Reference checks.

[SueEllen]

No tried it once and he gave me a crap reference. Remember they are competitors. Contract project managers are better at giving references.Firstly all my ex project managers left the project before me and have nothing against me. Secondly they may also be looking for a new contract.

Seriously do you have a comprehension problem?

[Brussels Slumdog]

Not always.

Also it's sometimes worth having other contractors who will give you references.

Though some idiot agents can't work out the "X manager" who is giving you a reference is another contractor.

No tried it once and he gave me a crap reference. Remember they are competitors. Contract project managers are better at giving references.Firstly all my ex project managers left the project before me and have nothing against me. Secondly they may also be looking for a new contract.

[SueEllen]

Why would that matter?

Someone from the agency then phones the contractor a few weeks later asking if they need contractors or other staff.

[DeludedKitten]

Why would that matter?

It wouldn't.

[LondonManc]

Not always.

Also it's sometimes worth having other contractors who will give you references.

Though some idiot agents can't work out the "X manager" who is giving you a reference is another contractor.

Why would that matter?

[SueEllen]

Role/job title, will normally be provided also

Not always.

Also it's sometimes worth having other contractors who will give you references.

Though some idiot agents can't work out the "X manager" who is giving you a reference is another contractor.

[LondonManc]

I've lost count of the number of CV's I've binned where the title doesn't match the described activities on the CV or the CV titles simply don't match the LinkedIn profile. Very sloppy and easily avoidable situations but it's staggering how many people don't get it.

Correct. I've no probably with someone calling themselves a Database Specialist rather than a DBA or a cockwomble instead of an Estate Agent but as you say, if the activities don't match the title, it's a big no-no.

[northernladuk]

Good point - don't give yourself a promotion.

E.g. Call yourself Digital Project Manager instead of just Project Manager but don't claim you were a Programme Manager

I've lost count of the number of CV's I've binned where the title doesn't match the described activities on the CV or the CV titles simply don't match the LinkedIn profile. Very sloppy and easily avoidable situations but it's staggering how many people don't get it.

[LondonManc]

Role/job title, will normally be provided also

Good point - don't give yourself a promotion.

E.g. Call yourself Digital Project Manager instead of just Project Manager but don't claim you were a Programme Manager

[GhostofTarbera]

Role/job title, will normally be provided also

[northernladuk]

Totally what LM says.

Just to add in case that's not the issue you are attempting to avoid, they won't go in to any details about you getting canned early or if you left early.

Giving bad references or anything that affects your ability to secure the next contract could open the agent up to a legal challenge and them possibly having to pay damages in court so they just won't go near it.

In a large number of cases the references are asked for so the new agency can contact old managers/clients to sell their services. As soon as they see the reference is from another agency it's unlikely they'll bother contacting them.

Fancy telling us why you want to know?

[LondonManc]

Please can you confirm that Dave Somebody of HisCo was engaged at a contract at LastClientCo between x date and y date.

You'll be fine if you're lying about your rate; they're generally commercially confidential and information that the agency wouldn't want to share either.

[Uking]

Hi
Quick question, when contacting the previous agency regarding references what kind of information would the current agency ask for?