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About job references

UnderdogUnderdog Registered User regular
edited February 2011 in Help / Advice Forum
If you know an employer is going to check your references, is it courteous for you to call them first to let them know that someone might be calling them about you? I feel like I should but I'm not sure if it's actually kosher.

Underdog on

Posts

  • VisionOfClarityVisionOfClarity Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    If you're putting someone down as a reference you really should talk to them about it before putting them down.

    VisionOfClarity on
  • DarkewolfeDarkewolfe Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Yes, you should absolutely say, "Is it ok if I list you as a reference?"

    Darkewolfe on
    What is this I don't even.
  • SerpentSerpent Sometimes Vancouver, BC, sometimes Brisbane, QLDRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Sounds like you have it backwards... it's 'unkosher' to use a reference when:

    1. You haven't asked them to be a reference, and
    2. You haven't let them know that they are likely to be called.

    Serpent on
  • UnderdogUnderdog Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Oh I've asked them before. It's just been a while since I did the initial asking so I wanted to know if I should call them and 'refresh' their memory. Sounds like it is necessary though.

    Underdog on
  • EggyToastEggyToast Jersey CityRegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    If you already asked them, you don't need to call. But it is polite to refresh their memory, since they may have forgotten (that they might receive a phone call, not that they've forgotten about you).

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  • bowenbowen Sup? Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Refresh their memory. I still have a reference I use from when I was in high school. She still gives me a good character reference.

    bowen on
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  • DarkewolfeDarkewolfe Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    This is a great opportunity for you to network with them, actually. Let them know that you're applying for some new jobs and listing them as a reference out of politeness, which will also let them know that you're looking and therefore be an invitation for them to help you in the search if they have leads.

    Darkewolfe on
    What is this I don't even.
  • see317see317 Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Underdog wrote: »
    Oh I've asked them before. It's just been a while since I did the initial asking so I wanted to know if I should call them and 'refresh' their memory. Sounds like it is necessary though.

    Depends on how long a while is. I mean, if you asked them within a month or so then it's probably not really necessary, especially with the current job market where a hunt can last for a while. If you asked them on a previous job search or more then a month ago then yeah, drop them a line let them know you're still looking for a job and submitting resumes and you appreciate them being a reference. It's also a nicer, more subtle way of reminding them that you're still under or unemployed and maybe they've got a lead you could use.

    You don't really want a reference to go "Who? ...Oh shit, yeah I remember now, I'm a reference. Didn't realize he was still looking. Yeah, great guy all around." It's much better if they're prepared to be contacted.

    Edit: In short, what Darkewolfe said.

    see317 on
  • Reverend_ChaosReverend_Chaos Suit Up! Spokane WARegistered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Underdog wrote: »
    Oh I've asked them before. It's just been a while since I did the initial asking so I wanted to know if I should call them and 'refresh' their memory. Sounds like it is necessary though.

    You should definitely call and double check. It's just polite (who knows maybe their circumstances have changed) and you don't want them to get surprised by a call they weren't expecting. For someone who gives you an excellent reference that you might want to use long term, like a character reference, I would go so far as to send a thank you note their way after you land a good job.

    Happy Hunting

    Reverend_Chaos on
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  • Al_watAl_wat Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    I will call my references, give them my updated resume, and coach them on the kind of job that will be calling them so that they give the kind of answers that I want whenever I am applying for a job that will actually call them.

    Al_wat on
  • UnderdogUnderdog Registered User regular
    edited February 2011
    Oops, meant to update sooner. I called them right after the first few replies in the thread. I didn't go as far as Al_Wat though but I'm confident regardless. Thanks! And I will keep the thank you note idea in mind, that's a very good suggestion.

    Underdog on
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