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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WHAT
ARE YOUR REFERENCES SAYING?
Allison
& Taylor dispels common job-search myths
Detroit,
MI, June 11, 2009-
Thinking about your prospects for landing that new job? You should
think first about what your former boss and other references will say
about you. There is no doubt that for many job searchers, a person's
past will have a direct impact on their future success.
No
matter what the nature of your job or pay scale, you should take your
references very seriously. They can make or break a hiring decision.
Allison
& Taylor,
a reference-checking firm, says there are a number of common
job-search myths that should be dispelled:
Myth
No. 1: Companies are not allowed to say anything negative about a
former employee.
Reality:
While
many companies may have policies that dictate only title, dates of
employment and eligibility for rehire can be discussed, people do
break the rules every day. It's human nature, and 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 at Jobreferences.com receive a bad reference, despite the
strict “company policies” in place.
Myth
No. 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. One other note, the human resources department
will divulge if a person is eligible for rehire. 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 my references.
Reality:
As
the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind." Honor these
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.
#
# #
Media
Contact:
Jeff
Shane
JeffShane@AllisonTaylor.com
248.672.4200
Final
Note: Allison
& Taylor - Company Profile
Allison
& Taylor and its principals have been in the business of
checking references for corporations and individuals since 1984.
Allison & Taylor is headquartered in Rochester, MI. For
further details on services and procedures please visit
www.AllisonTaylor.com.
Allison
& Taylor: Find
us on Facebook,
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us on Twitter!
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