Frequently we get feed back from clients that have used Allison and Taylor, Inc.’s professional reference checking service. Recently a client emailed us this: “I was pleased and relived to find out that I was not receiving a negative reference. Thank you for your service”
It is certainly a relief to know that your former employer is giving a positive picture about you to a potential employer, but that is not always the case. What is your former employer saying about you? Is it positive, negative? It is critical that anyone searching for a job feel confident that their references are only helping their job search and not hurting it in any way.
Regardless of circumstance, job separation requires a little finesse, on both the part of the employee and the employer. Things are a bit easier and more in your control if you are leaving a job of your own volition, so make an effort to ensure the separation occurs on the best possible terms. The employment experts at Allison & Taylor recommend that you give proper notice, tie up loose ends, and depart with an employer that appreciates your efforts and is sorry to see you go.
If, on the other hand, your employment separation is due to a layoff or downsizing the employer often draws up a “separation agreement” which specifies the terms of your termination and severance package. These agreements are generally designed to protect the employer (so read the fine print carefully!) but can also serve as a safeguard to the employee when it includes language on how the employer will react to a request from a potential employer for reference information.
In either scenario, negotiating how your former employer will respond to a reference request is of critical importance to your future employment. Take the time to discuss with them exactly what information they will, and will not provide to prospective employers- before you leave the company– and get it in writing. (Need specific legal advice and direction here? Allison & Taylor can arrange for an attorney to write a custom clause for your particular situation.)
Next time I will give some tips on what to request from your employer when it comes to providing references. The best reference will likely be one where you know exactly what the person will say about you, so be sure to negotiate your reference before you list the information on your application or resume.
In the meantime for more information about Allison and Taylor, Inc.’s professional reference checking services, click here.