Reply to: agency trick?

[NetwkSupport]

I'm going to go along anyway, just based on my one previous experience where the agency/client relationship was such that the client wanted candidates pre-vetted to ensure they werent going to have their time wasted.

Its Michael Page - incase anyone has had a similar experience recently.

[Ivor Bigun]

trust me .. never

Is that you being Yoda?
Trust Me..never.. you should
Anyways, it doesn't matter really.
IMO, if an agent gets the gig for a contractor - he/she can do whatever they like with any info they've heard. The contractor shouldn't get fussed about it and has no right to order them about.
All this "Shhh don't tell anyone" is just a bit silly really as the agent will use it anyway. They just won't tell you
When did you ever hear an agent say "I won't use any info you give me"?
......Yeah right - never - so why get fussed about it when they do?

No-one owns information. We all have the right to NOT pass it on but we can't expect others to NOT use it.

[DodgyAgent]

Checked... maybe; rung the number to place a bod... come on, own-up.

trust me .. never

[norrahe]

I was fed a line about having to meet the agent and provide a copy of my passport as well as providing references before I was allowed to start at my current contract.

As it happens a meeting before the start date didn't happen because of illness (both of us) and once I had started I asked about the copy of my passport and was told that it wasn't needed any more.

They try and pull fast ones all the time, it's more about knowing what they need and what they want (ie leads).

i got that the other day when applying online, the return e-mail requested a copy of my passport to be sent to the pimp prior to being considered for the role.

yeah right

next thing they'll be asking for our credit cards and pin numbers :

[SimonD]

I was fed a line about having to meet the agent and provide a copy of my passport as well as providing references before I was allowed to start at my current contract.

As it happens a meeting before the start date didn't happen because of illness (both of us) and once I had started I asked about the copy of my passport and was told that it wasn't needed any more.

They try and pull fast ones all the time, it's more about knowing what they need and what they want (ie leads).

[Liability]

Quite right. I cannot see any point of meeting a contractor unless your relationship is such that the client requests it and the contractor may need briefing before an interview. The latter then presumes a pretty close relationship between agent and client.

or she is proper filth and wants some to sweeten the deal

[Bob Dalek]

Yes. We have never ever checked a reference until the contractor has accepted a job.

Checked... maybe; rung the number to place a bod... come on, own-up.

[DodgyAgent]

SO if you tell him you'll bring the referees details with you and hand them in as soon as the client says yes, the agency should be happy.

Yes. We have never ever checked a reference until the contractor has accepted a job.

[Mich the Tester]

Interviews are the lifeblood of any agency. Without interviews there are no placements.

SO if you tell him you'll bring the referees details with you and hand them in as soon as the client says yes, the agency should be happy.

[DodgyAgent]

Interviews are the lifeblood of any agency. Without interviews there are no placements.

[Mich the Tester]

‘ I understand your referees concern but I can assure you that we do not call up people without your consent until you are placed in a roll…if this is still an issue them I am afraid we wont be able to go ahead with the interview.’

Self contradictory; he says only needs to call the referee when you are placed in the role, therefore he doesn’t need the references to get you into the interview. Either that, or the interview only takes place AFTER you’re placed in the role, which would be very unusual.

[DodgyAgent]

I've done it once, as a newby, and it was the last time. Agency interviews for contract roles are invariably a total waste of time. Usually a product mix of a bored agent and a benched contractor. Not a promising combination really. References are not necessary either. In both cases one should just say no.

Quite right. I cannot see any point of meeting a contractor unless your relationship is such that the client requests it and the contractor may need briefing before an interview. The latter then presumes a pretty close relationship between agent and client.

[norrahe]

was told by pimp this was a request of the client, have since asked around the market as one of my mates works at the client. turns out the client is pretty fussy and insists all contractors pre interviewed.

if it was anyone else but these guys then no.

[Turion]

Unless it is a higher end search and selection [CTO roles above] they seldom need to meet you. Ive NEVER met an agent in like 12 years of contracting - nor have I ever given references before a role - actually tell a lie ONCE i did but gave the wrong names - ironically I had a call moments ago about a role and I could tell he was 25 ish - not confident and wanted to get around asking me for references lol......terminated the call.

I've done it once, as a newby, and it was the last time. Agency interviews for contract roles are invariably a total waste of time. Usually a product mix of a bored agent and a benched contractor. Not a promising combination really. References are not necessary either. In both cases one should just say no.

[norrahe]

been contracting quite a while meself and have never met any of the agents that have pimped me roles.

given that this is a high profile client and i've been on the bench which is why i decided to go along with it.

If it was anyone else it would be take a hike matey!