Great posting. Really. Only one thing confuses me. When you say "How do they compare to others?" or "How would you rate them overall?" are you dealing with a group reference?
Do you have any guidelines on how recent a reference should be? I've never given out my employer at the time, since I've always left on my own accord and didn't want the employer to know I was looking.
Tx,
Sean
Sean; we never expect you to use your current employer. A previous manager from your most recent position before your current one is most relevant.
But within the last 3-5 years will do in a pinch.
If you have been at the same company for a long time (in itself a good reference) think of someone who might have left the firm who can act as a reference.
It was difficult for me going into this job, because I'd been at the same company for 5 years (yay me), and I was still currently employed.
In the end I talked to the CEO, walked him through why I was leaving and he was one of the best references I've ever had 
Nice post, A.
Curious, given the twitchiness of companies about lawsuits, how fruitful are these questions--maybe more directly, how much depth and judgement are *employer* references willing to give?
Let me narrate an experience of mine with these reference checks.
One of my team members left for better prospects, and he gave me as reference after taking my permission. The third-party agency which conducted the reference check was such a BOZO.
She asked me questions on what the persons strengths/weaknesses, and before I could substantiate why they were so and how he could improve/build, she jumped on to next question.
I got really irritated. She went on like this for 3 minutes(yeah, just 3 minutes for a reference check) without listening to what I was saying or expressing.
It was more like a personal loan application verification rather than reference check.
I tend to spend at least 30 minutes and sometimes more with the person on the phone. I want to get some real detail from the person.
I also look upon a reference call as a marketing call. I want to leave the employer with the impression that I am thorough and treat the reference check with seriousness.
I think the person you refer to was probably working with a contingency "agency" and just ticking boxes off on a form.
fouro: People are usually very forthright with us. If the reference seems to glowing we will keep digging - I think an honest appraisal of someone's strengths and weaknesses is much better than platitudes.
Thanks Anthony.
I agree, platitudes are nowhere. I've had 50-50 luck getting a balanced review of somebody though, many aren't willing to let it all hang out it seems. Maybe I should stop burping so much in mid conversation
Commenting by HaloScan
