Strange Agent Request - Quick Advice Needed on

[Jubber]

Who is the agency? In my 15 years contracting, my experience is that most good larger agencies will not ask you for any of this information until you have written confirmation of a job offer post interview.

So, my advice is... don't send the agency anything until you have been for the interview and have written confirmation that you have been offered the role.

I would note though that copy of utility bill, 2 previous references and copy of passport is standard fare to establish identity. But shouldn't be a problem for you if you have a written job offer.

I agree (WHS is the standard text is it not?)

[Turion]

Interesting solution. After all your contract is with the agency not the client, so giving the agent's details is a reasonable response.

I'll do that if I'm ever asked for references. Can't remember the last time, certainly many years ago. All I have on my CV is name and location of company. Maybe it's because I'm a code monkey, so they can easily test/assess my skills rather than relying on references.

Refs are oft asked, but never given. I do this SAP stuff for big $$, but never get tested either, thank god. Would flunk it badly as most of the roles are leading edge stuff no-one knows much about. Maybe that's the secret of success. Do niche stuff no one (including one self) knows, combined with being a fast learner.

[PAH]

If you have to give references - only give the agents' details.

Interesting solution. After all your contract is with the agency not the client, so giving the agent's details is a reasonable response.

I'll do that if I'm ever asked for references. Can't remember the last time, certainly many years ago. All I have on my CV is name and location of company. Maybe it's because I'm a code monkey, so they can easily test/assess my skills rather than relying on references.

[JoJoGabor]

I had these items requested by an agency at the beginning of this year for a role. As I was away at the time and they wanted to meet me in person I had to travel back to london (130 miles), so I explained to the agent that I had to travel a long way and it wasn't for:

a) gathering references
b) selling a training course
c) anything else.

She assured me it was standard process for all candidates, so I said I would be providing written references with contact details blanked out, which was fine. I got put forward for the contract, interviewed and got the role, but turned it down for another one.

Just be honest with the agent and see what they say (but dont expect them to necessarily return the honesty)

[smiff]

Hmm, seems it's a trend starting to appear, that some contractors are worried about getting gigs in the current climate, and giving up references willy nilly.

[Turion]

I got written confirmation from the agent that all this info will be sent directly to the client with my application and if not successful destroyed after. I will instruct my refs that if they hear anything from that agency if I don't get the role, to let me know in writing ASAP and if needed I will pursue the agency with threatening letter thereafter.
P

[Svalbaard]

Who is the agency? In my 15 years contracting, my experience is that most good larger agencies will not ask you for any of this information until you have written confirmation of a job offer post interview.

So, my advice is... don't send the agency anything until you have been for the interview and have written confirmation that you have been offered the role.

I would note though that copy of utility bill, 2 previous references and copy of passport is standard fare to establish identity. But shouldn't be a problem for you if you have a written job offer.

[Peter Loew]

So what you gonna do?

I got written confirmation from the agent that all this info will be sent directly to the client with my application and if not successful destroyed after. I will instruct my refs that if they hear anything from that agency if I don't get the role, to let me know in writing ASAP and if needed I will pursue the agency with threatening letter thereafter.

Other than that, I personally don't mind so much and will go ahead with the info as the spec looks very good.

P

[Turion]

No, there is a job, I have the spec and know who the client is.

But I agree, the refs are the real bounty whilst the rest is probably required by the client to 'check me out'..

So what you gonna do?

[basshead]

Agree to send them directly to the client.

[Peter Loew]

WHS. The rest is cover for the real bounty - two juicy professional references. These are desperate times for agents as well, and they need to look busy and collect all the leads they can get. There is no job for you.

No, there is a job, I have the spec and know who the client is.

But I agree, the refs are the real bounty whilst the rest is probably required by the client to 'check me out'..

[Turion]

I suspect if you only provide the references they will be happy. and you won't hear from them again.

If you have to give references - only give the agents' details.

WHS. The rest is cover for the real bounty - two juicy professional references. These are desperate times for agents as well, and they need to look busy and collect all the leads they can get. There is no job for you.

[BrilloPad]

I suspect if you only provide the references they will be happy. and you won't hear from them again.

If you have to give references - only give the agents' details.

[SneakySimon]

Info

Removed

[Peter Loew]

Hello,

An agent wants to put me forward for a PM role with a Public Sector client. But he has requested the following before processing my application:

"The CLIENT require that you provide two professional references, a completion of the Skills Matrix, a copy of your Drivers License and Passport and two Utility Bills, when submitting you forward. Details should include the names, addresses, telephone numbers and contact names of two organisations for which you have provided similar services to."

Why do they want such detailed info? I feel slightly uncomfortable sending this stuff by email to the agent.. does anyone know if this is a legit request or not?

Thanks

P