references

[danaeris]

So I'm wondering how I can find out if any of my past employers are giving good references or bad references out about me.

Has anyone ever done this by having a friend call around pretending to be a potential employer?

And do you generally check with a previous employer before using them as a reference?

Comments

Always

[arcticelf.livejournal.com]

Always ask permission before listing some one as a reference.

And you dont have to include contact info for the company on your resume (references are usualy seperate and not supplied untill asked for). Most people (IME) will politly refuse to be a reference if they have nothing good to say. It is reasonable to ask prospective employers not to contact your current employer, or past employers, but many will ask why.

AE

[cernnunos6669.livejournal.com]

Legally all employers can do is verify if you worked there or not.

[angelbob.livejournal.com]

Sure, but former bosses and coworkers can give significantly more in-depth descriptions, not as corporate entities but as people.

I've been used as a reference before, though I've never tried asking to use people as references, then having friends call them and see what they say. It's kind of an interesting idea.

[dicedork.livejournal.com]

There's an unspoken rule in professional circles--at least there was when I was checking and having checked references. If someone calls for a reference on a good employee, you gush about them a little--at least about their strong points. Who would have a legal problem with someone sharing good info. If you never worked with them, you tell the checker as much and verify their info by records. If someone only verifies the dates of work and the pay rate but very clearly says they worked with the person it means they don't have ANYTHING good to say about them. That is a defacto "bad" reference.

[plymouth.livejournal.com]

I've never checked on my references, but then I only give references I know have a good opinion of me.

But, yeah, ALWAYS check in with them to make sure being a reference is OK with them. On a couple of references I have used multiple times and KNOW the answer will be yes I still shoot off a quick email saying "hi, I'm jobhunting again and I gave you as a reference so expect you might get a few calls in the next couple of months" since I would like them to be prepared. The guy who was my supervisor for the internship I had in college is still probably my best reference and he always asks me to send him a copy of my resume so he will know what the companies already know about me and have an idea what I am up to. I thought that was a very good idea.