Reply to: Client using your CV to win work

[m0n1k3r]

Infosys presented my former client with 10 U.K. Based contractors CV's to win a bid, they won, 1st day 4 unknown BODS turn up, the 1st one was a system architect, DBA and project manager after 6 months training

They clearly must be that good if they were brought in on a T2 highly-skilled visa.

[MrMarkyMark]

Infosys presented my former client with 10 U.K. Based contractors CV's to win a bid, they won, 1st day 4 unknown BODS turn up, the 1st one was a system architect, DBA and project manager after 6 months training

Ohh how we laughed

I can still see the Project directors face as I told him the news

[tarbera]

Infosys presented my former client with 10 U.K. Based contractors CV's to win a bid, they won, 1st day 4 unknown BODS turn up, the 1st one was a system architect, DBA and project manager after 6 months training

Ohh how we laughed

I can still see the Project directors face as I told him the news

[RonBW]

Has anyone ever had a client use your CV to help them gain work? Is this normal?

I had a consultancy use my CV (with my permission) as part of their bid process for a specific project. If they had won the work then I would have been involved with the project in some way, shape or form (it was literally "pick the role that you want to do if we get this, because we'll need you on board to get it to work") so I had no problem with putting my company profile in their bid document.

They didn't win the work, unfortunately.

[ruasonid]

I believe many consultancies have a skills DB that employees are supposed to fill out so they can resource projects or pieces of work. This could make up part of a bid to demonstrate capability as well but never heard of them using a CV.

Fancy giving just a modicum of detail?

Correct. Some will do that to win the business on a promise of using that resource, sometimes it's a bait and switch.

[northernladuk]

This and by personalising your CV, with your name on it, as though you are "one of theirs" is a problem.

Yup. With an smart contractor, an understanding client and a fair wind those could work out quite nicely. B(generally)IDI

[LondonManc]

Ah got you. Same thinking. Be different from the permie in a nutshell. Proper minefield.

Correct. But if Dave the associate is the only Oracle DBA in what is principally a Microsoft consultancy, Dave should not be named in person as the Oracle provider, but that the consultancy "boasts Microsoft and Oracle database expertise".

[MrMarkyMark]

Similar page.

I've known people work as associates, whereby their skillset is not in the consultancy's permanent portfolio and they are currently providing that skillset for the consultancy on a project. That additional skillset is marketed by the consultancy to clients because they have access to YourCo as an associate partner to help them win future business (and get you another project into the bargain). They should not, though, be naming NLUK as the possessor of that skillset. Does that make more sense?

This and by personalising your CV, with your name on it, as though you are "one of theirs" is a problem.

[northernladuk]

Similar page.

I've known people work as associates, whereby their skillset is not in the consultancy's permanent portfolio and they are currently providing that skillset for the consultancy on a project. That additional skillset is marketed by the consultancy to clients because they have access to YourCo as an associate partner to help them win future business (and get you another project into the bargain). They should not, though, be naming NLUK as the possessor of that skillset. Does that make more sense?

Ah got you. Yes that's where I was trying to go.

Be different from the permie in a nutshell. Proper minefield but would be nice if you could pull it off properly.

[LondonManc]

Hmm. I don't understand this. As an associate you should be delivering what you were brought in for and that's it. No more engagement as no overarching agreement past the contract you are on. Moving on as part of a bid you should be named as your company delivering XYZ. So it should be Client in collaboration with Your LTD providing ABC & XYZ to meet the requirements for the tender.

Are we on the same page here?

Similar page.

I've known people work as associates, whereby their skillset is not in the consultancy's permanent portfolio and they are currently providing that skillset for the consultancy on a project. That additional skillset is marketed by the consultancy to clients because they have access to YourCo as an associate partner to help them win future business (and get you another project into the bargain). They should not, though, be naming NLUK as the possessor of that skillset. Does that make more sense?

[northernladuk]

The flip side is....

As an associate, you're direct, should be paid more and should simply add your skillset to the company's range of skills rather than being a named entity. HOWEVER, if you're a named entity, there goes your right of substitution as a sham and the Bishop of Bath and Wells method of probing will be engaged if investigated.

Hmm. I don't understand this. As an associate you should be delivering what you were brought in for and that's it. No more engagement as no overarching agreement past the contract you are on. Moving on as part of a bid you should be named as your company delivering XYZ. So it should be Client in collaboration with Your LTD providing ABC & XYZ to meet the requirements for the tender.

Are we on the same page here?

[LondonManc]

This...

It's not uncommon for them to try do it and you can't really blame them, they want business after all.
It's not normal for a contractor to allow it or be any part of it though.

The flip side is....

As an associate, you're direct, should be paid more and should simply add your skillset to the company's range of skills rather than being a named entity. HOWEVER, if you're a named entity, there goes your right of substitution as a sham and the Bishop of Bath and Wells method of probing will be engaged if investigated.

[northernladuk]

I'd be worried. You'll be getting business cards next; unless it says something like "Associate Consultant", you'll be balls deep in IR35 before you can say employee discount.

This...

It's not uncommon for them to try do it and you can't really blame them, they want business after all.
It's not normal for a contractor to allow it or be any part of it though.

It's a bit of shame really. They use your CV to win more business which means you get a new gig. It is a form of business. The only way to do it and be safe is to be clearly part of a partnership and not as a bum on seat. Bit like when the major companies for a group to bid when multiple companies together offering a whole solution. It would be great to be part of that but as a company making up a distinct part of the solution, not as a pseudo employee.

[SueEllen]

So if they'd already copied your CV into their company format you'd be a bit peeved?

Yep.

CVs are copyrighted by the owner.

Giving someone a copy of your personal details doesn't give them the right to screw around with them.

[LondonManc]

So if they'd already copied your CV into their company format you'd be a bit peeved?

I'd be worried. You'll be getting business cards next; unless it says something like "Associate Consultant", you'll be balls deep in IR35 before you can say employee discount.