Reply to: References & fishing

[pmeswani]

Have you started interviewing or is this your first application?

To which you say... Am I really applying for a job via you guys?

[Bob Dalek]

Huxley are no better:

What type of role are you looking for? (Technical skills/location/career level)

What is your current/last role?


Who is your current/last employer?


Who are your three references?
1
2
3


Have you started interviewing or is this your first application?

[Pogle]

Oh, and I just got this one in an email

"References would be beneficial so we can obtain an unbiased opinion of your work, and gauge the level of skill that you posses. "


- well it made me smile
10/10 for trying

[Pogle]

I got one of these about 10 minutes ago.
The chap was quite insistent that having my references would speed up the process, but by his own admission he had earlier said that there wasn't a job 'as such' he was gathering CV's in preparation.

I was polite but firm, he will get them when a job offer has been made, he said he would need them if an interview was offered. I told him that my referees are very busy and I do not want them bothered unless absolutely necessary.

I don't expect I shall hear from him again.

I am always friendly and polite to agents, but I do wish they'd read my CV or at least have a general knowledge about the technical area they are recruiting in. Some are very good and know their stuff, but they are few and far between

Pogle - bench bound

[d000hg]

Maybe we could give "Dim Man Praun" as a reference?

[TheFaQQer]

I always supply references when asked.

Either of:

- a couple of contractor mates
- a couple of agents

Seems to work for me.

[d000hg]

Well, if you will apply for permie roles.

Like every other site I've ever seen, they do both contract and full-time stuff. But I could use this if they try to get references and refer to their website.

[TykeMerc]

I just say

"I'd love to give you some names right now but unfortunately due to some bad practice in the recruitment industry I've had to make it my company's policy not to give out any names until an offer has been made.

It's a shame I know but having given my references out to previous agents who insisted that they needed them to move ahead with filling the role my referees got so many cold calls that they basically told me that the calls had to stop or they wouldn't go on being referees.

I can't risk losing them as referees so I'm afraid it's no names till offer stage - I know shame isn't it...

Not my idea but gotta look after #1 and all that - I'm sure you understand?"

That's very similar to what I tell them.

[NotAllThere]

We’ll follow up references on your CV, before any interviews take place. This puts you in a strong position at the interview stage – and will avoid delays, if the employer decides to make you an offer

Well, if you will apply for permie roles.

[PM-Junkie]

My jewel was just giving 3 names of people which translated to swear words in different languages - god knows if he was THAT stupid to call - probably did!

L

Mine was Jamal Bagwan. Was going to try for Uri Nokabolokov, but that might have been a bit obvious...

[Jog On]

I just say

"I'd love to give you some names right now but unfortunately due to some bad practice in the recruitment industry I've had to make it my company's policy not to give out any names until an offer has been made.

It's a shame I know but having given my references out to previous agents who insisted that they needed them to move ahead with filling the role my referees got so many cold calls that they basically told me that the calls had to stop or they wouldn't go on being referees.

I can't risk losing them as referees so I'm afraid it's no names till offer stage - I know shame isn't it...

Not my idea but gotta look after #1 and all that - I'm sure you understand?"

[mailric]

My jewel was just giving 3 names of people which translated to swear words in different languages - god knows if he was THAT stupid to call - probably did!

L

I'll use that.

When Agents go on about a role somewhere but they can't tell you the clients name, I've also been guilty of replying "Oh is that Barclays? As I know they've opened a new office there recently..."

Wander how many calls Barclays head office have had about recruiting for their new offices?

[Liability]

No matter what happened if they can fill a role with you, they will These people are scum and in majority of the cases they are failed abortions who are nothing more than used care sales man. Rarely do you find a good Rec Cons.

Ive had a good few fishing ones - a good one was Monday

Guy calls me saying he used to recruit for a previous blue chip I was at for a year. So he rolls off some names - ALL WRONG - with the intention of me saying "No, not heard of them I dealth with <name" So they are getting smarter albeit in a stupid way

My jewel was just giving 3 names of people which translated to swear words in different languages - god knows if he was THAT stupid to call - probably did!

L

[mailric]

http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...r-fishing.html

Had that explanation this morning too!

its gettnig worse, the agencies must be struggling as its non-stop blatant fishing.

thing is, i'm starting to have fun telling them absolute boIIox (nothing else to do at moment ) but will this scupper my chances in the long run - will they be keeping (and sharing) details of me only looking for..

Role: "Kind of a high level Organisational Change Visionary / Strategic Influencer type role... y'know"

Rate: "around £1,467.26 per day depending on local expeses such as refreshments"

[Manic]

http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...r-fishing.html

Had that explanation this morning too!