NDA - Non Disclosure Agreement with an agent

[calder]

An agent called me today about a new contract, but he asked me to sign a non-disclosure agreement before he can tell me who the client is.

I have been contracting for 5 years, and have dealt with lots of agents but this is the first time an agent asks me to sign an NDA before even telling me who the client is. I have signed NDA with my clients (i think that's fine), but I have never signed NDA with an agent How about you? Is it normal practice? Would you do it?

[malvolio]

Unless the role is for a very specific technology or business area, I can see no justification for this for the agency. If the client is requesting it, as I suspect, then the agency can at least tell you why; most likely it's someone moving into a new area they want kept quiet for a while.

Ask the agency why they need it - "the client says so" is not enough - and make your own judgement.

[SarahL2012]

I've signed one before - it was because the work the client wanted was related to an acquisition. NDA had to be in place before agency could even discuss broad outline of what was needed.

[NibblyPig]

I'd sign it cos there is no downside. You can still walk away if you don't want the role.

[GillsMan]

I'd sign it too. Cannot see a downside to signing it.

[BolshieBastard]

Id tell them I'll sign it only with a written response by return that my cv is definitely being submitted to the client, exclusivity will be limited to 3 days and, any failure to submit my cv will invalidate the exclusivity agreement at the very least.

Dont give up your position too easily.

[SueEllen]

I'd sign it too. Cannot see a downside to signing it.

I can.

The terms may be stupid e.g. when you get the role you can't put it on your CV

[Boney M]

Signed one before as well, no problems in doing it and not that uncommon

[NibblyPig]

I can.

The terms may be stupid e.g. when you get the role you can't put it on your CV

That's not a downside to signing the NDA, that's a downside to accepting the role.

[Contreras]

The terms may be stupid e.g. when you get the role you can't put it on your CV

That would be quite reasonable IMHO, for most circumstances. Fact is I don't list client names or contract dates on my CV anyway.

I would sign if the terms were reasonable. If not then I would offer MyCo's own NDA. Also something along the lines of what BolshieBastard said, I wouldn't want to become forever tied to the agent for an unspecified client.