I'm a female EE that's been laid off for almost a year now. I've been getting calls left and right from temporary contractors about jobs that never develop (never hear back from them, job put on hold, job cancelled, client hired someone internal, etc.). I usually get as far as the phone interview before the bottom falls out.
I've just been contacted by Aerotek about a possible long-term technical writing assignment, but from what I have read about them, they have a terrible reputation. The Aerotek guy is insisting on two phone references up front, and I know that in the past Aerotek will put these phone numbers in their national database so that every Aerotek office in the country has access to them. So what happens is the nice coworker/associate/friend who agreed to be your reference will be swamped with calls from desperate Aerotek recruiters all day. This interferes with their work and could jeopardize their jobs. Obviously, I don't want this to happen to my references, whom I also consider to be friends.
Should I tell the Aerotek guy "Forget it, you are scum" or should I take a chance with them? Are they still the same unethical, predatory company they've always been?
Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Soundstreak