References. Ha!

[expat]

Had contact with an agency, was recommended to them by one contractor I had worked with before, who was currently on a contract with that agency. In conversation with the agent we found a second contractor that both he and I know from having worked with him before, so they called him to ask him about me. He described me in excellent terms.

Then the agent asked for 2 references. Well, I said, you have those two people that you know and who know my work. Yes, said the agent, but they are contractors. We need managers.

 

[Menelaus]

Had contact with an agency, was recommended to them by one contractor I had worked with before, who was currently on a contract with that agency. In conversation with the agent we found a second contractor that both he and I know from having worked with him before, so they called him to ask him about me. He described me in excellent terms.

Then the agent asked for 2 references. Well, I said, you have those two people that you know and who know my work. Yes, said the agent, but they are contractors. We need managers.

Agents = sneaky, sneaky, sneaky bastards.

Third against the wall when the revolution comes.

Vive la Revolucion!

 

[minestrone]

Unfortunately you might have to play the game as that looks like it is a real gig. I would try and get a couple of friends who are in on the game and who have no qualms about telling him to do one after you meet the client.

 

[expat]

Unfortunately you might have to play the game as that looks like it is a real gig. I would try and get a couple of friends who are in on the game and who have no qualms about telling him to do one after you meet the client.

I gave him "real" references. It was a real gig. The client however decided to add some more Must-Haves that I didn't have, and as it happens didn't think would do anything for the role as described. The customer is always right


My whinge is with agents who think that a colleague can not vouch for your work but a manage can: if anything I'd say it's the other way round. But as you say it's a game.

 

[RichardCranium]

Agents = sneaky, sneaky, sneaky bastards.

Third against the wall when the revolution comes.

... and when the dust has cleared, and the widows' tears dried up, the historians will write their books and find ... the agents were the ones selling the guns.

As it was, as it will ever be.