Reply to: Working Interview

[LondonManc]

You laugh......

I have actually seen something similar in real life

Yep, Venn Group do it.

Back when I was a permie I had a "Technical test" sent to me to do over a weekend.

It contained a load of interface definitions, details for how to connect to their database populated with test data and some "Sample code" that they wanted features added to.

I didnt bother going any further with that because I strongly suspect the "Technical test" was actually them trying to get some work for free out of me.

I have a friend who does mobile development who was told his technical test would involve him being given access to their code base so that he could "Fix any bugs he spots" and his checkins would be audited....

However in this case, if they are willing to pay you and you have some spare time I'd do it, if a contract comes out of the back of it great, if not, you still get paid for a days work, another client on the CV.

Face to face can be useful, especially if you hit it off well with the agent and they're the right person to look for roles for you. Don't go out of your way to do it, but if you're benched and in the same city, it can be worth an hour of your time.

[Snarf]

Back when I was a permie I had a "Technical test" sent to me to do over a weekend.

It contained a load of interface definitions, details for how to connect to their database populated with test data and some "Sample code" that they wanted features added to.

I didnt bother going any further with that because I strongly suspect the "Technical test" was actually them trying to get some work for free out of me.

I have a friend who does mobile development who was told his technical test would involve him being given access to their code base so that he could "Fix any bugs he spots" and his checkins would be audited....

However in this case, if they are willing to pay you and you have some spare time I'd do it, if a contract comes out of the back of it great, if not, you still get paid for a days work, another client on the CV.

[cojak]

If they are paying for it, what's the problem?

There is none provided they do pay him.

[Big Blue Plymouth]

This isn't the first asking for face to face meetings.

I've had Computer Futures asking this too quite recently.

It is my opinion that it's a complete waste of time and energy; I may be wrong but I'm willing to take a chance on that one.

Life is too short.

[MrMarkyMark]

Have they got a form for your details, with space for two references at the bottom?

You laugh......

I have actually seen something similar in real life

[LondonManc]

The agent is also requiring a face to face interview as it is their policy to conduct this type of interview before taking any contractor onto their books.

They provide exclusive service you see !

I'm tempted to ask "you for coffee?"

Have they got a form for your details, with space for two references at the bottom?

[Big Blue Plymouth]

The agent is also requiring a face to face interview as it is their policy to conduct this type of interview before taking any contractor onto their books.

They provide exclusive service you see !

I'm tempted to ask "you for coffee?"

[LondonManc]

Hhhmmm, well I suppose getting paid a day - if you are not doing anything better anyway - is not such a bad thing?

That said, I had an interesting experience with that Agent mentioned a few years back.....albeit quite unrelated!

If interviews go well, I might offer the interviewer the chance to contact me directly if the agent claims I'm messing around. Who knows what's going on. I wonder how many people have lost out when client managers have told them to get stuffed?

[MrMarkyMark]

Goldman Sucks did 40 hour interviews starting in 2001. I was the 2nd person to go in. It worked out very well. I stayed there a year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Amazingly they are not run by GALs but are very efficient.

So, it took 40 interviews, of one hour, before they took you on

[BrilloPad]

Goldman Sucks did 40 hour interviews starting in 2001. I was the 2nd person to go in. It worked out very well. I stayed there a year and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Amazingly they are not run by GALs but are very efficient.

[jmo21]

Hhhmmm, well I suppose getting paid a day - if you are not doing anything better anyway - is not such a bad thing?

That said, I had an interesting experience with that Agent mentioned a few years back.....albeit quite unrelated!

Awesome! I've always said that's what I would do if an agency ever tried to drop the rate on me after being offered a role. Glad it worked for you.

[jmo21]

One would have thought if they wanted a days consultancy they would simply ask for that and be willing to pay double. That way they would also have the OPs PI insurance cover in case he's wrong.
I agree though that a day seems a long time for a contractor to prove themselves, especially as they can be kicked off site without any notice.

Maybe they can't afford it. Maybe they are cheap. Maybe the manager is a smart ass.

[kevpuk]

Hhhmmm, well I suppose getting paid a day - if you are not doing anything better anyway - is not such a bad thing?

That said, I had an interesting experience with that Agent mentioned a few years back.....albeit quite unrelated!

[LondonManc]

One would have thought if they wanted a days consultancy they would simply ask for that and be willing to pay double. That way they would also have the OPs PI insurance cover in case he's wrong.
I agree though that a day seems a long time for a contractor to prove themselves, especially as they can be kicked off site without any notice.

Why ask for it and pay double?

I've had two working interviews; one I got nothing out of and suspect was a day's consultancy. The other I started a contract at the same place on the following day.

[missinggreenfields]

My guess is that the client is after a 1 day consultation, after which they'll use the end result and can say that they paid you, thereby stopping you from taking them to court.

But it is only a guess...

If they are paying for it, what's the problem?