What To Say When Asked By Recruiter For References Before Interview?

[FatLazyContractor]

Its another recruitment "trick" that just needs to die.

I'd say the agent should really die

[FatLazyContractor]

Just had another fishing trip from another pimp. This time it was so formulaic you could telegraph it a month off.

"This is so and so from so and so, we have spoken before at mm.dd.yy"

"Ah yes, hello"

"Suity I have a role based right on your doorstep for a 'dream role', working for a 'dream company', can I ask what your day rate is?"

"Sure it's 'an amount too high for Luton'"

"Oh that's perfect, that's exactly what they're looking to pay"

"Really?"

"Yeah, say listen, is there anything that's likely to take you off the market at the moment?"

"No, I am being put forward for roles, but they're all most likely just fishing trips as the agency wants 2 references up front"

"Yep they probably are, ok, well I'll put you forward and keep you posted"

"Yep, bye"

You should post this on the 'Two references thread in Business/Contracts', name and shame the agency

[czakky]

I'd say the agent should really die

The day that candidates learn how to generate contracts for themselves, we will die off - but will contractors start going to network events, meeting clients, asking for referrals, filling in tenders, engaging managers through social media, and doing good old fashioned cold calling?

Its soul destroying work, the only reason any of us do it is that its vastly overpaid when you get good at it - if you had to do the agent side of finding a contract to work, you would quickly wish us back into existence.

Now, about those 2 references...

[FatLazyContractor]

The day that candidates learn how to generate contracts for themselves, we will die off - but will contractors start going to network events, meeting clients, asking for referrals, filling in tenders, engaging managers through social media, and doing good old fashioned cold calling?

Its soul destroying work, the only reason any of us do it is that its vastly overpaid when you get good at it - if you had to do the agent side of finding a contract to work, you would quickly wish us back into existence.

Now, about those 2 references...

Thanks for that czakky. That really cracked me up

Now go to the pantry, make yourself a cuppa, relax and come back to reality

[SlipTheJab]

The day that candidates learn how to generate contracts for themselves, we will die off - but will contractors start going to network events, meeting clients, asking for referrals, filling in tenders, engaging managers through social media, and doing good old fashioned cold calling?

Its soul destroying work, the only reason any of us do it is that its vastly overpaid when you get good at it - if you had to do the agent side of finding a contract to work, you would quickly wish us back into existence.

Now, about those 2 references...

Now into my 3rd year of direct contracts, its all about networking. Clients are increasingly using referrals from current contractors to bring new resource into projects (and balking at the fees agencies charge coupled with the poor standard of CVs being supplied). I've only been at my current place 2 weeks and have introduced a contractor mate as they were looking for more resource. Know of at least 2 other places where clients are looking and asking current contractors if they can recommend anyone.

No agency bull, lies, fakes roles, huge margins and better transparency.

Oh and not working through an agency is about to have even more benefits come April 2016!

[DodgyAgent]

The day that candidates learn how to generate contracts for themselves, we will die off - but will contractors start going to network events, meeting clients, asking for referrals, filling in tenders, engaging managers through social media, and doing good old fashioned cold calling?

Its soul destroying work, the only reason any of us do it is that its vastly overpaid when you get good at it - if you had to do the agent side of finding a contract to work, you would quickly wish us back into existence.

Now, about those 2 references...

I think you will find that most contractors accept that. it is the dishonesty they do not like. If you want leads and you are too lazy to work for them yourselves then why not say so. There are plenty of bleeding heart leftie contractors out to help the lazy and feckless.