Job Reference Etiquette
 

So this morning I had a message from a recruiter, requesting a reference for a former employee of mine. I haven't returned the call yet and don't know if I will. What doesn't sit right with me, is that she (employee) never asked if she could use me as a reference. And frankly, I don't have much to say about her - we only worked together for a few months. And, while I was her direct supervisor, her job duties were at best only indirectly related to the function of my department. As such, we interacted relatively little.

Several former colleagues and friends have 'standing' references - they know they can use me as a reference anytime, without necessarily calling me in advance every time. That's different though - those are all well-established relationships based on a long history.

So what is the proper etiquette here? I'll probably call back but just be honest if pushed for detailed questions - I don't know much about this person. Just wondering if I'm out of line for being peeved about this situation.

There's your response!

I wouldn't be peev'ed.

This can be a tricky area, I have made it my practice to confirm dates of employment and leave it at that.

You would not the believe the horror stories from both the prospect and the employer if the situation does not work out. Why make yourself a party to that.

Proper etiquette on her part would have been to ask you before she gives your name as a reference.

I think your response is summed up correctly, not here long enough to comfortably give a reference.

Turn the request over to HR. That's what they get paid for. They probably would rather you not comment anyway.

As Danny said - and yes common courtesy would be that she contact you first. You need to remember too though that a smart recruiter will contact directly the previous supervisors before the candidate has an opportunity to coach.

"she's great!! would hire her back in no time
i mean, she's dirty, and discreet!
working late hasn't been the same since she left us"

"For someone of his personal hygiene, he stole much less than I expected" - Pointy Hair Boss' reference for Dilbert.

Don't be so harsh that she didn't ask you first. It's not that big of a deal. Just call the recruiter back and tell him that she seemed perfectly pleasant and a good worker, you didn't know of any issues with her; but you had little direct contact with her and she only worked for you for a short time.

Employers often ask for a list of your previous jobs, your supervisor and contact info, and THEN a list of 2-3 references. She may not have considered you an actual reference, just a contact at the previous job.

I would have contacted you anyway, but it may not have been as out of wack as it appears.

A girl we hired a few years ago, who later turned out to be a real star sales person, had a bit of a dubious resume. We weren't even sure she really had a job, though her resume said she did. I happened to know someone where she claimed she worked. So I called over. He'd never heard of her and believe me, she'd be hard to miss, bleach blonde hair, eccentric dresser, very brainy. My boss hired her, still full of doubts. And she called in sick a few times within the first month. But she really turned into a star. Sometimes you gotta roll the dice.

Bingo! Or like Milt says, turn it over to HR.

Milt called it - I elected to punt. HR director said "Yeah, tell 'em you didn't work with her much, so why not talk to HR". Danny/Milt for the win.

HR wouldn't say shlt if they had a mouthful, too afraid of lawsuit.

I would punt as well but as far as etiquette is concerned I don't think she did anything that you should not have expected. It would have been nice to get a heads up but that is always the case. For folks I provide personal references for (the standing kind) they do not have to give me a heads up but it is nice to have. Generally speaking when you leave a job you have your boss's contact info but no HRs so who do you put for employment reference? Your boss.

If you were her direct supervisor you are her reference. Period - now all you should do I believe for ANYone for a general employment reference is confirm employment dates. In this case there is nothing wrong for you to punt this to HR either. Assuming she left on good terms you should have no problems with that, if the terms were less than good you should ONLY do that or simply punt and I believe some states have laws regarding this.

For a personal reference or something more than general employment you can do what you feel appropriate (regarding those you said have a standing reference with you).

If she was using you as a personal reference then yes - she should have spoken to you first.

There are personal references and professional references. As you stated, she was your employee, therefore you are one of her professional references. No permission required.

This is a question of etiquette and insurance. You ask your reference if they are happy to serve as such. Gives them a chance to opt out if they are uncomfortable. The insurance part is that this way you are sure your reference won't slam you!

George

This is a question of etiquette and insurance. You ask your reference if they are happy to serve as such. Gives them a chance to opt out if they are uncomfortable. The insurance part is that this way you are sure your reference won't slam you!

George