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Work references

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Chat' started by Backagain1, May 9, 2014.

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  1. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    I was told after the fact that I was used as a reference and would be contacted soon. I do not want to give a reference however I have now received the email asking me to answer numerous questions.
    No where on the reference form does it say my responses will be kept confidential and in no way does this person meet or exceed my expectations.

    How would you handle?
     
  2. fossefritz

    fossefritz Low-Roller

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    Well easy way out is to ignore it unless u already responded

    Maybe other ones will respond
     
  3. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    I have not responded but I am sure the person is going to keep asking me if I received it.
     
  4. JosieCat

    JosieCat VIP Whale

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    Did this person used to work at the company you are currently working for. My company has a "no reference" policy. While I'm sure references are given, it is an "out" if you don't want to give one. Something you could check on anyway.
     
  5. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    Yes, we still work there together. I have been there 20 years and have never heard of this but will certainly ask.
     
  6. HoyaHeel

    HoyaHeel Grammar Police & Admin

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    Depends on what sort of reference you've been asked for, what your company policy is, and what your role is. You could just say So and So worked for me/with me from Date to Date and leave it at that? (some companies have a "confirmation of employment" only policy)

    This isn't a great situation, and there's no good solution. Don't lie, but see if you can finesse the letter by being bland.

    I read a lot of proposals & applications - not for jobs, but fellowships and research funding. My boss and other reviewers have clued me in over the years on the code words used (esp by medical school deans) After you read a few letters of recommendation, it's easy to tell the difference between a rote letter that means nothing and a letter from someone who is enthusiastic about the person and the job s/he could do.
     
  7. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    This one is premade with questions for me to answer,
    does not meet expectations, meets expectations, exceeds expectations.

    Questions such as -
    Works on a time schedule
    Professional with co workers
    Manages time well
    Does not abuse sick leave
    Would you hire this person
     
  8. NYNJMINC

    NYNJMINC Tourist

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    Just respond - It is against company policy to give out references & leave it at that.
     
  9. fossefritz

    fossefritz Low-Roller

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    Yes great answer i agree
     
  10. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    This is a no winner fer shure.

    I would refer them to the official HR rep or somebody like that.
     
  11. DBear

    DBear VIP Bear

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    Best to either ignore or respond with a cant provide references response. Think the reason a lot of companies have no reference policies dictated by their HR departments is to avoid future lawsuits or accusations that the person applying didn't get the job based on your (negative) reference.

    You didn't ask to be put in this situation. That person is obviously leaving. No need to worry about their feelings.
     
  12. mdee

    mdee VIP Whale

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    Seems to me a Non Response is a Response so leave it at that!
     
  13. MikeOPensacola

    MikeOPensacola El Jefe

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    +1. It might be the easy way out, but it does prevent you from endorsing your coworker. Maybe you could even word it where between the lines it could be interpreted that you're not really recommending him. Just a thought...... Good luck.

    :peace: :beer:
     
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  14. Auggie

    Auggie Dovahkiin

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    If you don't have anything good to say then you shouldn't say anything... unless this person was a total jerk to you there is no gain by preventing them from getting a job unless you are an as***le and enjoy stuff like that.

    Best to just bow out and say something like "My position within the company prevents me from giving references"
     
  15. Jerseyguy

    Jerseyguy MIA

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    Person reference vs. varifying employment

    As I understand it you can give or not give a good personal reference ,but with varifying employment ,you cant say anything either way,just that Joe Blow worked here from x to y. I would not give anyone as a personal reference unless I was on good terms and asked them first.
     
  16. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    Thank you all. I am going to ignore it.
     
  17. Hogman

    Hogman VIP Whale

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    I am assuming you don't want to give the reference because you would give him a bad reference? If that is the case I would ignore it. I would assume that they would take that as a bad reference.

    If you think he is a good guy or good worker, just tell them the truth.

    But he should have let you know.
     
  18. DrLect

    DrLect Winning!

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    Be careful. Any kind of negative response could make you liable for that individuals' inability to obtain employment. You would be better off saying nothing or claiming the no references policy. Sometimes the refusal to give a response is read as a negative, potentially causing some degree of responsibility on your part.

    Loose lips sink ships.
     
  19. Backagain1

    Backagain1 High-Roller

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    I am giving a character reference. Is that not what it is called? I am not giving an employment reference. And yes I know the work history and am not impressed with it.
     
  20. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    Is this how nonperforming/underperforming people continue to advance and change jobs/companies?

    I'm not bagging on the OP whatsoever, I appreciate the dilemma. Seems to me if I'm not asked permission to be a reference then the logical response is to ignore it. Anyway, really just a statement on the state of our me-first, no-personal-accountability, litigious society that we can't speak truthfully about the abilities of others for fear of a suit or a pipe-wrench upside the head after work in the parking garage.
     
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