Did I reveal too much - have I stuffed myself?

[BolshieBastard]

We all do it from time to time but really, never ever, inform any agent, except the one you're working through, of any interviews, when your current contract runs out or renewals at your current assignment.

[alantan]

They would be more subtle than that. If they have your CV then they have enough information about you to create a plausible story about how they "heard something from someone that used to work at x".

According to that most reliable soure, Wikipedia:

English law allows actions for libel to be brought in the High Court for any published statements which are alleged to defame a named or identifiable individual or individuals in a manner which causes them loss in their trade or profession, or causes a reasonable person to think worse of him, her or them.

Furthermore:

A private individual must only prove negligence (not using due care) to collect compensatory damages. In order to collect punitive damages, all individuals must prove actual malice.

An obligation for due care means that the agent is negligent if they are not in prior possession of evidence (in written or other physical form) before passing on the information (unless the information is actually truthful). It is not enough to employ hearsay in order to make false claims about someone without being liable in the eyes of the law.

[Gonzo]

Agents don't seem to have any fear of getting found out. It is well known that most employers will not give a bad reference for fear of being sued for libel or defamation. Apparently agents don't worry about that sort of thing, or am I being libelous?

They would be more subtle than that. If they have your CV then they have enough information about you to create a plausible story about how they "heard something from someone that used to work at x".

It was a reputable pimp that told me about this after he sent me to my first ever contract interview. He asked how the interview went and I mentioned that my phone had been ringing red hot that day with calls from recruitment agencies. He explained why.

[alantan]

They may submit your CV again - then quickly withdraw it stating they received a bad reference!

Agents don't seem to have any fear of getting found out. It is well known that most employers will not give a bad reference for fear of being sued for libel or defamation. Apparently agents don't worry about that sort of thing, or am I being libelous?

[HermanDune]

Perhaps I could cover myself

I could perhaps contact my agency and warn them such a plan may be afoot.
Or perhaps I could issue a veiled threat to the pool of Sharks!

[Turion]

Agents use this information to place their own candidates - period.

They will certainly call this client and try to submit CV's. Of course they will want you out of the running, so if they know your rate they will try to undercut. They may submit your CV again - then quickly withdraw it stating they received a bad reference!

[BlasterBates]

No harm done, but you shouldn't reveal names. Agents have no interest in stuffing you personally, they just want to get their foot in the door. But the client will have spread his net wide enough for it to hardly make any difference. Agents are sharp but not sinister.

[NickFitz]

Repeat after me:

"I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to say - commercial confidentiality."

"I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to say - it's a security issue."

"I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to say - they'll hunt me down like a dog and dump my body in a wheely bin."

If they still keep digging, hint even more obviously at Security Service or Russian Mafia involvement.

PLEASE NOTE: such techniques should not be attempted by those inexperienced in confusing stupid people who make their living talking on telephones.

[thunderlizard]

That is a textbook agent trick, but one that has such little chance of succeeding that you shouldn't worry yourself.

More likely that he'll use the info in a softer way, just as a general warm lead. Again, nothing to really worry about.

But don't do it again.

[Gonzo]

I mentioned the recruiting decision was on hold until Friday. Do you think the Shark and co will now do their utmost to get another candidate in there and perhaps (if I'm lucky?!) place me in less convenient spot at a lower rate?

If you are less lucky, the Shark will be calling the client, asking if they have interviewed anyone, mentioning your name and casting doubt in the client's mind about whether they really should hire you.

"I probably shouldn't say anything as nothing was ever made official, but I heard once at ..... HermanDune had to be let go because of ......."

But luckily for the client, the Shark will have a number of more suitable candidates to send them ....

[max]

Anyway his shrewd colleague rang me this morning and I foolishly revealed where I had recently been interviewed and for what role, plus the agency. The role happens to be on their local patch and they might have once recruited for them.

I mentioned the recruiting decision was on hold until Friday. Do you think the Shark and co will now do their utmost to get another candidate in there and perhaps (if I'm lucky?!) place me in less convenient spot at a lower rate?

Do I deserve it anyway for being gullible and too easy with the truth?

If they have CVs that fit....I'd be amazed if they didn't try to tempt the client.

Oh well...the damage is done...live and learn.

[HermanDune]

Recently an old agent I call Brad Shark (name changed to protect the guilty) got back in touch to "promote my CV" (shorthand for having no actual jobs on the horizon).

Anyway his shrewd colleague rang me this morning and I foolishly revealed where I had recently been interviewed and for what role, plus the agency. The role happens to be on their local patch and they might have once recruited for them.

I mentioned the recruiting decision was on hold until Friday. Do you think the Shark and co will now do their utmost to get another candidate in there and perhaps (if I'm lucky?!) place me in less convenient spot at a lower rate?

Do I deserve it anyway for being gullible and too easy with the truth?