Good references are an essential
part of job searching and networking. A solid reference can often mean more
than experience or education when it comes to beating out the competition. What
happens, though, when someone in your network asks you to act as a reference
and you’re not sure you can provide the stellar endorsement he or she seeks?
part of job searching and networking. A solid reference can often mean more
than experience or education when it comes to beating out the competition. What
happens, though, when someone in your network asks you to act as a reference
and you’re not sure you can provide the stellar endorsement he or she seeks?
Your character is on the line when
you sanction someone to another professional, and if she’s got shortcomings you
could be shooting yourself in the foot if you recommend her. Read on for four
ways to handle this sticky situation without risking your reputation — or your
friendship with the reference-seeker.
you sanction someone to another professional, and if she’s got shortcomings you
could be shooting yourself in the foot if you recommend her. Read on for four
ways to handle this sticky situation without risking your reputation — or your
friendship with the reference-seeker.
Just the Facts
Because of a fear of lawsuits or
retribution, many people are afraid to offer up any kind of information outside
of confirming the facts about an applicant’s employment history. Employers are aware
of this, so you may be able to act as a reference merely by verifying an
individual’s title, dates of employment, and salary. If a hiring manager asks
for additional information, you can say that you’re not comfortable discussing
the matter.
retribution, many people are afraid to offer up any kind of information outside
of confirming the facts about an applicant’s employment history. Employers are aware
of this, so you may be able to act as a reference merely by verifying an
individual’s title, dates of employment, and salary. If a hiring manager asks
for additional information, you can say that you’re not comfortable discussing
the matter.
Short and Sweet
If you’d like to (or feel you may be
forced to) go beyond confirming a cursory list of facts, be prepared by coming
up with a list of the individual’s strengths ahead of time. Choose her positive
traits carefully and sincerely and then compile a short list of areas in which
she needs to “grow.” Explain them in a constructive manner, leading with a
positive trait and segueing into one that needs improvement. For example, say,
“Jane is a solid team player, but the opportunity to work more independently
might help her grow professionally.”
forced to) go beyond confirming a cursory list of facts, be prepared by coming
up with a list of the individual’s strengths ahead of time. Choose her positive
traits carefully and sincerely and then compile a short list of areas in which
she needs to “grow.” Explain them in a constructive manner, leading with a
positive trait and segueing into one that needs improvement. For example, say,
“Jane is a solid team player, but the opportunity to work more independently
might help her grow professionally.”
Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
You don’t have to tell your
job-seeking friend that you don’t think you can be a good reference for him.
Rather, you can tell him you’re not comfortable being a reference at all. You
can mention a fear of legal action or the fact that you hate talking on the
phone, or are unreliable when it comes to returning phone calls. Whatever
excuse you use, tell your associate that it’s nothing personal; you’d just
really prefer not to be anyone’s reference. It’s a white lie, but one that may
save your friendship while allowing him to save face with potential employers.
job-seeking friend that you don’t think you can be a good reference for him.
Rather, you can tell him you’re not comfortable being a reference at all. You
can mention a fear of legal action or the fact that you hate talking on the
phone, or are unreliable when it comes to returning phone calls. Whatever
excuse you use, tell your associate that it’s nothing personal; you’d just
really prefer not to be anyone’s reference. It’s a white lie, but one that may
save your friendship while allowing him to save face with potential employers.
Tag, You’re It
Despite the extreme popularity of
PDAs and mobile phones, it’s become harder than ever to get people on the phone.
If you can’t bring yourself to act as a reference or be honest with your friend
about your reluctance, avoidance may be the best bet for you. You can choose to
ignore a recruiter’s call and then conveniently “forget” to return the call. Or
you can return the call at an hour when you’re certain the recruiter won’t be
at his desk.
PDAs and mobile phones, it’s become harder than ever to get people on the phone.
If you can’t bring yourself to act as a reference or be honest with your friend
about your reluctance, avoidance may be the best bet for you. You can choose to
ignore a recruiter’s call and then conveniently “forget” to return the call. Or
you can return the call at an hour when you’re certain the recruiter won’t be
at his desk.
This approach is a bit cowardly, but
keep in mind that most folks have multiple references and it may take just one
compelling endorsement to land a job. However, if a recruiter is phoning
repeatedly, as is your frantic job-seeking friend, then pick up the phone and
at least confirm facts (see first tip above) rather than hold up the hiring
process.
keep in mind that most folks have multiple references and it may take just one
compelling endorsement to land a job. However, if a recruiter is phoning
repeatedly, as is your frantic job-seeking friend, then pick up the phone and
at least confirm facts (see first tip above) rather than hold up the hiring
process.