neha_sharma
13th February 2007, 12:56 PM
Other Important Reference Tips
Think Ahead
It pays to take the time early in your job search to identify and prepare your references. The last thing you want to happen is to lose out on a nice position because you did not have your references prepared. You can even use your references as very effective networking tools. Ask them if they know of any job openings in your field, or if they know of someone else who does that you should be speaking to next.
Pay Attention to the Details
During your job search, periodically double check the contact information for your references. With mergers and acquisitions, layoffs and executive movement taking place at a breakneck pace, people move more often. Should you list an incorrect telephone number, or a reference has taken a position elsewhere – it looks as if you are out-of-touch with these people.
Check your References
Why leave your references to chance? If you are not totally convinced that your references and past employers will provide positive comments about you to prospective employers, then it may make sense to determine what they are saying. A professional employment or reference-checking firm can put your mind at ease, or supply you with critical information that has been hindering your job search efforts.
Debunking the Seven Deadly Myths of References
As discussed earlier, the critical role of professional references is one of the most overlooked and misunderstood facets of the job search process. There may appear to be steadfast rules in place regarding what former employers and colleagues can say about your past position(s). An inquisitive reference checker, however, can learn a great deal about a candidate, his or her abilities and personality by asking just the right questions and listening carefully to the responses. A number of myths cloud the reference checking process that must be addressed to help job seekers of all ages and abilities:
Myth No. 1
Companiesare not allowed to say anything negative about a former employee.
Reality:
While many companies have policies that dictate only title, dates of employment and eligibility for rehire can be discussed, people do break the rules everyday. Due to human nature, providing a reference may be an emotional call for some. How about the boss with whom you had philosophical differences, or the supervisor who sexually harassed you? Maybe a boss was just jealous of you? Half of our clients do receive a bad reference, despite the strict policies in place.
MythNo. 2
Most companies direct reference checks to their human resources departments, and these people won’t say anything bad about me.
Reality:
Most human resources professionals will follow proper protocol. However, in addition to what is said, reference checkers often evaluate how something is said. In other words, they listen to tone of voice and note the HR staffer’s willingness to respond to their questions – both critical factors. In addition, the human resources department will divulge if a person is eligible for re-hire. Are you?
Myth No. 3
If I had any issues with my former boss, I can simply leave him or her off my reference list and nobody will ever know.
Reality:
Many companies actually check references without an official list or you even knowing. They conduct what is know as a “social security check” to determine where you have worked in the past and then call the human resources department or office administrator at each employer for a reference. This practice also is in place to see if a prospective employee has left any significant places of employment off of a resume – another bad move that should be avoided at all costs.
Myth No. 4
I should have my references listed on my resume and distribute them together.
Reality:
Your references should be treated with kid gloves. Only provide them when asked. The last thing you want is a number of companies that may or may not have a real interest in hiring you bothering your references. What’s more, you want to meet with a prospective employer first to leave a favorable impression before any reference checks take place. If you suspect a less than favorable reference from someone, you can use the interview to address the situation proactively, from your perspective.
Myth No. 5
Once a company hires me, my references really do not matter anymore.
Reality:
Many employment agreements and contracts include a stipulation that says the employer can hire you with a 90-day probation period. Not only are they evaluating your job performance but, in some instances, checking your background and references. During this time, your new employer may call your former companies and, should the results be less than expected, they have the legal right to fire you.
Myth No. 6
I sued my former company and they are now not allowed to say anything.
Reality:
They may not be able to say anything definitive, but do not put it past them to carefully take a shot at you. There have been plenty of instances where a former boss or an HR staffer has said, “Hold on a minute while I get the legal file to see what I am allowed to say about Mr. Smith.” Many employers may be uncomfortable hiring someone who has a legal history, dashing your job prospects.
Myth No. 7
There is really no need to stay in touch with former references.
Reality:
As the saying goes – out of sight, out of mind. Honor the following etiquette guidelines and your references should continue singing your praises for a long time. First, call your former boss(es) periodically and update them on your career, asking them to continue being a reference for you. Make sure you thank them for their time. Next, as you move further up the career ladder in your profession or achieve new educational goals, make sure your references stay abreast of your success. As you progress, a reference is more inclined to see you in a positive light. Finally, acknowledge your references with a personal thank you letter or email; offer to take a former boss to lunch or dinner; or send them a thoughtful gift.
Allison & Taylor, Inc., headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been checking references for individuals since 1984. Its services have been listed and, recommended in best-selling books by Martin Yate. In addition, numerous articles have been published about the Allison & Taylor reference-checking service in magazines, newspapers and online, including the Wall Street Journal, CBSNews.com, The Detroit News and Worth magazine. For more information, please visit www.allisontaylor.com
Think Ahead
It pays to take the time early in your job search to identify and prepare your references. The last thing you want to happen is to lose out on a nice position because you did not have your references prepared. You can even use your references as very effective networking tools. Ask them if they know of any job openings in your field, or if they know of someone else who does that you should be speaking to next.
Pay Attention to the Details
During your job search, periodically double check the contact information for your references. With mergers and acquisitions, layoffs and executive movement taking place at a breakneck pace, people move more often. Should you list an incorrect telephone number, or a reference has taken a position elsewhere – it looks as if you are out-of-touch with these people.
Check your References
Why leave your references to chance? If you are not totally convinced that your references and past employers will provide positive comments about you to prospective employers, then it may make sense to determine what they are saying. A professional employment or reference-checking firm can put your mind at ease, or supply you with critical information that has been hindering your job search efforts.
Debunking the Seven Deadly Myths of References
As discussed earlier, the critical role of professional references is one of the most overlooked and misunderstood facets of the job search process. There may appear to be steadfast rules in place regarding what former employers and colleagues can say about your past position(s). An inquisitive reference checker, however, can learn a great deal about a candidate, his or her abilities and personality by asking just the right questions and listening carefully to the responses. A number of myths cloud the reference checking process that must be addressed to help job seekers of all ages and abilities:
Myth No. 1
Companiesare not allowed to say anything negative about a former employee.
Reality:
While many companies have policies that dictate only title, dates of employment and eligibility for rehire can be discussed, people do break the rules everyday. Due to human nature, providing a reference may be an emotional call for some. How about the boss with whom you had philosophical differences, or the supervisor who sexually harassed you? Maybe a boss was just jealous of you? Half of our clients do receive a bad reference, despite the strict policies in place.
MythNo. 2
Most companies direct reference checks to their human resources departments, and these people won’t say anything bad about me.
Reality:
Most human resources professionals will follow proper protocol. However, in addition to what is said, reference checkers often evaluate how something is said. In other words, they listen to tone of voice and note the HR staffer’s willingness to respond to their questions – both critical factors. In addition, the human resources department will divulge if a person is eligible for re-hire. Are you?
Myth No. 3
If I had any issues with my former boss, I can simply leave him or her off my reference list and nobody will ever know.
Reality:
Many companies actually check references without an official list or you even knowing. They conduct what is know as a “social security check” to determine where you have worked in the past and then call the human resources department or office administrator at each employer for a reference. This practice also is in place to see if a prospective employee has left any significant places of employment off of a resume – another bad move that should be avoided at all costs.
Myth No. 4
I should have my references listed on my resume and distribute them together.
Reality:
Your references should be treated with kid gloves. Only provide them when asked. The last thing you want is a number of companies that may or may not have a real interest in hiring you bothering your references. What’s more, you want to meet with a prospective employer first to leave a favorable impression before any reference checks take place. If you suspect a less than favorable reference from someone, you can use the interview to address the situation proactively, from your perspective.
Myth No. 5
Once a company hires me, my references really do not matter anymore.
Reality:
Many employment agreements and contracts include a stipulation that says the employer can hire you with a 90-day probation period. Not only are they evaluating your job performance but, in some instances, checking your background and references. During this time, your new employer may call your former companies and, should the results be less than expected, they have the legal right to fire you.
Myth No. 6
I sued my former company and they are now not allowed to say anything.
Reality:
They may not be able to say anything definitive, but do not put it past them to carefully take a shot at you. There have been plenty of instances where a former boss or an HR staffer has said, “Hold on a minute while I get the legal file to see what I am allowed to say about Mr. Smith.” Many employers may be uncomfortable hiring someone who has a legal history, dashing your job prospects.
Myth No. 7
There is really no need to stay in touch with former references.
Reality:
As the saying goes – out of sight, out of mind. Honor the following etiquette guidelines and your references should continue singing your praises for a long time. First, call your former boss(es) periodically and update them on your career, asking them to continue being a reference for you. Make sure you thank them for their time. Next, as you move further up the career ladder in your profession or achieve new educational goals, make sure your references stay abreast of your success. As you progress, a reference is more inclined to see you in a positive light. Finally, acknowledge your references with a personal thank you letter or email; offer to take a former boss to lunch or dinner; or send them a thoughtful gift.
Allison & Taylor, Inc., headquartered in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been checking references for individuals since 1984. Its services have been listed and, recommended in best-selling books by Martin Yate. In addition, numerous articles have been published about the Allison & Taylor reference-checking service in magazines, newspapers and online, including the Wall Street Journal, CBSNews.com, The Detroit News and Worth magazine. For more information, please visit www.allisontaylor.com