If someone agrees to be a reference for me, is it necessary (or even protocol) to notify them beforehand if you know (and especially if you know for sure) that a potential will call him or her? Does it show courtesy (or that I'm a pain) if I notify the reference and ask him/her when it would be most convenient for them to take the call?
I've gotten different feedback about both questions, and I'm not sure what's the best action to do.
Two of my references are upper-level management from my past jobs. I don't want to give them for EVERY job I apply to because I don't want to impose too much or make them frustrated if they happen to get multiple calls. (Some places have screened references before they offered me the position.)
I just want to do the right thing. Can anyone help?
2007-06-02 03:34:42 · 4 answers · asked by confused! 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
Everyone likes to be needed. That is why so many people are here to help. I enjoy contributing, for free, something I usually get paid to do. If you have helped these people look better to their superiors or clients, there is no reason to warn them.
You might consider making the last entry of your resume, "References on request". List them separately on 3x5 cards and review each one at breakfast. Take only the most appropriate one to each interview. If you are asked about references, automatically offer that card. Tell them you needed the others at a breakfast meeting, and would be able to provide more, if necessary.
Take a different reference to the second interview. If asked about others, say you are trying not to impose too much and would appreciate an opportunity to notify the others that you are in consideration for a third interview. This allows everyone to infer that you are already at the next level and a most considerate employee. Good Luck.
2007-06-02 05:33:51 · answer #1 · answered by look at yourself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should only be providing references at the interview. And screen the needs of the hiring company. Some would prefer a previous supervisor, some only want to verify employment.
Have you asked these references for a letter of recommendation? There are templates you could provide them. By providing the letter at the interview, you might fulfill the needs of the hiring company without bugging your references.
I am very careful who I give references to. Once you give out that information, you do not know what will happen to it.
If you have gotten their permission, I don't think it is necessary to tell the reference about every interview you go to. You might ask them to let you know if they are contacted by anyone.
Good luck.
2007-06-02 03:42:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even if someone has agreed to be a reference for you, it's good to let them know (by email or phone call, depending on what makes sense for their position) that you've put them down on a job app and they might be getting a call. You should never, of course, use someone as a reference without their prior permission.
As far as asking them when it's convenient for them to take the call, no, since you aren't going to be able to control that anyway - the potential caller will call, if they do, when it's convenient for THEM.
2007-06-02 05:05:10 · answer #3 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have ask them one time to use them as a reference thay will expect phone calls or letters.
2007-06-02 03:40:52 · answer #4 · answered by Michael N 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋