agency trick?

[Liability]

Well what i found odd about this is that i've been dealing with two other pimps from the same office for the last two years without even meeting them, they've always called me about roles prior to advertising but i've always been in a contract.

huntress and eames

Unless it is a higher end search and selection [CTO roles above] they seldom need to meet you. Ive NEVER met an agent in like 12 years of contracting - nor have I ever given references before a role - actually tell a lie ONCE i did but gave the wrong names - ironically I had a call moments ago about a role and I could tell he was 25 ish - not confident and wanted to get around asking me for references lol......terminated the call.

[norrahe]

been contracting quite a while meself and have never met any of the agents that have pimped me roles.

given that this is a high profile client and i've been on the bench which is why i decided to go along with it.

If it was anyone else it would be take a hike matey!

[Turion]

Unless it is a higher end search and selection [CTO roles above] they seldom need to meet you. Ive NEVER met an agent in like 12 years of contracting - nor have I ever given references before a role - actually tell a lie ONCE i did but gave the wrong names - ironically I had a call moments ago about a role and I could tell he was 25 ish - not confident and wanted to get around asking me for references lol......terminated the call.

I've done it once, as a newby, and it was the last time. Agency interviews for contract roles are invariably a total waste of time. Usually a product mix of a bored agent and a benched contractor. Not a promising combination really. References are not necessary either. In both cases one should just say no.

[norrahe]

was told by pimp this was a request of the client, have since asked around the market as one of my mates works at the client. turns out the client is pretty fussy and insists all contractors pre interviewed.

if it was anyone else but these guys then no.

[DodgyAgent]

I've done it once, as a newby, and it was the last time. Agency interviews for contract roles are invariably a total waste of time. Usually a product mix of a bored agent and a benched contractor. Not a promising combination really. References are not necessary either. In both cases one should just say no.

Quite right. I cannot see any point of meeting a contractor unless your relationship is such that the client requests it and the contractor may need briefing before an interview. The latter then presumes a pretty close relationship between agent and client.

[Mich the Tester]

‘ I understand your referees concern but I can assure you that we do not call up people without your consent until you are placed in a roll…if this is still an issue them I am afraid we wont be able to go ahead with the interview.’

Self contradictory; he says only needs to call the referee when you are placed in the role, therefore he doesn’t need the references to get you into the interview. Either that, or the interview only takes place AFTER you’re placed in the role, which would be very unusual.

[DodgyAgent]

Interviews are the lifeblood of any agency. Without interviews there are no placements.

[Mich the Tester]

Interviews are the lifeblood of any agency. Without interviews there are no placements.

SO if you tell him you'll bring the referees details with you and hand them in as soon as the client says yes, the agency should be happy.

[DodgyAgent]

SO if you tell him you'll bring the referees details with you and hand them in as soon as the client says yes, the agency should be happy.

Yes. We have never ever checked a reference until the contractor has accepted a job.

[Bob Dalek]

Yes. We have never ever checked a reference until the contractor has accepted a job.

Checked... maybe; rung the number to place a bod... come on, own-up.