They are always saying be sure to check references, but a lot of companies are reluctant to give me anything but name and job title. What can I do to get references to open up a little?
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Here’s what you had to say:
- We find that it’s helpful to engage applicants in the process. We have them sign a release and also have them contact their former bosses and say, “Ms. Jane Smith of the ABC Corporation will be calling you for a reference. I hope that you will take the time to converse with her. I have signed a release. Thanks for helping me out.”
- If we couch the question with a future management thrust rather than a past performance thrust, we get more answers. Technically, we’re not asking for a reference, just advice about how to manage in the future. Admittedly, it’s a thin line; however, many managers will cross it. We say, “We’re considering Mr. Jones for an assignment in our finance department. What advice might you give me about managing Mr. Jones? What will help him to be successful?”
- We fax a signed release form to the former supervisor, and when we call, we emphasize that the references are an important part of the evaluation process–the only information that actually tells us how the applicant performs on the job.