Searching for a new job? The job market is tough and, believe it or not, your biggest hurdle may not be finding that perfect new position … it may be surviving the vetting process of your new employer, says reference-checking company Allison & Taylor.
In today’s politically correct age, many job seekers mistakenly believe that former employers are working under a “gag order;” that company policies prevent them from giving any employment information other than the standard “dates and title”.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Even if your former employer’s policies dictate what information can be given (not all do), there’s no guarantee that an unhappy former co-worker or manager will adhere to them. And if they offer negative input, theirs may be the reference that ruins your chance for a great new job.
When former employers comment on you, what will they say?
Here are some actual examples of questions and responses in references checked by Allison & Taylor:
We would like to verify that (the candidate) held the position (title) from (dates), is this correct?
- He was an account executive, not a Senior V.P.”
- “His name doesn’t ring a bell.”
- “We do not have this person anywhere in our records.”
- “I am not allowed to say anything about this person, as she was fired.”
Some references will refuse to rank a past employee due to an unfavorable impression:
- “No comment, he could not do anything correctly in the position he held with us.”
- “Let’s save time. Basically, you could rank her inadequate in all areas.”
Allison & Taylor estimates that 50% of their references come back as “lukewarm” or “negative”. Don’t allow yourself to be surprised and sabotaged by an unfavorable reference. A simple reference check, conducted by a professional agency such as Allison & Taylor, can tell you definitively whether or not a reference is providing a positive, professional response to inquiries made about you. If they are not, you can take proactive steps to prevent this continued spread of negative information, and you may even have legal recourse.
Don’t wait until its too late. Consider what this Allison and Taylor, Inc client had to say:
“I’ve been a long time client and have always been satisfied with their service. Most definitely a value added asset as to ensure that one’s professional reputation is protected, so to speak.”
For more information about Allison and Taylor, Inc.’s services, click here.