Starting a job without interview because of urgency

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I got a call from a recruiter, saying he has a contract and they need someone to start really quickly (as soon as tomorrow), but I never had an interview and he said "they like your CV", "They liked the look of it" etc. But this is a point on which I am confused because how can someone want to hire on a expensive day rate without interviewing and it is so fast that it starts within 24 hours. Saying yes to this recruiter will put me off the market and from few recruiters who already booked me in for interviews.



Does something this quick ever happen or am I landing myself into the unknown?







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  • 11




    be careful about the contract and ask anyway to meet someone for a short interview.
    – Gautier C
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:01






  • 65




    It doesn't matter that they don't want an interview - YOU do. It works both ways. What if the company works in an industry that is against your ethics or morals? If the company really likes you, they'll arrange an interview at very short notice, even outside normal hours.
    – PeteCon
    Jun 14 '16 at 14:59






  • 21




    Your comment below (about the recruiter not wanting to reveal the company name) is very worrying. If they expect you to confirm employment, you must insist on being told the name of the company you'll be working for.
    – Richard
    Jun 14 '16 at 16:32






  • 5




    Companies that hire slowly and carefully usually are slower to let employees go. Be really careful about limiting terms in the contract.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Jun 14 '16 at 18:22







  • 7




    I don't understand the problem. Accept the expensive daily rate on condition of prepayment. Do not take yourself off the market. If the work is not agreeable to you, do a pro-rated refund and quit. You are getting an interview - an interview for which you are being paid for your time.
    – emory
    Jun 14 '16 at 21:08

















up vote
41
down vote

favorite
5












I got a call from a recruiter, saying he has a contract and they need someone to start really quickly (as soon as tomorrow), but I never had an interview and he said "they like your CV", "They liked the look of it" etc. But this is a point on which I am confused because how can someone want to hire on a expensive day rate without interviewing and it is so fast that it starts within 24 hours. Saying yes to this recruiter will put me off the market and from few recruiters who already booked me in for interviews.



Does something this quick ever happen or am I landing myself into the unknown?







share|improve this question

















  • 11




    be careful about the contract and ask anyway to meet someone for a short interview.
    – Gautier C
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:01






  • 65




    It doesn't matter that they don't want an interview - YOU do. It works both ways. What if the company works in an industry that is against your ethics or morals? If the company really likes you, they'll arrange an interview at very short notice, even outside normal hours.
    – PeteCon
    Jun 14 '16 at 14:59






  • 21




    Your comment below (about the recruiter not wanting to reveal the company name) is very worrying. If they expect you to confirm employment, you must insist on being told the name of the company you'll be working for.
    – Richard
    Jun 14 '16 at 16:32






  • 5




    Companies that hire slowly and carefully usually are slower to let employees go. Be really careful about limiting terms in the contract.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Jun 14 '16 at 18:22







  • 7




    I don't understand the problem. Accept the expensive daily rate on condition of prepayment. Do not take yourself off the market. If the work is not agreeable to you, do a pro-rated refund and quit. You are getting an interview - an interview for which you are being paid for your time.
    – emory
    Jun 14 '16 at 21:08













up vote
41
down vote

favorite
5









up vote
41
down vote

favorite
5






5





I got a call from a recruiter, saying he has a contract and they need someone to start really quickly (as soon as tomorrow), but I never had an interview and he said "they like your CV", "They liked the look of it" etc. But this is a point on which I am confused because how can someone want to hire on a expensive day rate without interviewing and it is so fast that it starts within 24 hours. Saying yes to this recruiter will put me off the market and from few recruiters who already booked me in for interviews.



Does something this quick ever happen or am I landing myself into the unknown?







share|improve this question













I got a call from a recruiter, saying he has a contract and they need someone to start really quickly (as soon as tomorrow), but I never had an interview and he said "they like your CV", "They liked the look of it" etc. But this is a point on which I am confused because how can someone want to hire on a expensive day rate without interviewing and it is so fast that it starts within 24 hours. Saying yes to this recruiter will put me off the market and from few recruiters who already booked me in for interviews.



Does something this quick ever happen or am I landing myself into the unknown?









share|improve this question












share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Jun 14 '16 at 22:01









psmears

1375




1375









asked Jun 14 '16 at 8:54









cookieMonster

2,23662035




2,23662035







  • 11




    be careful about the contract and ask anyway to meet someone for a short interview.
    – Gautier C
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:01






  • 65




    It doesn't matter that they don't want an interview - YOU do. It works both ways. What if the company works in an industry that is against your ethics or morals? If the company really likes you, they'll arrange an interview at very short notice, even outside normal hours.
    – PeteCon
    Jun 14 '16 at 14:59






  • 21




    Your comment below (about the recruiter not wanting to reveal the company name) is very worrying. If they expect you to confirm employment, you must insist on being told the name of the company you'll be working for.
    – Richard
    Jun 14 '16 at 16:32






  • 5




    Companies that hire slowly and carefully usually are slower to let employees go. Be really careful about limiting terms in the contract.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Jun 14 '16 at 18:22







  • 7




    I don't understand the problem. Accept the expensive daily rate on condition of prepayment. Do not take yourself off the market. If the work is not agreeable to you, do a pro-rated refund and quit. You are getting an interview - an interview for which you are being paid for your time.
    – emory
    Jun 14 '16 at 21:08













  • 11




    be careful about the contract and ask anyway to meet someone for a short interview.
    – Gautier C
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:01






  • 65




    It doesn't matter that they don't want an interview - YOU do. It works both ways. What if the company works in an industry that is against your ethics or morals? If the company really likes you, they'll arrange an interview at very short notice, even outside normal hours.
    – PeteCon
    Jun 14 '16 at 14:59






  • 21




    Your comment below (about the recruiter not wanting to reveal the company name) is very worrying. If they expect you to confirm employment, you must insist on being told the name of the company you'll be working for.
    – Richard
    Jun 14 '16 at 16:32






  • 5




    Companies that hire slowly and carefully usually are slower to let employees go. Be really careful about limiting terms in the contract.
    – Spehro Pefhany
    Jun 14 '16 at 18:22







  • 7




    I don't understand the problem. Accept the expensive daily rate on condition of prepayment. Do not take yourself off the market. If the work is not agreeable to you, do a pro-rated refund and quit. You are getting an interview - an interview for which you are being paid for your time.
    – emory
    Jun 14 '16 at 21:08








11




11




be careful about the contract and ask anyway to meet someone for a short interview.
– Gautier C
Jun 14 '16 at 9:01




be careful about the contract and ask anyway to meet someone for a short interview.
– Gautier C
Jun 14 '16 at 9:01




65




65




It doesn't matter that they don't want an interview - YOU do. It works both ways. What if the company works in an industry that is against your ethics or morals? If the company really likes you, they'll arrange an interview at very short notice, even outside normal hours.
– PeteCon
Jun 14 '16 at 14:59




It doesn't matter that they don't want an interview - YOU do. It works both ways. What if the company works in an industry that is against your ethics or morals? If the company really likes you, they'll arrange an interview at very short notice, even outside normal hours.
– PeteCon
Jun 14 '16 at 14:59




21




21




Your comment below (about the recruiter not wanting to reveal the company name) is very worrying. If they expect you to confirm employment, you must insist on being told the name of the company you'll be working for.
– Richard
Jun 14 '16 at 16:32




Your comment below (about the recruiter not wanting to reveal the company name) is very worrying. If they expect you to confirm employment, you must insist on being told the name of the company you'll be working for.
– Richard
Jun 14 '16 at 16:32




5




5




Companies that hire slowly and carefully usually are slower to let employees go. Be really careful about limiting terms in the contract.
– Spehro Pefhany
Jun 14 '16 at 18:22





Companies that hire slowly and carefully usually are slower to let employees go. Be really careful about limiting terms in the contract.
– Spehro Pefhany
Jun 14 '16 at 18:22





7




7




I don't understand the problem. Accept the expensive daily rate on condition of prepayment. Do not take yourself off the market. If the work is not agreeable to you, do a pro-rated refund and quit. You are getting an interview - an interview for which you are being paid for your time.
– emory
Jun 14 '16 at 21:08





I don't understand the problem. Accept the expensive daily rate on condition of prepayment. Do not take yourself off the market. If the work is not agreeable to you, do a pro-rated refund and quit. You are getting an interview - an interview for which you are being paid for your time.
– emory
Jun 14 '16 at 21:08











9 Answers
9






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
76
down vote



accepted










Its actually more common then you might think. Part of why the rates are so expensive for these companies and part of why they're willing to pay them is because they need someone at a moment's notice.



Some people just need to get a job done. Consider following scenario:




Your website goes down. You're a website based business with a small
eshop. Your support contract expired too. Now you're screwed ...
unless you could hire a short term developer to fix the mess. You
don't have time to interview people, and every day that thing is
offline costs you a small fortune. Now, a trusted recruiter with whom
you worked in the past approaches you and hands you the CV of a web
developer. You read it, and like it. Again, time is pressing, so you
take the risk of not interviewing the guy, because you trust the
recruiter somewhat.




Sometimes there's no times for interviews.






share|improve this answer

















  • 7




    Can there be something fishy as the recruiter hasn't told me company name. What things should I keep in mind before hand to ask?
    – cookieMonster
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:04






  • 78




    @Nofel Don't start working until you've signed the contract, and read the contract thoroughly as soon as possible. Ask about the work hours and expected duration of the gig. As I said, the highest paid short term gigs usually are very time sensitive, but never work without signing a contract, and, most likely being hourly, bill every hour you work.
    – Magisch
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:05






  • 7




    @Nofel You should then definitely ask about that, and ask about the hours per day expected.
    – Magisch
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:07






  • 4




    Ask for a telephone interview at minimum. During that, clarify the job and the terms of the contract. Get the contract in writing before beginning work.
    – Brandin
    Jun 14 '16 at 9:36






  • 18




    @Nofel Some recruiters are cagey about giving the names of the company from fear that you will go directly to the company, thus potentially losing them their provision.
    – Taemyr
    Jun 14 '16 at 14:40

















up vote
17
down vote













This happens fairly often, but it's usually done between parties that are already familiar with each other.



Interviews work in both directions. You need to interview the potential client to ensure they can meet your criteria for work.



Only you can decide whether you want to take such a job. But remember, you're not obligated in any way to solve their problems for them. On the surface, this looks like a mess: urgent need, willing to hire anyone that looks good on paper, no time to discuss the job at all (?!), etc. How on earth would anyone take that job without at least talking about it with them first?



If it were me, I'd pass on this particular "opportunity." It already smells bad.






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    up vote
    9
    down vote













    I wouldn't, but let me explain.



    It smells much like a freelancer contract would work. They're guided through the freelancer's previous jobs if available in a portfolio or similar. The difference is that your portfolio happens to be your CV here.



    I simply run away from these offers: in the cases I met, they were doomed projects another dev left behind for any reason (pressures, not agreeing with a boss, inability to finish them, whatever). The pressure is too high, you get no help from the previous dev, and they wouldn't offer ever enough. I'd only accept after knowing the boundaries of the issue and considering it beneficial for me, but afterwards I'd just look for a better option. It's not a good signal that a company didn't expect an issue.






    share|improve this answer

















    • 3




      "another dev" almost always meaning "the only dev, the only one knowing anything about the project." The only thing the manager knows about the project is the deadline and sometimes how much damages they have to pay for delays.
      – Alexander
      Jun 14 '16 at 15:29






    • 2




      Oh @Alexander, it's much worse when "another dev" means "many devs, one at a time, all touching the same lines in a different coding style". That's the killer, I think
      – Korcholis
      Jun 14 '16 at 15:57

















    up vote
    7
    down vote













    There are differences between industries



    As the owner of a construction plumbing company where you can be awarded a 7 figure contract today and be expected to have a dozen plumbers on site tomorrow I have hired people based on a phone call and a reference check. Hire twice as many as you need and then separate the wheat from the chaff.






    share|improve this answer




























      up vote
      2
      down vote













      You are allowed to work without an interview



      If a legitimate company wants to give you money for the services you provide, there's nothing wrong.



      There's no rule that says you must have an interview.



      However



      You mentioned that:



      1. You got a call from a recruiter (you didn't initiate contact).

      2. They want you to start straight away. "Don't think about it, just follow my instructions".

      3. They didn't even mention the name of the company.

      This to me sounds as promising as an email from an unknown African prince offering you a 50% cut of his 600 million dollar inheritance. Well, maybe a little better than that.



      Be safe



      1. Ask to meet up with the employer.

      It doesn't have to be an "interview", but at least you can ask what kind of work is involved. You have to talk to the employer, otherwise you won't know what to do!



      If the recruiter avoids answering, then he doesn't actually have a job for you, but is trying some desperate attempt to get money.



      1. Don't do any work without signing a contract stating you will get paid.


      2. Don't give any money or provide any service for the recruiter.


      A genuine recruiter will set you up with a job and get the employer to pay him. If this guy says you need to pay some kind of deposit or something, run away.






      share|improve this answer




























        up vote
        1
        down vote













        Does it happen? Yes, although not often.



        In my own experience, I once got an offer without an interview from a group I hadn't even given my resume to (I had given it to another group in the same company). It would have involved secret (military or espionage - I never found out exactly) work in another country. Due to the nature of the work, an extensive and lengthy background check was required. I tried to find out more about the job, but they wouldn't tell me more until the background check was complete ... assuming I was approved to know more. They just assured me that it was work I could do and would love. I was skeptical about the "love" part and didn't want to enter that domain or move overseas, so I declined the job.



        Also, I once got a job offer from an interview that lasted only 20 minutes. My background was almost perfect for the job. Also, I found out later that a hiring freeze had been ordered starting the next week. I was unemployed at the time so could start before the freeze took place. While I accepted the job (remember I was unemployed) and it paid reasonably well, the work and people left a lot to be desired.



        That said, such job offers are relatively rare in my experience. I've now been in the workplace over 3 decades and those are the only two experiences I've had like this.



        Are you landing in the unknown? Most certainly yes. Try to find out as much as you can about the job, the people, the project, and the working conditions. Also, go through your employment agreement throroughly. Can you get out of the job easily if you don't like it? Or are you contracted to some minimum time with penalties for leaving early?






        share|improve this answer




























          up vote
          0
          down vote













          Let’s assume you are out of work at present, that you will not be moving house for the job as it is a short term contract and that the notice period is 7 days each way. (Often with a contract the notice period is 0 within the firsts 14 days.)



          An employer can bring you in for an interview, take up a day (unpaid) of your time, and a day of the time of at least one of their staff, at the end of the interview they don’t truly know how well you can do the work, you also don’t know how well you will get on with the rest of the team.



          Or they can bring you in for a week, pay you to do useful work, and be willing to end the contract just paying you for what you have done. If they do end the contract after a short time, you don’t need to show it on your CV, as you where between contracts anyway. (You can also end the contract if you don’t like the work.)



          From your CV the employer will know you have done lots of contracts like what they are asking, and therefore will know that other employers have decided to take you on after an interview and not terminate you after the first week. For contract work, the employer is looking for someone that has already used the required skills, rather them someone that can learn, so it not interested in “potential”.



          So what have you got to lose…..






          share|improve this answer




























            up vote
            0
            down vote













            Fact is, they are not hiring you without an interview, and you are not starting your contract without an interview. There is an interview that takes one day, two days, however long you like and the company likes, and you do real work doing the interview, and you get paid real money for the interview.






            share|improve this answer




























              up vote
              -2
              down vote













              IT Contracts normally have a short phone interview only, most established contractors won't travel for an in person interview. I've never been in this position although I've had many a short phone interview as my CV impresses. Check the recruiter if it's established and large don't worry but don't start without a contract.






              share|improve this answer

















              • 2




                In about 20 years of contract work, I've only been contracted without a face-to-face exactly twice. It's extraordinarily rare to get a contract without actually seeing the person I'm working for.
                – Chris E
                Jun 14 '16 at 17:19










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              9 Answers
              9






              active

              oldest

              votes








              9 Answers
              9






              active

              oldest

              votes









              active

              oldest

              votes






              active

              oldest

              votes








              up vote
              76
              down vote



              accepted










              Its actually more common then you might think. Part of why the rates are so expensive for these companies and part of why they're willing to pay them is because they need someone at a moment's notice.



              Some people just need to get a job done. Consider following scenario:




              Your website goes down. You're a website based business with a small
              eshop. Your support contract expired too. Now you're screwed ...
              unless you could hire a short term developer to fix the mess. You
              don't have time to interview people, and every day that thing is
              offline costs you a small fortune. Now, a trusted recruiter with whom
              you worked in the past approaches you and hands you the CV of a web
              developer. You read it, and like it. Again, time is pressing, so you
              take the risk of not interviewing the guy, because you trust the
              recruiter somewhat.




              Sometimes there's no times for interviews.






              share|improve this answer

















              • 7




                Can there be something fishy as the recruiter hasn't told me company name. What things should I keep in mind before hand to ask?
                – cookieMonster
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:04






              • 78




                @Nofel Don't start working until you've signed the contract, and read the contract thoroughly as soon as possible. Ask about the work hours and expected duration of the gig. As I said, the highest paid short term gigs usually are very time sensitive, but never work without signing a contract, and, most likely being hourly, bill every hour you work.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:05






              • 7




                @Nofel You should then definitely ask about that, and ask about the hours per day expected.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:07






              • 4




                Ask for a telephone interview at minimum. During that, clarify the job and the terms of the contract. Get the contract in writing before beginning work.
                – Brandin
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:36






              • 18




                @Nofel Some recruiters are cagey about giving the names of the company from fear that you will go directly to the company, thus potentially losing them their provision.
                – Taemyr
                Jun 14 '16 at 14:40














              up vote
              76
              down vote



              accepted










              Its actually more common then you might think. Part of why the rates are so expensive for these companies and part of why they're willing to pay them is because they need someone at a moment's notice.



              Some people just need to get a job done. Consider following scenario:




              Your website goes down. You're a website based business with a small
              eshop. Your support contract expired too. Now you're screwed ...
              unless you could hire a short term developer to fix the mess. You
              don't have time to interview people, and every day that thing is
              offline costs you a small fortune. Now, a trusted recruiter with whom
              you worked in the past approaches you and hands you the CV of a web
              developer. You read it, and like it. Again, time is pressing, so you
              take the risk of not interviewing the guy, because you trust the
              recruiter somewhat.




              Sometimes there's no times for interviews.






              share|improve this answer

















              • 7




                Can there be something fishy as the recruiter hasn't told me company name. What things should I keep in mind before hand to ask?
                – cookieMonster
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:04






              • 78




                @Nofel Don't start working until you've signed the contract, and read the contract thoroughly as soon as possible. Ask about the work hours and expected duration of the gig. As I said, the highest paid short term gigs usually are very time sensitive, but never work without signing a contract, and, most likely being hourly, bill every hour you work.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:05






              • 7




                @Nofel You should then definitely ask about that, and ask about the hours per day expected.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:07






              • 4




                Ask for a telephone interview at minimum. During that, clarify the job and the terms of the contract. Get the contract in writing before beginning work.
                – Brandin
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:36






              • 18




                @Nofel Some recruiters are cagey about giving the names of the company from fear that you will go directly to the company, thus potentially losing them their provision.
                – Taemyr
                Jun 14 '16 at 14:40












              up vote
              76
              down vote



              accepted







              up vote
              76
              down vote



              accepted






              Its actually more common then you might think. Part of why the rates are so expensive for these companies and part of why they're willing to pay them is because they need someone at a moment's notice.



              Some people just need to get a job done. Consider following scenario:




              Your website goes down. You're a website based business with a small
              eshop. Your support contract expired too. Now you're screwed ...
              unless you could hire a short term developer to fix the mess. You
              don't have time to interview people, and every day that thing is
              offline costs you a small fortune. Now, a trusted recruiter with whom
              you worked in the past approaches you and hands you the CV of a web
              developer. You read it, and like it. Again, time is pressing, so you
              take the risk of not interviewing the guy, because you trust the
              recruiter somewhat.




              Sometimes there's no times for interviews.






              share|improve this answer













              Its actually more common then you might think. Part of why the rates are so expensive for these companies and part of why they're willing to pay them is because they need someone at a moment's notice.



              Some people just need to get a job done. Consider following scenario:




              Your website goes down. You're a website based business with a small
              eshop. Your support contract expired too. Now you're screwed ...
              unless you could hire a short term developer to fix the mess. You
              don't have time to interview people, and every day that thing is
              offline costs you a small fortune. Now, a trusted recruiter with whom
              you worked in the past approaches you and hands you the CV of a web
              developer. You read it, and like it. Again, time is pressing, so you
              take the risk of not interviewing the guy, because you trust the
              recruiter somewhat.




              Sometimes there's no times for interviews.







              share|improve this answer













              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer











              answered Jun 14 '16 at 9:01









              Magisch

              16.5k134776




              16.5k134776







              • 7




                Can there be something fishy as the recruiter hasn't told me company name. What things should I keep in mind before hand to ask?
                – cookieMonster
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:04






              • 78




                @Nofel Don't start working until you've signed the contract, and read the contract thoroughly as soon as possible. Ask about the work hours and expected duration of the gig. As I said, the highest paid short term gigs usually are very time sensitive, but never work without signing a contract, and, most likely being hourly, bill every hour you work.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:05






              • 7




                @Nofel You should then definitely ask about that, and ask about the hours per day expected.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:07






              • 4




                Ask for a telephone interview at minimum. During that, clarify the job and the terms of the contract. Get the contract in writing before beginning work.
                – Brandin
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:36






              • 18




                @Nofel Some recruiters are cagey about giving the names of the company from fear that you will go directly to the company, thus potentially losing them their provision.
                – Taemyr
                Jun 14 '16 at 14:40












              • 7




                Can there be something fishy as the recruiter hasn't told me company name. What things should I keep in mind before hand to ask?
                – cookieMonster
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:04






              • 78




                @Nofel Don't start working until you've signed the contract, and read the contract thoroughly as soon as possible. Ask about the work hours and expected duration of the gig. As I said, the highest paid short term gigs usually are very time sensitive, but never work without signing a contract, and, most likely being hourly, bill every hour you work.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:05






              • 7




                @Nofel You should then definitely ask about that, and ask about the hours per day expected.
                – Magisch
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:07






              • 4




                Ask for a telephone interview at minimum. During that, clarify the job and the terms of the contract. Get the contract in writing before beginning work.
                – Brandin
                Jun 14 '16 at 9:36






              • 18




                @Nofel Some recruiters are cagey about giving the names of the company from fear that you will go directly to the company, thus potentially losing them their provision.
                – Taemyr
                Jun 14 '16 at 14:40







              7




              7




              Can there be something fishy as the recruiter hasn't told me company name. What things should I keep in mind before hand to ask?
              – cookieMonster
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:04




              Can there be something fishy as the recruiter hasn't told me company name. What things should I keep in mind before hand to ask?
              – cookieMonster
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:04




              78




              78




              @Nofel Don't start working until you've signed the contract, and read the contract thoroughly as soon as possible. Ask about the work hours and expected duration of the gig. As I said, the highest paid short term gigs usually are very time sensitive, but never work without signing a contract, and, most likely being hourly, bill every hour you work.
              – Magisch
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:05




              @Nofel Don't start working until you've signed the contract, and read the contract thoroughly as soon as possible. Ask about the work hours and expected duration of the gig. As I said, the highest paid short term gigs usually are very time sensitive, but never work without signing a contract, and, most likely being hourly, bill every hour you work.
              – Magisch
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:05




              7




              7




              @Nofel You should then definitely ask about that, and ask about the hours per day expected.
              – Magisch
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:07




              @Nofel You should then definitely ask about that, and ask about the hours per day expected.
              – Magisch
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:07




              4




              4




              Ask for a telephone interview at minimum. During that, clarify the job and the terms of the contract. Get the contract in writing before beginning work.
              – Brandin
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:36




              Ask for a telephone interview at minimum. During that, clarify the job and the terms of the contract. Get the contract in writing before beginning work.
              – Brandin
              Jun 14 '16 at 9:36




              18




              18




              @Nofel Some recruiters are cagey about giving the names of the company from fear that you will go directly to the company, thus potentially losing them their provision.
              – Taemyr
              Jun 14 '16 at 14:40




              @Nofel Some recruiters are cagey about giving the names of the company from fear that you will go directly to the company, thus potentially losing them their provision.
              – Taemyr
              Jun 14 '16 at 14:40












              up vote
              17
              down vote













              This happens fairly often, but it's usually done between parties that are already familiar with each other.



              Interviews work in both directions. You need to interview the potential client to ensure they can meet your criteria for work.



              Only you can decide whether you want to take such a job. But remember, you're not obligated in any way to solve their problems for them. On the surface, this looks like a mess: urgent need, willing to hire anyone that looks good on paper, no time to discuss the job at all (?!), etc. How on earth would anyone take that job without at least talking about it with them first?



              If it were me, I'd pass on this particular "opportunity." It already smells bad.






              share|improve this answer



























                up vote
                17
                down vote













                This happens fairly often, but it's usually done between parties that are already familiar with each other.



                Interviews work in both directions. You need to interview the potential client to ensure they can meet your criteria for work.



                Only you can decide whether you want to take such a job. But remember, you're not obligated in any way to solve their problems for them. On the surface, this looks like a mess: urgent need, willing to hire anyone that looks good on paper, no time to discuss the job at all (?!), etc. How on earth would anyone take that job without at least talking about it with them first?



                If it were me, I'd pass on this particular "opportunity." It already smells bad.






                share|improve this answer

























                  up vote
                  17
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  17
                  down vote









                  This happens fairly often, but it's usually done between parties that are already familiar with each other.



                  Interviews work in both directions. You need to interview the potential client to ensure they can meet your criteria for work.



                  Only you can decide whether you want to take such a job. But remember, you're not obligated in any way to solve their problems for them. On the surface, this looks like a mess: urgent need, willing to hire anyone that looks good on paper, no time to discuss the job at all (?!), etc. How on earth would anyone take that job without at least talking about it with them first?



                  If it were me, I'd pass on this particular "opportunity." It already smells bad.






                  share|improve this answer















                  This happens fairly often, but it's usually done between parties that are already familiar with each other.



                  Interviews work in both directions. You need to interview the potential client to ensure they can meet your criteria for work.



                  Only you can decide whether you want to take such a job. But remember, you're not obligated in any way to solve their problems for them. On the surface, this looks like a mess: urgent need, willing to hire anyone that looks good on paper, no time to discuss the job at all (?!), etc. How on earth would anyone take that job without at least talking about it with them first?



                  If it were me, I'd pass on this particular "opportunity." It already smells bad.







                  share|improve this answer















                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Jun 14 '16 at 12:46


























                  answered Jun 14 '16 at 12:29









                  Kent A.

                  18.9k75474




                  18.9k75474




















                      up vote
                      9
                      down vote













                      I wouldn't, but let me explain.



                      It smells much like a freelancer contract would work. They're guided through the freelancer's previous jobs if available in a portfolio or similar. The difference is that your portfolio happens to be your CV here.



                      I simply run away from these offers: in the cases I met, they were doomed projects another dev left behind for any reason (pressures, not agreeing with a boss, inability to finish them, whatever). The pressure is too high, you get no help from the previous dev, and they wouldn't offer ever enough. I'd only accept after knowing the boundaries of the issue and considering it beneficial for me, but afterwards I'd just look for a better option. It's not a good signal that a company didn't expect an issue.






                      share|improve this answer

















                      • 3




                        "another dev" almost always meaning "the only dev, the only one knowing anything about the project." The only thing the manager knows about the project is the deadline and sometimes how much damages they have to pay for delays.
                        – Alexander
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:29






                      • 2




                        Oh @Alexander, it's much worse when "another dev" means "many devs, one at a time, all touching the same lines in a different coding style". That's the killer, I think
                        – Korcholis
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:57














                      up vote
                      9
                      down vote













                      I wouldn't, but let me explain.



                      It smells much like a freelancer contract would work. They're guided through the freelancer's previous jobs if available in a portfolio or similar. The difference is that your portfolio happens to be your CV here.



                      I simply run away from these offers: in the cases I met, they were doomed projects another dev left behind for any reason (pressures, not agreeing with a boss, inability to finish them, whatever). The pressure is too high, you get no help from the previous dev, and they wouldn't offer ever enough. I'd only accept after knowing the boundaries of the issue and considering it beneficial for me, but afterwards I'd just look for a better option. It's not a good signal that a company didn't expect an issue.






                      share|improve this answer

















                      • 3




                        "another dev" almost always meaning "the only dev, the only one knowing anything about the project." The only thing the manager knows about the project is the deadline and sometimes how much damages they have to pay for delays.
                        – Alexander
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:29






                      • 2




                        Oh @Alexander, it's much worse when "another dev" means "many devs, one at a time, all touching the same lines in a different coding style". That's the killer, I think
                        – Korcholis
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:57












                      up vote
                      9
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      9
                      down vote









                      I wouldn't, but let me explain.



                      It smells much like a freelancer contract would work. They're guided through the freelancer's previous jobs if available in a portfolio or similar. The difference is that your portfolio happens to be your CV here.



                      I simply run away from these offers: in the cases I met, they were doomed projects another dev left behind for any reason (pressures, not agreeing with a boss, inability to finish them, whatever). The pressure is too high, you get no help from the previous dev, and they wouldn't offer ever enough. I'd only accept after knowing the boundaries of the issue and considering it beneficial for me, but afterwards I'd just look for a better option. It's not a good signal that a company didn't expect an issue.






                      share|improve this answer













                      I wouldn't, but let me explain.



                      It smells much like a freelancer contract would work. They're guided through the freelancer's previous jobs if available in a portfolio or similar. The difference is that your portfolio happens to be your CV here.



                      I simply run away from these offers: in the cases I met, they were doomed projects another dev left behind for any reason (pressures, not agreeing with a boss, inability to finish them, whatever). The pressure is too high, you get no help from the previous dev, and they wouldn't offer ever enough. I'd only accept after knowing the boundaries of the issue and considering it beneficial for me, but afterwards I'd just look for a better option. It's not a good signal that a company didn't expect an issue.







                      share|improve this answer













                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer











                      answered Jun 14 '16 at 9:17









                      Korcholis

                      1,4991925




                      1,4991925







                      • 3




                        "another dev" almost always meaning "the only dev, the only one knowing anything about the project." The only thing the manager knows about the project is the deadline and sometimes how much damages they have to pay for delays.
                        – Alexander
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:29






                      • 2




                        Oh @Alexander, it's much worse when "another dev" means "many devs, one at a time, all touching the same lines in a different coding style". That's the killer, I think
                        – Korcholis
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:57












                      • 3




                        "another dev" almost always meaning "the only dev, the only one knowing anything about the project." The only thing the manager knows about the project is the deadline and sometimes how much damages they have to pay for delays.
                        – Alexander
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:29






                      • 2




                        Oh @Alexander, it's much worse when "another dev" means "many devs, one at a time, all touching the same lines in a different coding style". That's the killer, I think
                        – Korcholis
                        Jun 14 '16 at 15:57







                      3




                      3




                      "another dev" almost always meaning "the only dev, the only one knowing anything about the project." The only thing the manager knows about the project is the deadline and sometimes how much damages they have to pay for delays.
                      – Alexander
                      Jun 14 '16 at 15:29




                      "another dev" almost always meaning "the only dev, the only one knowing anything about the project." The only thing the manager knows about the project is the deadline and sometimes how much damages they have to pay for delays.
                      – Alexander
                      Jun 14 '16 at 15:29




                      2




                      2




                      Oh @Alexander, it's much worse when "another dev" means "many devs, one at a time, all touching the same lines in a different coding style". That's the killer, I think
                      – Korcholis
                      Jun 14 '16 at 15:57




                      Oh @Alexander, it's much worse when "another dev" means "many devs, one at a time, all touching the same lines in a different coding style". That's the killer, I think
                      – Korcholis
                      Jun 14 '16 at 15:57










                      up vote
                      7
                      down vote













                      There are differences between industries



                      As the owner of a construction plumbing company where you can be awarded a 7 figure contract today and be expected to have a dozen plumbers on site tomorrow I have hired people based on a phone call and a reference check. Hire twice as many as you need and then separate the wheat from the chaff.






                      share|improve this answer

























                        up vote
                        7
                        down vote













                        There are differences between industries



                        As the owner of a construction plumbing company where you can be awarded a 7 figure contract today and be expected to have a dozen plumbers on site tomorrow I have hired people based on a phone call and a reference check. Hire twice as many as you need and then separate the wheat from the chaff.






                        share|improve this answer























                          up vote
                          7
                          down vote










                          up vote
                          7
                          down vote









                          There are differences between industries



                          As the owner of a construction plumbing company where you can be awarded a 7 figure contract today and be expected to have a dozen plumbers on site tomorrow I have hired people based on a phone call and a reference check. Hire twice as many as you need and then separate the wheat from the chaff.






                          share|improve this answer













                          There are differences between industries



                          As the owner of a construction plumbing company where you can be awarded a 7 figure contract today and be expected to have a dozen plumbers on site tomorrow I have hired people based on a phone call and a reference check. Hire twice as many as you need and then separate the wheat from the chaff.







                          share|improve this answer













                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer











                          answered Jun 15 '16 at 5:55









                          Dale M

                          1,1051612




                          1,1051612




















                              up vote
                              2
                              down vote













                              You are allowed to work without an interview



                              If a legitimate company wants to give you money for the services you provide, there's nothing wrong.



                              There's no rule that says you must have an interview.



                              However



                              You mentioned that:



                              1. You got a call from a recruiter (you didn't initiate contact).

                              2. They want you to start straight away. "Don't think about it, just follow my instructions".

                              3. They didn't even mention the name of the company.

                              This to me sounds as promising as an email from an unknown African prince offering you a 50% cut of his 600 million dollar inheritance. Well, maybe a little better than that.



                              Be safe



                              1. Ask to meet up with the employer.

                              It doesn't have to be an "interview", but at least you can ask what kind of work is involved. You have to talk to the employer, otherwise you won't know what to do!



                              If the recruiter avoids answering, then he doesn't actually have a job for you, but is trying some desperate attempt to get money.



                              1. Don't do any work without signing a contract stating you will get paid.


                              2. Don't give any money or provide any service for the recruiter.


                              A genuine recruiter will set you up with a job and get the employer to pay him. If this guy says you need to pay some kind of deposit or something, run away.






                              share|improve this answer

























                                up vote
                                2
                                down vote













                                You are allowed to work without an interview



                                If a legitimate company wants to give you money for the services you provide, there's nothing wrong.



                                There's no rule that says you must have an interview.



                                However



                                You mentioned that:



                                1. You got a call from a recruiter (you didn't initiate contact).

                                2. They want you to start straight away. "Don't think about it, just follow my instructions".

                                3. They didn't even mention the name of the company.

                                This to me sounds as promising as an email from an unknown African prince offering you a 50% cut of his 600 million dollar inheritance. Well, maybe a little better than that.



                                Be safe



                                1. Ask to meet up with the employer.

                                It doesn't have to be an "interview", but at least you can ask what kind of work is involved. You have to talk to the employer, otherwise you won't know what to do!



                                If the recruiter avoids answering, then he doesn't actually have a job for you, but is trying some desperate attempt to get money.



                                1. Don't do any work without signing a contract stating you will get paid.


                                2. Don't give any money or provide any service for the recruiter.


                                A genuine recruiter will set you up with a job and get the employer to pay him. If this guy says you need to pay some kind of deposit or something, run away.






                                share|improve this answer























                                  up vote
                                  2
                                  down vote










                                  up vote
                                  2
                                  down vote









                                  You are allowed to work without an interview



                                  If a legitimate company wants to give you money for the services you provide, there's nothing wrong.



                                  There's no rule that says you must have an interview.



                                  However



                                  You mentioned that:



                                  1. You got a call from a recruiter (you didn't initiate contact).

                                  2. They want you to start straight away. "Don't think about it, just follow my instructions".

                                  3. They didn't even mention the name of the company.

                                  This to me sounds as promising as an email from an unknown African prince offering you a 50% cut of his 600 million dollar inheritance. Well, maybe a little better than that.



                                  Be safe



                                  1. Ask to meet up with the employer.

                                  It doesn't have to be an "interview", but at least you can ask what kind of work is involved. You have to talk to the employer, otherwise you won't know what to do!



                                  If the recruiter avoids answering, then he doesn't actually have a job for you, but is trying some desperate attempt to get money.



                                  1. Don't do any work without signing a contract stating you will get paid.


                                  2. Don't give any money or provide any service for the recruiter.


                                  A genuine recruiter will set you up with a job and get the employer to pay him. If this guy says you need to pay some kind of deposit or something, run away.






                                  share|improve this answer













                                  You are allowed to work without an interview



                                  If a legitimate company wants to give you money for the services you provide, there's nothing wrong.



                                  There's no rule that says you must have an interview.



                                  However



                                  You mentioned that:



                                  1. You got a call from a recruiter (you didn't initiate contact).

                                  2. They want you to start straight away. "Don't think about it, just follow my instructions".

                                  3. They didn't even mention the name of the company.

                                  This to me sounds as promising as an email from an unknown African prince offering you a 50% cut of his 600 million dollar inheritance. Well, maybe a little better than that.



                                  Be safe



                                  1. Ask to meet up with the employer.

                                  It doesn't have to be an "interview", but at least you can ask what kind of work is involved. You have to talk to the employer, otherwise you won't know what to do!



                                  If the recruiter avoids answering, then he doesn't actually have a job for you, but is trying some desperate attempt to get money.



                                  1. Don't do any work without signing a contract stating you will get paid.


                                  2. Don't give any money or provide any service for the recruiter.


                                  A genuine recruiter will set you up with a job and get the employer to pay him. If this guy says you need to pay some kind of deposit or something, run away.







                                  share|improve this answer













                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer











                                  answered Jun 15 '16 at 4:33









                                  Mirror318

                                  53526




                                  53526




















                                      up vote
                                      1
                                      down vote













                                      Does it happen? Yes, although not often.



                                      In my own experience, I once got an offer without an interview from a group I hadn't even given my resume to (I had given it to another group in the same company). It would have involved secret (military or espionage - I never found out exactly) work in another country. Due to the nature of the work, an extensive and lengthy background check was required. I tried to find out more about the job, but they wouldn't tell me more until the background check was complete ... assuming I was approved to know more. They just assured me that it was work I could do and would love. I was skeptical about the "love" part and didn't want to enter that domain or move overseas, so I declined the job.



                                      Also, I once got a job offer from an interview that lasted only 20 minutes. My background was almost perfect for the job. Also, I found out later that a hiring freeze had been ordered starting the next week. I was unemployed at the time so could start before the freeze took place. While I accepted the job (remember I was unemployed) and it paid reasonably well, the work and people left a lot to be desired.



                                      That said, such job offers are relatively rare in my experience. I've now been in the workplace over 3 decades and those are the only two experiences I've had like this.



                                      Are you landing in the unknown? Most certainly yes. Try to find out as much as you can about the job, the people, the project, and the working conditions. Also, go through your employment agreement throroughly. Can you get out of the job easily if you don't like it? Or are you contracted to some minimum time with penalties for leaving early?






                                      share|improve this answer

























                                        up vote
                                        1
                                        down vote













                                        Does it happen? Yes, although not often.



                                        In my own experience, I once got an offer without an interview from a group I hadn't even given my resume to (I had given it to another group in the same company). It would have involved secret (military or espionage - I never found out exactly) work in another country. Due to the nature of the work, an extensive and lengthy background check was required. I tried to find out more about the job, but they wouldn't tell me more until the background check was complete ... assuming I was approved to know more. They just assured me that it was work I could do and would love. I was skeptical about the "love" part and didn't want to enter that domain or move overseas, so I declined the job.



                                        Also, I once got a job offer from an interview that lasted only 20 minutes. My background was almost perfect for the job. Also, I found out later that a hiring freeze had been ordered starting the next week. I was unemployed at the time so could start before the freeze took place. While I accepted the job (remember I was unemployed) and it paid reasonably well, the work and people left a lot to be desired.



                                        That said, such job offers are relatively rare in my experience. I've now been in the workplace over 3 decades and those are the only two experiences I've had like this.



                                        Are you landing in the unknown? Most certainly yes. Try to find out as much as you can about the job, the people, the project, and the working conditions. Also, go through your employment agreement throroughly. Can you get out of the job easily if you don't like it? Or are you contracted to some minimum time with penalties for leaving early?






                                        share|improve this answer























                                          up vote
                                          1
                                          down vote










                                          up vote
                                          1
                                          down vote









                                          Does it happen? Yes, although not often.



                                          In my own experience, I once got an offer without an interview from a group I hadn't even given my resume to (I had given it to another group in the same company). It would have involved secret (military or espionage - I never found out exactly) work in another country. Due to the nature of the work, an extensive and lengthy background check was required. I tried to find out more about the job, but they wouldn't tell me more until the background check was complete ... assuming I was approved to know more. They just assured me that it was work I could do and would love. I was skeptical about the "love" part and didn't want to enter that domain or move overseas, so I declined the job.



                                          Also, I once got a job offer from an interview that lasted only 20 minutes. My background was almost perfect for the job. Also, I found out later that a hiring freeze had been ordered starting the next week. I was unemployed at the time so could start before the freeze took place. While I accepted the job (remember I was unemployed) and it paid reasonably well, the work and people left a lot to be desired.



                                          That said, such job offers are relatively rare in my experience. I've now been in the workplace over 3 decades and those are the only two experiences I've had like this.



                                          Are you landing in the unknown? Most certainly yes. Try to find out as much as you can about the job, the people, the project, and the working conditions. Also, go through your employment agreement throroughly. Can you get out of the job easily if you don't like it? Or are you contracted to some minimum time with penalties for leaving early?






                                          share|improve this answer













                                          Does it happen? Yes, although not often.



                                          In my own experience, I once got an offer without an interview from a group I hadn't even given my resume to (I had given it to another group in the same company). It would have involved secret (military or espionage - I never found out exactly) work in another country. Due to the nature of the work, an extensive and lengthy background check was required. I tried to find out more about the job, but they wouldn't tell me more until the background check was complete ... assuming I was approved to know more. They just assured me that it was work I could do and would love. I was skeptical about the "love" part and didn't want to enter that domain or move overseas, so I declined the job.



                                          Also, I once got a job offer from an interview that lasted only 20 minutes. My background was almost perfect for the job. Also, I found out later that a hiring freeze had been ordered starting the next week. I was unemployed at the time so could start before the freeze took place. While I accepted the job (remember I was unemployed) and it paid reasonably well, the work and people left a lot to be desired.



                                          That said, such job offers are relatively rare in my experience. I've now been in the workplace over 3 decades and those are the only two experiences I've had like this.



                                          Are you landing in the unknown? Most certainly yes. Try to find out as much as you can about the job, the people, the project, and the working conditions. Also, go through your employment agreement throroughly. Can you get out of the job easily if you don't like it? Or are you contracted to some minimum time with penalties for leaving early?







                                          share|improve this answer













                                          share|improve this answer



                                          share|improve this answer











                                          answered Jun 14 '16 at 13:37









                                          GreenMatt

                                          15.6k1465109




                                          15.6k1465109




















                                              up vote
                                              0
                                              down vote













                                              Let’s assume you are out of work at present, that you will not be moving house for the job as it is a short term contract and that the notice period is 7 days each way. (Often with a contract the notice period is 0 within the firsts 14 days.)



                                              An employer can bring you in for an interview, take up a day (unpaid) of your time, and a day of the time of at least one of their staff, at the end of the interview they don’t truly know how well you can do the work, you also don’t know how well you will get on with the rest of the team.



                                              Or they can bring you in for a week, pay you to do useful work, and be willing to end the contract just paying you for what you have done. If they do end the contract after a short time, you don’t need to show it on your CV, as you where between contracts anyway. (You can also end the contract if you don’t like the work.)



                                              From your CV the employer will know you have done lots of contracts like what they are asking, and therefore will know that other employers have decided to take you on after an interview and not terminate you after the first week. For contract work, the employer is looking for someone that has already used the required skills, rather them someone that can learn, so it not interested in “potential”.



                                              So what have you got to lose…..






                                              share|improve this answer

























                                                up vote
                                                0
                                                down vote













                                                Let’s assume you are out of work at present, that you will not be moving house for the job as it is a short term contract and that the notice period is 7 days each way. (Often with a contract the notice period is 0 within the firsts 14 days.)



                                                An employer can bring you in for an interview, take up a day (unpaid) of your time, and a day of the time of at least one of their staff, at the end of the interview they don’t truly know how well you can do the work, you also don’t know how well you will get on with the rest of the team.



                                                Or they can bring you in for a week, pay you to do useful work, and be willing to end the contract just paying you for what you have done. If they do end the contract after a short time, you don’t need to show it on your CV, as you where between contracts anyway. (You can also end the contract if you don’t like the work.)



                                                From your CV the employer will know you have done lots of contracts like what they are asking, and therefore will know that other employers have decided to take you on after an interview and not terminate you after the first week. For contract work, the employer is looking for someone that has already used the required skills, rather them someone that can learn, so it not interested in “potential”.



                                                So what have you got to lose…..






                                                share|improve this answer























                                                  up vote
                                                  0
                                                  down vote










                                                  up vote
                                                  0
                                                  down vote









                                                  Let’s assume you are out of work at present, that you will not be moving house for the job as it is a short term contract and that the notice period is 7 days each way. (Often with a contract the notice period is 0 within the firsts 14 days.)



                                                  An employer can bring you in for an interview, take up a day (unpaid) of your time, and a day of the time of at least one of their staff, at the end of the interview they don’t truly know how well you can do the work, you also don’t know how well you will get on with the rest of the team.



                                                  Or they can bring you in for a week, pay you to do useful work, and be willing to end the contract just paying you for what you have done. If they do end the contract after a short time, you don’t need to show it on your CV, as you where between contracts anyway. (You can also end the contract if you don’t like the work.)



                                                  From your CV the employer will know you have done lots of contracts like what they are asking, and therefore will know that other employers have decided to take you on after an interview and not terminate you after the first week. For contract work, the employer is looking for someone that has already used the required skills, rather them someone that can learn, so it not interested in “potential”.



                                                  So what have you got to lose…..






                                                  share|improve this answer













                                                  Let’s assume you are out of work at present, that you will not be moving house for the job as it is a short term contract and that the notice period is 7 days each way. (Often with a contract the notice period is 0 within the firsts 14 days.)



                                                  An employer can bring you in for an interview, take up a day (unpaid) of your time, and a day of the time of at least one of their staff, at the end of the interview they don’t truly know how well you can do the work, you also don’t know how well you will get on with the rest of the team.



                                                  Or they can bring you in for a week, pay you to do useful work, and be willing to end the contract just paying you for what you have done. If they do end the contract after a short time, you don’t need to show it on your CV, as you where between contracts anyway. (You can also end the contract if you don’t like the work.)



                                                  From your CV the employer will know you have done lots of contracts like what they are asking, and therefore will know that other employers have decided to take you on after an interview and not terminate you after the first week. For contract work, the employer is looking for someone that has already used the required skills, rather them someone that can learn, so it not interested in “potential”.



                                                  So what have you got to lose…..







                                                  share|improve this answer













                                                  share|improve this answer



                                                  share|improve this answer











                                                  answered Jun 15 '16 at 12:02









                                                  Ian

                                                  1,19569




                                                  1,19569




















                                                      up vote
                                                      0
                                                      down vote













                                                      Fact is, they are not hiring you without an interview, and you are not starting your contract without an interview. There is an interview that takes one day, two days, however long you like and the company likes, and you do real work doing the interview, and you get paid real money for the interview.






                                                      share|improve this answer

























                                                        up vote
                                                        0
                                                        down vote













                                                        Fact is, they are not hiring you without an interview, and you are not starting your contract without an interview. There is an interview that takes one day, two days, however long you like and the company likes, and you do real work doing the interview, and you get paid real money for the interview.






                                                        share|improve this answer























                                                          up vote
                                                          0
                                                          down vote










                                                          up vote
                                                          0
                                                          down vote









                                                          Fact is, they are not hiring you without an interview, and you are not starting your contract without an interview. There is an interview that takes one day, two days, however long you like and the company likes, and you do real work doing the interview, and you get paid real money for the interview.






                                                          share|improve this answer













                                                          Fact is, they are not hiring you without an interview, and you are not starting your contract without an interview. There is an interview that takes one day, two days, however long you like and the company likes, and you do real work doing the interview, and you get paid real money for the interview.







                                                          share|improve this answer













                                                          share|improve this answer



                                                          share|improve this answer











                                                          answered Jun 26 '17 at 20:04









                                                          gnasher729

                                                          70.6k31131220




                                                          70.6k31131220




















                                                              up vote
                                                              -2
                                                              down vote













                                                              IT Contracts normally have a short phone interview only, most established contractors won't travel for an in person interview. I've never been in this position although I've had many a short phone interview as my CV impresses. Check the recruiter if it's established and large don't worry but don't start without a contract.






                                                              share|improve this answer

















                                                              • 2




                                                                In about 20 years of contract work, I've only been contracted without a face-to-face exactly twice. It's extraordinarily rare to get a contract without actually seeing the person I'm working for.
                                                                – Chris E
                                                                Jun 14 '16 at 17:19














                                                              up vote
                                                              -2
                                                              down vote













                                                              IT Contracts normally have a short phone interview only, most established contractors won't travel for an in person interview. I've never been in this position although I've had many a short phone interview as my CV impresses. Check the recruiter if it's established and large don't worry but don't start without a contract.






                                                              share|improve this answer

















                                                              • 2




                                                                In about 20 years of contract work, I've only been contracted without a face-to-face exactly twice. It's extraordinarily rare to get a contract without actually seeing the person I'm working for.
                                                                – Chris E
                                                                Jun 14 '16 at 17:19












                                                              up vote
                                                              -2
                                                              down vote










                                                              up vote
                                                              -2
                                                              down vote









                                                              IT Contracts normally have a short phone interview only, most established contractors won't travel for an in person interview. I've never been in this position although I've had many a short phone interview as my CV impresses. Check the recruiter if it's established and large don't worry but don't start without a contract.






                                                              share|improve this answer













                                                              IT Contracts normally have a short phone interview only, most established contractors won't travel for an in person interview. I've never been in this position although I've had many a short phone interview as my CV impresses. Check the recruiter if it's established and large don't worry but don't start without a contract.







                                                              share|improve this answer













                                                              share|improve this answer



                                                              share|improve this answer











                                                              answered Jun 14 '16 at 16:28









                                                              iOS Guy

                                                              1




                                                              1







                                                              • 2




                                                                In about 20 years of contract work, I've only been contracted without a face-to-face exactly twice. It's extraordinarily rare to get a contract without actually seeing the person I'm working for.
                                                                – Chris E
                                                                Jun 14 '16 at 17:19












                                                              • 2




                                                                In about 20 years of contract work, I've only been contracted without a face-to-face exactly twice. It's extraordinarily rare to get a contract without actually seeing the person I'm working for.
                                                                – Chris E
                                                                Jun 14 '16 at 17:19







                                                              2




                                                              2




                                                              In about 20 years of contract work, I've only been contracted without a face-to-face exactly twice. It's extraordinarily rare to get a contract without actually seeing the person I'm working for.
                                                              – Chris E
                                                              Jun 14 '16 at 17:19




                                                              In about 20 years of contract work, I've only been contracted without a face-to-face exactly twice. It's extraordinarily rare to get a contract without actually seeing the person I'm working for.
                                                              – Chris E
                                                              Jun 14 '16 at 17:19












                                                               

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