Reply to: Agent Test for contarct

[Bob Dalek]

It's times like this that the FOAD rubber stamp was invented for. OP, want to borrow mine?

I suppose in the current climate there may be a tendency to put up with this nonsense, but normally it's one of the things I decline without a second thought or regret.

Maybe I've just got used to the 30 minute telephone interview, sometimes with the odd technical question but certainly not always, followed up by a face to face or even a can you start on monday. Hope those aren't turning into the good old days.

If you want to edge your bets, do the work but encrypt it and say you'll provide the decryption when you go to 'interview the client' to make sure you want to do work for them.

Clever!

[eyetie]

Damn, I missed a version.
And anyone who hires someone on the strength of a Cv is an idiot.

So how should people be hired? Interviews are time-intensive and flawed (just look around at how many blaggers are around you - perm & contract).

[Incognito]

The candidate was probably told (by an agency) to change Access 2003 to SQL Server 2003. But I guess you already knew that.

Damn, I missed a version.

And anyone who hires someone on the strength of a Cv is an idiot.

[pmeswani]

I saw a couple of the CVs and I could spot basic mistakes on them like "Design expert in SQL Server 2003" - Do you mean SQL 2005?, 2003 doesnt exist, and as a design expert I would expect you to know that.

The current climate is only making this problem worse

The candidate was probably told (by an agency) to change Access 2003 to SQL Server 2003. But I guess you already knew that.

[Scotchpie]

The current climate is only making this problem worse

Someone applied for a senior development role where I'm working who needed excellent SQL skills. The CV described them as being an experienced SQL developer who has designed and maintained databases for their previous employer and which was used across all departments. The interview must have gone well because they got the position.

However, the fact that on day one they had to ask the difference between () and [] and when they should be used got many of us quietly asking questions about the decision to appoint.

Personnally I don't think Access wizards qualifies anyone to call themselves a developer - but that's only my interpretation.

[JoJoGabor]

Sounds like a permie post request to me.

The idea of being a skilled flexible resource is having these exact qualities already. I state quite clearly on my CV what I have to offer. The client is welcome to talk to me about what he wants and I'll tell him if I can do it or not. If the client wishes to talk with pevious companies I have worked for he is welcome to do so.

I do not need to be tested, interrogated, prodded or run round an obstacle course before I start a piece of work. To tell you the truth, I have no wish to work for a client who would want to do this anyway as we probably would have different ways of working and expectations.

That's all very good for the honest dependable contractors but there are so many people who apply for roles who just blatantly lie on their CVs. My current ClientCo was trying to recruit several senior systems engineers and about 75% of people who came into interview were just blagging it and only had basic skills, not the vast levels of knowledge that you would expect from their CVs. I saw a couple of the CVs and I could spot basic mistakes on them like "Design expert in SQL Server 2003" - Do you mean SQL 2005?, 2003 doesnt exist, and as a design expert I would expect you to know that.

The current climate is only making this problem worse

[naveensoni]

Thanks for all your response... i have sent him the stuff zipped.. let see if he come back to me.... will kee you all posted.

also please help me , about how to show short contracts (like 1 monthish) IN CV? does it make any impact in selection.


thanks
nav

[Liability]

Do us a all favour and answer people in a civil manner, there's no reason to act like an arrogant @rse in every post you make.

Agree with ^^^

Naveen - This is without doubt a fishing exercise.

I know of two companies whom I have contracted for in the past who were known to call us in for interview and would pick our brains on how to do things - then only to say "you didn't get the role". Fair enough you say? NOONE got the role[s].

I only found this out when I worked for another division of one of the companies.

Would not surprise me if this kind of things gets worse in the current climate!

[Jubber]

That's all very well until you come to the companies that require an audit trail of the process.

You may be prepared to let the new client speak to the old one, but if the old one's processes won't allow him to put his reference down in writing (as many wont) you are stuck.

IMHO refusing to take a test on principle is arrogant nonsense (though I agree the one that started this post is OTT).

trim

All my previous clients are willing to give a run down of what my company can do with a genuine request from another client. I obviously don't give their details to agents.

I respect but disagree with your opinion that is it arrogant to refuse tests. I don't test people that I use when I require services. I look for a good recommendation and that is sufficient. I honestly wouldn't want to work for someone who wanted to test people. It shows an appalling lack of trust and insecurity before I've even met them.

Maybe we work in completely different fields - the work that I do a two minute conversation would soon establish if you knew your onions or not.

[PAH]

It's times like this that the FOAD rubber stamp was invented for. OP, want to borrow mine?

I suppose in the current climate there may be a tendency to put up with this nonsense, but normally it's one of the things I decline without a second thought or regret.

Maybe I've just got used to the 30 minute telephone interview, sometimes with the odd technical question but certainly not always, followed up by a face to face or even a can you start on monday. Hope those aren't turning into the good old days.

If you want to edge your bets, do the work but encrypt it and say you'll provide the decryption when you go to 'interview the client' to make sure you want to do work for them.

[tim123]

Sounds like a permie post request to me.

The idea of being a skilled flexible resource is having these exact qualities already. I state quite clearly on my CV what I have to offer. The client is welcome to talk to me about what he wants and I'll tell him if I can do it or not. If the client wishes to talk with pevious companies I have worked for he is welcome to do so.

That's all very well until you come to the companies that require an audit trail of the process.

You may be prepared to let the new client speak to the old one, but if the old one's processes won't allow him to put his reference down in writing (as many wont) you are stuck.

IMHO refusing to take a test on principle is arrogant nonsense (though I agree the one that started this post is OTT).

trim

[Jubber]

Sounds like a permie post request to me.

The idea of being a skilled flexible resource is having these exact qualities already. I state quite clearly on my CV what I have to offer. The client is welcome to talk to me about what he wants and I'll tell him if I can do it or not. If the client wishes to talk with pevious companies I have worked for he is welcome to do so.

I do not need to be tested, interrogated, prodded or run round an obstacle course before I start a piece of work. To tell you the truth, I have no wish to work for a client who would want to do this anyway as we probably would have different ways of working and expectations.

[Romanymagic]

Do us a all favour and answer people in a civil manner, there's no reason to act like an arrogant @rse in every post you make.

Normally I would agree but I couldn't understand the OP either, sowwy!

[TykeMerc]

You're new aren't you. Do yourself a favour and go home.

Do us a all favour and answer people in a civil manner, there's no reason to act like an arrogant @rse in every post you make.

[Turion]

Hi,

i have been sent Requirements in 2 page of word docs by an agent. there are around 5 user stories... and he wants me to write code, test cases, and said that client will check it... and the test is your interveiw... he wants code to follow standards, design patterns, and should be compilable, buildable...etc...

is it a fish? or agent has got something from rentacoder and trying developers like us to build... so that he can sell...

any idea?

nav

You're new aren't you. Do yourself a favour and go home.