kal]

Thats fair enough, and each to their own...

Some Contractors are more than happy to disclose, some aren't, there's no problem we simply state "not disclosed".

Why do you or your clients care what rate the contractor is currently on. I fail to see the significance. So many factors affect the rate I will work for (benched or not, project scope, tech type, assignment length, location, WFH). It really is akin to asking me to name my favorite colour!

[kevpuk]

Some agents ask, some don't care as the role they have in front of them is what is important.
I generally state a rate I think is achievable, realistic and - importantly - suitable for me and the role in question. As for past rates, haven't needed to discuss.....just state something like "My Daily rate is....."

[TheFaQQer]

It does when one of the questions that is asked "daily rate"...

This isn't a question that is asked every time... only when a Client asks for it.

Cut out to be an Agent? Absolutely.

You run a Business, right? You do due diligence, right?

So do our Clients, and part of that is carrying out necessary and relevant checks on their behalf (at no cost, by the way).

Why would an education check tell you what the daily rate was?

If you ask the client what the daily rate is, how do they know? Do all your clients know what rate the agents are passing on to the consultant, and if so, how? Do you demand that all references given must be in a position to know what the rate is?

If I'm going via an agency, then the only people who know what my rate is would be myself and the agent. Certain individuals at the client might have a rough idea, but it won't be many and very few that would know the actual rate. Or do you insist on getting a reference from the agency as well?

[TheFaQQer]

DPA for a B2B relationship? Are you sure?

Well, I didn't mention the DPA - there's more to protecting data than one act.

[TheFaQQer]

As for past rates, haven't needed to discuss.....just state something like "My Daily rate is....."

...a matter of commercial confidence"

[darmstadt]

Yes, they can find out.

As part of our service to our Clients, we carry out employment, education and reference checks on every contractor that goes on site and this includes speaking to previous employers/agencies

Eh? What the hell is my education going to prove to them? I left school around 35 years ago so I think thats totally immaterial. As for employment checks, who are you going to ask? For example my current contract has been going on for 5 years so I think that rather speaks for itself, the company like me otherwise they wouldn't keep renewing and if you want to go back further then I've worked for literally hundreds of companies across the world, are you going to try and contact them all. As it is an agent has practically no technical knowledge so wouldn't know what anyone was saying to them anyway, waste of time. And references, presumably previous employers so you've already covered that but if not then who are you going to ask, my local innkeeper? The nice lady at the bakers? For seasoned and experienced contractors this is all twaddle and not really required. If it is required then its something the contractor can discuss with the hiring manager as he is the one who knows exactly what he wants. One thing that agencies do here is to either have a face to face before the interview or at the very least a long call so they can get a feel for you. Quite often they'll meet you before the interview and even accompany you and at the very least contact you directly afterwards and follow up with the hiring manager (although UK based/originating agencies aren't the best at that) all of which I don't mind as it gives it that more personal touch.

[kal]

Eh? What the hell is my education going to prove to them? I left school around 35 years ago so I think thats totally immaterial. As for employment checks, who are you going to ask? For example my current contract has been going on for 5 years so I think that rather speaks for itself, the company like me otherwise they wouldn't keep renewing and if you want to go back further then I've worked for literally hundreds of companies across the world, are you going to try and contact them all. As it is an agent has practically no technical knowledge so wouldn't know what anyone was saying to them anyway, waste of time. And references, presumably previous employers so you've already covered that but if not then who are you going to ask, my local innkeeper? The nice lady at the bakers? For seasoned and experienced contractors this is all twaddle and not really required. If it is required then its something the contractor can discuss with the hiring manager as he is the one who knows exactly what he wants. One thing that agencies do here is to either have a face to face before the interview or at the very least a long call so they can get a feel for you. Quite often they'll meet you before the interview and even accompany you and at the very least contact you directly afterwards and follow up with the hiring manager (although UK based/originating agencies aren't the best at that) all of which I don't mind as it gives it that more personal touch.

+1, At the end of the day if you are no good then the client can bin you in 5 minutes so all of this reference cr@p is just that. Education, I left university almost 20 years ago, are you really telling me you are going to contact them for confirmation of my degree results, seems a lot of hassle and extra work for you for a 3/6 month contract (one wonders how you can provide all these 'value adds' to the client while charging only 7% )

[CloudWalker]

Your past rate is irrelevant as its up to the client what rate they advertise. The agent just wants to know roughly how much they can get out of it and if your worth putting forward for an interview. I would just say I'm looking for this rate now and state reasons. e.g longer hours / travel / skills and experience and let them worry about it.