In the last post we looked at how poor references can sabotage your job search. Today we will continue to look at that and what you can do about it. Allison & Taylor offers a professional reference checking service so their clients can know that past employers are saying to their potential employers.
Allison & Taylor is up front with the people they call to check a reference. “When we call a reference we simply state that we are calling to do an employment verification and reference check on (name of client). Typically the reference assumes we are considering hiring that individual or we have been hired to check them out for a company that is considering hiring them. Under no circumstances do we never disclose who has actually hired us to perform the reference check. This allows our client complete confidentiality and ensures that our reports can be used in any court of law should the need arise” states Ms. Allison.
It is not uncommon for references to pass out inaccurate information. Dates and title of employment, the reason for the separation and salary information are typically mistaken and unfortunately, it is assumed by potential employers that the job seeker is lying.
Sometimes potentially negative information can be inadvertently – or intentionally – communicated in subtle manners. For instance, if a reference doesn’t call back after numerous voicemails are left, it often raises a red flag in the minds of prospective employers. Innuendoes such as, “Are you sure he listed me as a reference?” or “Well, according to our agreement I can only confirm that she worked here” offer additional, unfavorable clues that things are just not right.
Ms. Allison has also noticed that the higher the position, the more freely references divulge damaging information. “Clients often assume that company policies to only confirm limited information are strictly followed. I usually offer them this analogy: if you are in a hurry and don’t see a police officer, are you more likely to push the speed limit? References are no different. If someone really liked you and wants to help you land another job, or if they had a problem with you and don’t want to see you working, they can and will break company policy.”
Ms. Allison also states that over the last few years, her clients have used positive references to assist them in their court cases. “In the case of wrongful termination, a positive reference can be used as support of litigation. In fact, our clients have been awarded settlements in excess of $2 million.”
The purpose of checking your references need not necessarily be to file a lawsuit. However, a candidate does need to know the quality of their references and whether former employers are passing on personal opinions, conjecture, rumors or accurate legal facts.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR OWN REFERENCES
A poor or even lukewarm reference can sometimes cost you the job you want. If you are worried about what a former boss will say to a prospective employer, consider using a reference checking service as seen in publications like the Wall Street Journal. In business for 25 years, Allisontaylor.com will confidentially contact your references and inquire about performance – managerial skills, judgment, integrity, productivity, technical skills – as well as employment dates, job description and reason for separation. Typically within 7-10 days (or less, if a “rush order” is requested) you will have a complete dossier on your reference’s input, including tone of voice and verbatim quotes. For additional information on this crucial service, call 800.890.5645 or visit their comprehensive web site at www.Allisontaylor.com.