secrets of a reference-checker by Alison Green on January 25, 2012 Job applicants often hand over their references without much thought about what happens behind the scenes. But references can be a make-or-break element of job-searching, and it’s crucial to understand how they work. Here are eight things about reference checks that you might not be aware of. 1. Policies about not providing references are frequently […] Read the full article →
what do reference-checkers ask? by Alison Green on August 10, 2011 I promised recently to write a post about what types of questions reference-checkers ask, and I’ve realized that I have a shortcut that I can use: The Management Center has a great mini-guide to checking references, which includes suggested questions to ask. My reference questions are very similar to theirs, and they’ve already written theirs […] Read the full article →
I gave a good reference for my moody assistant — is it now biting me in the ass? by Alison Green on July 31, 2011 It’s been reference week over here. Let’s add one more. A reader writes: My former assistant called to tell me she had put me down as a reference. We had a rocky relationship (she was moody) at our previous company (which went bankrupt) but she was always competent, efficient and thorough, so I had to put […] Read the full article →
what employers can and can’t say when giving references by Alison Green on July 29, 2011 The awesome Donna Ballman, who just happens to be an employment attorney, has a post up today about what employers can and can’t say about you when giving references … in a response to a question from a reader here, no less. You can read it here. Read the full article →
I’m scared my bullying ex-boss will give me a bad reference by Alison Green on July 28, 2011 First, here’s my kitchen, day four. It’s feeling very … white. Maybe too white. I’m freaking out a little. In any case … A reader writes: I am looking for a job right now. I left my last job for a number of reasons. I was burned out, and recovering from some health issues. I was […] Read the full article →
lost out on job offer when HR insisted on emails for references by Alison Green on July 3, 2011 A reader writes: I recently had a great interview for a part-time temp position and was asked if I would be willing to come in later this week to meet with the person whose position I would be filling in for. The interviewer was very interested in my years of experience in this position and […] Read the full article →
can I apply for the job my friend asked me to connect him to? by Alison Green on June 20, 2011 A reader writes: I just got a networking call from a friend and former colleague about a job that he’s interested in. He thought I might have some insight into the company and/or know some of the people who will be involved in the hire. I didn’t have a lot of information to give him, […] Read the full article →
my friend is applying for my job and I don’t want to recommend her by Alison Green on April 15, 2011 A reader writes: I’ll be leaving my perfect entry-level job in August to pursue a master’s degree full-time. A very close friend of mine who works in the same field is now graduating with her degree. She is looking for her first full-time position, but the availability of jobs is slim at best and, despite her […] Read the full article →
employer wants permission to call people outside my reference list by Alison Green on March 17, 2011 A reader writes: I recently was asked to sign a Consent to Reference Check form. Paragraph one was fairly standard: “I, XXX, authorize XXX Company to contact the persons and/or organizations listed below for the purposes of obtaining employment reference information including information contained in my personnel file and hereby authorize those persons and/or organizations […] Read the full article →
8 things you should know about job references by Alison Green on February 14, 2011 If you’re job-searching, at some point you’re going to be asked for references. Here are eight things about the reference-checking process that you might not know. 1. Employers don’t always stick to the references on the list you gave them. Employers can call anyone you’ve worked for or who might know you; they don’t have […] Read the full article →