Reply to: agent wants references b4 any interview

[Fred Bloggs]

99.9% fishing. I tell them I'll take references to the interview and give them to the client directly. I never give agencies references.

[AZZIK]

hi

an agent says he has a job for me , but wants references before interview ?

what do i do ?

is he fishing? and really there might not be any interview?

I'd say 99% fishing! No-one needs references if there aint even a job! They try this all the time with me - just say where the job is, ask who the client is, when's the interview. If you attend the interview, and you like it, then tell them you will happily give them what they need!

[DimPrawn]

A serious question. Has anyone landed a contract after handing over references first with no questions asked?

I'd be interested to know.

I've done this maybe 5 times in my contracting career.

Number of interviews arranged after doing so, 0.

After the agent got the references I never heard from them again and on calling them, they were busy/out to lunch.

It is 99.999999% a scam for leads.

HTH

[expat]

A serious question. Has anyone landed a contract after handing over references first with no questions asked?

I'd be interested to know.

Yes, I have, that's what made me reply as I did. So that time, I was glad that I gave them.

[Mustang]

The same is true when an agent you have only spoken to once, wants to add you to his/her network on networking sites such as LinkedIn. As if you know them after such limited contact.....!

[ft101]

References are of questionable value anyway.

I would say this guy is fishing, and as others have said, either walk away or tell him that you don't supply references until offer stage, if ever.

regards

[smiff]

He might be genuine. you can't tell.

A serious question. Has anyone landed a contract after handing over references first with no questions asked?

I'd be interested to know.

[expat]

He might be fishing. He might be genuine. you can't tell.

It is overwhelmingly likely that he is fishing; but if he is genuine, then you probably don't want to tell him to sod off.

High probability vs high payoff. Hmmm.

[NotAllThere]

Give him the number referenced here: http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...tulations.html

[DimPrawn]

Give him the main switchboard number of the clients and use the names of people who have left the organisation.

HTH

[TheVoice]

Lets hope the references show a better standard of English than the subject line of this post.

[Malingering BA]

Or do what I do. I tell them I don't give references. Full stop. Ever.

I do similar. I just say my previous client has a no references policy.

[NotAllThere]

thanks , i think fishing.

will ask for date , time , and contact at the place of interview first.

Though the psyhics might be goog idea also lol

Then he'll say something about it being part of their quality procedures. Tell them that your company's procedures, and those of your referees, prevent giving out details before an interview takes place. Or just tell him he's a lying toad, and that no companies require referees before job/contract offers have been made.

Or do what I do. I tell them I don't give references. Full stop. Ever.

[LittlestHobbo]

no one needs references before interview...its a popular fishing trick at the moment...

I just say if you get me some work i'll give you some contacts..you never hear from them again...

[smiff]

Give the switchboard numbers of your last two pimps.

They can gossip about OTE all day long.