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ContractorUK taking tulip from agents and publishing it as advice

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    ContractorUK taking tulip from agents and publishing it as advice

    One of today's home-page stories:

    http://www.contractoruk.com/004306.html

    Nick Dettmar, managing director of Computer People advises contractors to provide references.

    In other news, turkeys suggest a cancellation of Christmas this year.

    v. Agency basics for IT contractors – Relations

    The Contractor-Agency relationship

    The relationship between contractor and recruiter is without doubt a symbiotic one as both parties benefit from placing contractors and helping them stay in those roles.

    From the recruiter's perspective, this means we have to do as much as possible from our side to help contractors find a placement, whether that involves ensuring they get put forward for the best opportunities available to providing training wherever possible or necessary. For their part, contractors have to show commitment to making themselves attractive to employers both during the interview process and after they have been placed.

    Just as recruiters strive to be flexible and professional throughout the placement process, contractors that show the same level of adaptability and professionalism [throughout] can enjoy very productive relationships with the agencies they work with.

    For example, reliable and easily accessible references are fundamental to agencies when they first meet contractors, so those who come prepared with or are able to produce referees quickly can help shorten and streamline the placement process considerably.
    Ultimately though, the most important tip for contractors who want to work with agencies is to remember to communicate and be open with their recruiters. We have a common goal and only by working together can we achieve it.

    Meanwhile, contractors on the books of an agency on a Preferred Suppliers List can benefit from the consistent level of communication and closer relationships that being on a PSL offers the agency.

    CUK was advised by Nick Dettmar, managing director of Computer People


    Contractor-Agency relations in a downturn

    When there are fewer roles available the onus is on the contractor to ensure they are in regular contact with agencies, they should ensure they have a strong, well-written and concise CV. Ideally they should try to meet the agencies as much as possible and be able to demonstrate what they can and can’t do. In a tighter market it is important to have some flexibility on the role and realistic expectations on rates requested. Meanwhile, interviews should be well-prepared for in terms of knowledge of the organisation but also strong self-awareness to be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

    If, as an IT contractor, you have a particular industry focus it is better to limit the number of agencies you are dealing with. If you choose agencies which have a specialism and a wide portfolio of clients you can agree to work with them on all opportunities within an agreed list of clients, so the benefit to both parties is mutual.

    CUK was advised by Paul Elworthy, director of financial services IT recruitment at Hudson



    Apr 14, 2009

    #2
    Originally posted by KentPhilip View Post
    One of today's home-page stories:

    http://www.contractoruk.com/004306.html

    Nick Dettmar, managing director of Computer People advises contractors to provide references.
    Unbelievable!

    Comment


      #3
      Public Service Posting by the BBC - Bloggs Bulls**t Corp.
      Officially CUK certified - Thick as f**k.

      Comment


        #4
        They were hassling me for references even though my last contract with them was just about up, the client could not care less and I had knocked back an extension, they were still asking me for them on my final week.

        Doughballs, it was very pathetic.

        Comment


          #5
          I'm impressed, I wonder how much they got paid for adding that total drivel to the site......

          Even the Agents that post on here admit that the References scam is just that, a tool to fish for new clients.

          Ludicrous that such blatantly bad advice is published on what should be a valuable Contractor resource.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by TykeMerc View Post
            I'm impressed, I wonder how much they got paid for adding that total drivel to the site......

            Even the Agents that post on here admit that the References scam is just that, a tool to fish for new clients.

            Ludicrous that such blatantly bad advice is published on what should be a valuable Contractor resource.

            CUK is a business. Everything they write is done to increase the amount of cash they get in the coffers. Just like everything I do is.

            Doesn't mean that the advice they give is ethical or the best though.

            Comment


              #7
              Was it first published on April 1st?

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by BrilloPad View Post
                Was it first published on April 1st?
                Sadly not - what a load of twaddle - and to think people might take advice published on here seriously. Makes me wonder how many of the other articles are similar rrrs.

                Comment


                  #9
                  You shouldn't take everything you read on the web as gospel, well rounded research and your own judgement should influence what you consider useful advice.

                  Even on this website.
                  "I can put any old tat in my sig, put quotes around it and attribute to someone of whom I've heard, to make it sound true."
                  - Voltaire/Benjamin Franklin/Anne Frank...

                  Comment


                    #10
                    We have a common goal and only by working together can we achieve it.

                    Comment

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