In today’s competitive job market, a savvy job seeker has tipped to the fact that an employment reference can quite literally hold your career in their hands. Their input is critical, and a poor, or even lukewarm, response during a reference check can abruptly derail even the most promising job prospect.
With so much on the line, a proactive job seeker may wisely decide to check their own references before that important job interview. However, using a friend or family member to check your references may do more harm than good.
Here’s why:
- Most friends, however well intended, are not reference checking professionals. They may act in an unprofessional manner, ask inappropriate or illegal questions, or allow something to slip that could compromise your position.
- Some states impose limitations or restrictions on impersonation. A friend or family member may use a ruse to elicit information from a reference. A good reference-checking enterprise knows the legal limitations of reference checking and does not cross those lines.
- A friend may not pick up on subtle verbal nuances conveyed by your reference. Intonation, wording, and hesitations in responses can be “red flags” to a professional reference checker that may not be picked up by an unseasoned ear.
- A reference checked by a friend is not legally supportable. If a friend calls and discovers that your reference is providing career-damaging input, you will have no recourse to use this hearsay report for legal or remedial action. A professional reference checking company provides a legally supportable report and may even offer services to help you neutralize a bad reference.
- A friend might not answer your reference’s return call in a professional manner. A friend may inadvertently answer a reference’s return call in a less-than-professional manner. In that case, a suspicious reference might check their Caller ID and perceive what you are up to – not a situation your want with your all-important reference.
- A friend might “sugar coat” negative information about you. You might not hear the full story of their interaction with the reference; it’s hard to be the bearer of bad news, especially to a friend who may not be receptive to hearing some really unflattering information.
- If suspicious of the interviewer, a formerly good reference may become a bad one. If your reference suspects they are being manipulated, you could lose their trust and willingness to act as a favorable future reference.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking a casual call from a friend takes the place of a check by a professional reference checking organization such as Allison & Taylor, who confirm that approximately 50% of all reference checks they conduct reveal negative information. Good references are one of your greatest assets when looking for a job, and employers take them very seriously. Make sure yours measure up.
For further details on services and procedures please visit www.AllisonTaylor.com.
Are you protected by your old company’s policy to only confirm the dates and title of employment?
Our experience is, that with a little pressure, most managers break company policy and speak their mind to either help or hurt a candidate’s chance at another job. Who from your past job will help you or hurt you – you need to know.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Is your past boss badmouthing you?
50% of our clients have lost good job offers due to bad or mediocre comments from previous employers. Reference-Letters.com will confidentially find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
Interviewing well but not getting the job?
Maybe it’s something that a past employer or reference is saying. Could a jealous colleague be sabotaging you? Could your past boss be less than happy at your departure? Reference-Letters.com will help you find out.
Do you have a separation agreement with your past employer? Is it being honored?
Is your past employer giving you the professional and prompt reference that was promised or are they saying, “Well according to our agreement I can only confirm that he worked here.” Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said and give you the power to enforce your agreement.
Were you a victim of discrimination, sexual harassment or wrongful termination?
Your previous employers could be affecting your new job search through their comments to prospective employers. Don’t let them continue to hurt you and your career.
Click here to find out what is really being said about you.
Are you being BLACKBALLED?
Last year our clients were awarded more than $2 million in settlements. Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you and give you the power to stop it!
You’ve put time and effort into your resume, developed your network of possible employers and recruiters, worked on your interview skills – but have done nothing but typed a list of your references. Don’t leave this crucial area to chance. References are the final factor in who gets the job offer. Your past employers – anyone you reported to will be contacted. Do you know what they will say? Reference-Letters.com will find out what is really being said about you.