Request for information pre-interview by agent

[BolshieBastard]

In the past, I've worked for Barcrap, Northern Crock, LTSB and Bank of America (4 times).

On each occasion, I have been asked for what could be termed pre screening information. Despite having worked at BoA 3 times previously, for my last role which was only 6 months after I'd left them for the 3rd time, they wanted a CRB disclosure.

If you contract regularly in the banking sector, you'll find this is very common so cant agree with those being cynical and who may not have any experience of the banking sector.

[GillsMan]

Pre-interview is surprising, why do they need this detail before they know they want you.

Banks are prone to lots of Criminal, Credit and other personal checks before starting though.

So pre or post interview there will be lots of compliance and checks info needed.

I recently applied for a role with one of the Big 5 banks and had a two page form to fill in detailing my work history for the last 5 years and, yes, contacts. However, the form actually asked for the details of the agent (rather than client) where I was engaged via an agency which led me to suspect that it was legit and not just a fishing exercise.

[Scrag Meister]

Pre-interview is surprising, why do they need this detail before they know they want you.

Banks are prone to lots of Criminal, Credit and other personal checks before starting though.

So pre or post interview there will be lots of compliance and checks info needed.

[SeekingIT]

Reference -Default Answer

When asked for references, just give the name(s) of the agency you are working through, obviously never give client...

You've supplied answer as requested, everyones happy!!!!

[BnT Jason]

I'm a bit cynical too....

Completed Vetting form - leaving out contact people subject to contract offer. Nothing really in there other than the companies I've worked for which are on the CV anyway.

And I provided the following in my 'representation' email:

Can you please advise on the expected turnaround time from ClientCo on this? When are they likely to get back to you with a decision re: interview? When would they be expecting to interview?

Happy to provide proof of identity and right to work once I have confirmed interview and contact details - I assume my British Passport with suffice for both elements.

Apologies for the wording below, however this is required due to various recruitment agents I’ve had to deal with in the past:

I agree that you can represent me for this role subject to you forwarding my CV and details directly to ClientCo within the next 48 hours and that you agree to provide reasonable and timely responses, updates and feedback as appropriate to myself.

Did I miss anything...???

(Be a bit p!ssed off if it a reference gathering as I spent my evening on this.......)

[JoJoGabor]

Call me cynical but I suspect this is the agent being sneaky in getting previous references again. A client has to pay around £150 to get these checks done, who is paying for it in this instance?

Remember this form will include line managers details from previous clients.

However the agent will definitely be interested in making sure you arent going to fail this check. If you are foreign send him info proving your right to work, and maybe even fill in financial information. At this stage I would not give all previous client details.

[Troll]

An Agent has requested the following pieces of information to send over to a bank along with my CV for a role they contacted me about:

"As part of ClientCo vetting procedure, please find attached the compliance form that they require all associates to complete prior to interview. Please return to me at your earliest convenience.

Furthermore, please can you send me scanned copies of your Proof of Identity and Right to Work."

Is this common in order to secure an interview for a banking role?

The actual role would appear to be kosher and things genuinely feel appropriate, i.e. not can i just have 2 references...

On my 3rd Contract (none banking) and some of this seems a bit much pre-interview selection......

Thoughts appreciated.

The compliance stuff for financial institutions is certainly becoming more onerous.
I have never had this information requested before an interview in the past, but with the amount of candidates who could fail with OCCJ's increasing, I could understand agencies wanting to do some pre-vetting before the interview stage.

I expect with only 3 contracts as a track record to go on they may be playing it safe - If I were you I would comply as long as they don't start asking for references up front

[northernladuk]

An Agent has requested the following pieces of information to send over to a bank along with my CV for a role they contacted me about:

"As part of ClientCo vetting procedure, please find attached the compliance form that they require all associates to complete prior to interview. Please return to me at your earliest convenience.

Furthermore, please can you send me scanned copies of your Proof of Identity and Right to Work."

Is this common in order to secure an interview for a banking role?

The actual role would appear to be kosher and things genuinely feel appropriate, i.e. not can i just have 2 references...

On my 3rd Contract (none banking) and some of this seems a bit much pre-interview selection......

Thoughts appreciated.

They do appear to be valid but usually after you have secured the role. I have never been asked for them before. Maybe the agent is just covering all bases first so reducing the risk of you not being able to start.

I would however be asking him what he will be doing with this information should not be successful. I would like to see they have a data protection policy in place and physically destroying them or returning to me would be the only options I would be satisfied with.

[BnT Jason]

An Agent has requested the following pieces of information to send over to a bank along with my CV for a role they contacted me about:

"As part of ClientCo vetting procedure, please find attached the compliance form that they require all associates to complete prior to interview. Please return to me at your earliest convenience.

Furthermore, please can you send me scanned copies of your Proof of Identity and Right to Work."

Is this common in order to secure an interview for a banking role?

The actual role would appear to be kosher and things genuinely feel appropriate, i.e. not can i just have 2 references...

On my 3rd Contract (none banking) and some of this seems a bit much pre-interview selection......

Thoughts appreciated.