Many companies have policies regarding what is expected of current employees when asked to provide a reference. Many times they are told to refer the caller to Human Resources, or maybe they are allowed to verify dates of employment and a job title only. But are these policies enforced? Are employees trained on what to say when asked about a former employee? In many cases no. When asked about a past employee it is amazing how many responses such as “I’m really not supposed to say much but he was unreliable and sick at lot.” Or “I’d rather not comment – you can take that however you want.”
Its important not to take for granted that just because your former employer has a policy regarding references that that policy will be followed.
But isn’t it illegal to ask about things other than title and dates of employment during a reference check?
The answer here is no, and that is one of the interesting things about references. It is a private conversation between two people, your past employer and a prospective one. Anything can be said, regardless of what the laws are. Go to your local legislator’s office. They can find the most recent laws for you but remember, every road we drive on has a speed limit. When we are running late, if a police officer is not in sight, we speed. There is not a reference police officer watching over you past employer. Essentially, your past employer or reference can take 5 minutes on the telephone with a total stranger and either increase your chances of obtaining a new position or absolutely ruin them.
So what can you do? Use a professional reference checking service such as Allison and Taylor, Inc. Their professional staff will conduct a professional reference check to ensure that your former employer is not keeping you from getting the job you want.
Consider what on Allison and Taylor, Inc. client had to say:
“I paid for the expedited report and received it very quickly (within a day).
I requested the report just to make sure that the HR department would stick to the policies as written, and they did. The cost of the report is well worth the peace of mind I now have.
Communication with Allison & Taylor was prompt, courteous, and professional. The report was easy to read and, again: well worth the price”
For more information about Allison and Taylor, Inc.’s services click here.