Reply to: Bloody HR

[Kess]

I loathe interviews that involve HR people - they ask such inane and pretentious questions (e.g. "give me 3 words to describe yourself" etc.). Just find someone who can test my technical knowledge and skills, will you!

[TheFaQQer]

That's a fairly serious breach of commercial confidentiality.

Sue their asses.

WHS - I'd mention in passing to the agency that you'll be raising this with the Data Protection Registrar as well.

(Also, any chance of a name and shame? I'm not sure I'd want to be using an agency that is so free with that kind of information)

[reformation]

Ignore the stupid HR person, speak to the IT Director and tell him whats happened and that you're prepared to start Monday as this contract doesn't involve HR and has nothing whatsoever to do with her. If he complains ask him who runs the show, her or him. Then walk away if he's a spineless tw*t.

[chris79]

Some you get, some you don't.. either renegotiate your rate, or move on to the next offering.

[JoJoGabor]

How did the bank obtain confirmed details of your previous rates?

THey contacted the agency of my last contract. They actually asked for every agency used over 5 years, but I dont know if they contacted all of them

[Langkawi]

Maybe it's me but unless working in the HR department (or a project for them) I would ask straight away why they even need to interview me. I am company being hired to do a job, not a potential employee. Aka nothing to do with them

That's arguable true (especially if Hector comes knocking) but it's not the way HR are going to see it. As far as they are concerned you are an employee being hired on a contract basis - at a rate they are undoubtedly jealous of - and the Ltd company thing is a tax scam to increase you're already high income and further evidence of your obvious greed.

The mindset is "I've been here years and am oh so important but I don't get paid that". But they security, pension fund and free gym membership mean they wouldn't consider giving up thier permie status.

HR departments and the firms themselves are all very happy to use 'contingent workers' whether temps, contractors or whatever as it keeps you off the permanent costs and means your a flexible cost that can be dispensed with at thier will without big payoffs, but they see it as a necesary evil and don't exactly sympathise with the risks and hassles involved for us contractors.

Just my tuppence worth!

Alan

[NotAllThere]

When I was recruiting contractors for a project, the HR manager got wind of it and asked why she wasn't being involved.

"It's got nothing to do with you," I said, "they're just purchase orders".

[Not So Wise]

Maybe it's me but unless working in the HR department (or a project for them) I would ask straight away why they even need to interview me. I am company being hired to do a job, not a potential employee. Aka nothing to do with them

And if was doing the recruiting would also object to them being there, especially would object to having any say in the negotiations, it would be my budget being spent not theirs

How did the bank obtain confirmed details of your previous rates?

Would like to know this as well. I never reveal my previous rates and if ever found previous client/agency did to anyone except tax man without my permission would have their ass in a sling

[Support Monkey]

Send them an invoice for your time, then in 30 days send them an overdue payment letter, then after that threaten them with court action.

Yes we all know they will not pay but it will make you feel better and they will think twice about wasting professional peoples time with these kinds of stupid interviews

[EddieNambulous]

I normally blag the rates bit, but got caught out in a full vetting for a bank recently, so now my policy is complete honesty

How did the bank obtain confirmed details of your previous rates?

[nomadd]

Sorry but you've only got yourself to blame. How many times do I have to say it?

Never, ever submit yourself to more than one interview for a role!

Here endeth the lesson for the last time!

But what about the IT Director's wife, cat and dog. Plus Jane in reception. Stan in Maintenance. Bob in accounts. Surely they all need to know you are OK before starting a contract? I mean, you might be there for a full 3 months! No, all these interviews are "just to make sure". Perfectly acceptable. I mean, you're a contractor, it's not like you've anything better to do with your time...

Nomadd

[JoJoGabor]

It was one interview! But on a tag team rota for 3 hours!

[BolshieBastard]

Had a technical phone interview with a potential new manager last week in which I apparently "blew the interviewer away with my knowledge" then had 3 hours of interviews with HR, IT Director and the tech team. All want to hire me, even HR said I was an ideal candidate, but HR said I'm asking for too much money so for that reason they are rejecting me!!! WTF!? I am even asking below the maximum they have stated for this role, yet the HR girl believes its too much of an increase over my last rate? This was the only reason for not offering me the role and even the IT director who was the last interviewer said, "I'm sure we'll be speaking soon". In the HR interview I even got the "What is the lwoest rate you would accept" question to which I replied I'd rather leave any negotiation to later if they wish to use my services.

The thing that annoys me is the agency sent exact details of my last rate and my desired rate, so the m client could have vetoed me there and then, but instead subjected me to 3 hours of interviews!

Sorry but you've only got yourself to blame. How many times do I have to say it?

Never, ever submit yourself to more than one interview for a role!

Here endeth the lesson for the last time!

[mace]

Had a technical phone interview with a potential new manager last week in which I apparently "blew the interviewer away with my knowledge" then had 3 hours of interviews with HR, IT Director and the tech team. All want to hire me, even HR said I was an ideal candidate, but HR said I'm asking for too much money so for that reason they are rejecting me!!! WTF!? I am even asking below the maximum they have stated for this role, yet the HR girl believes its too much of an increase over my last rate? This was the only reason for not offering me the role and even the IT director who was the last interviewer said, "I'm sure we'll be speaking soon". In the HR interview I even got the "What is the lwoest rate you would accept" question to which I replied I'd rather leave any negotiation to later if they wish to use my services.

The thing that annoys me is the agency sent exact details of my last rate and my desired rate, so the m client could have vetoed me there and then, but instead subjected me to 3 hours of interviews!

Most likely, they were looking for a bargain i.e. somebody with more experience willing to work for a lower rate. I was a contractor for almost 10 years and my rate varied from £320 to £500 during that time. I always used to give my last rate as to what I would be willing to work for in the new role using the usual factors of market demand, what skills I was likely to acquire, location and expected longevity as guidelines.

[cybersquatter]

That's a fairly serious breach of commercial confidentiality.

Sue their asses.