Questions?
Call (800) 890-5645
Do You Know What Your Former Boss Will Say About You?

Press Room

PRESS RELEASE

Having a Friend Check Your References...Is It A Good Idea?

The Seven Best Reasons NOT To Use A Friend As Your Reference Checker

DETROIT, MI (April 1, 2011) - Does this scenario sound familiar?  In your search for new employment, you've done your homework in refining your resume and presentation skills and have perhaps even "aced" an interview (or two) in spades.  A prospective job offer is within reach; one of the last hurdles remaining, the reference checking process.

Realizing that your career may rest in a reference's hands, you consider using a friend (or relative) - posing as a potential employer - to see what a reference will say about you to a prospective employer.  While this tactic may be tempting, there are a number of reasons why this is a bad idea:
  1. Most friends, however well intended, are not reference checking professionals. They may act in an unprofessional manner, ask inappropriate or illegal questions, or allow something to slip that could compromise your position.
  2. Some states impose limitations or restrictions on impersonation. A good reference-checking enterprise knows the legal limitations of reference checking and does not cross those lines.
  3. Your reference may convey subtle verbal nuances that a friend may not pick up on. Intonation, wording, and hesitations in responses can be "red flags" to a professional reference checker that may not be picked up by an unseasoned ear.
  4. A reference checked by a friend is not legally supportable.  If a friend calls and confirms that your reference is providing career-damaging input, you will have no recourse to use this hearsay report for legal or remedial action.  A professional reference checking company provides a legally supportable report and may even offer services to help you neutralize a bad reference.
  5. A friend might not answer your reference's return call in a professional manner. Your friend might not be in a position to take a reference's return call, if it is necessary. There is also the possibility that someone else would take a return call instead of your friend. Also, a suspicious reference might check their Caller ID and perceive what you are up to - not a situation your want with your all-important reference.
  6. A friend might "sugar coat" negative information about you. It's hard to be the bearer of bad news, especially to a friend who may not be receptive to hearing some really unflattering information.
  7. If suspicious of the interviewer, a formerly good reference may become a bad one. If your reference suspects they are being manipulated, you could lose their trust and willingness to act as a favorable future reference.
Don't make the mistake of thinking a casual call from a friend takes the place of a check by a professional reference checking organization such as Allison & Taylor, who confirm that approximately 50% of all reference checks they conduct reveal negative information.  Good references are one of your greatest assets when looking for a job, and employers take them very seriously.  Make sure yours measure up.

For further details on services and procedures please visit www.AllisonTaylor.com.

About Allison & Taylor:

Allison & Taylor, Inc. and its principals have been in the business of checking references for corporations and individuals since 1984. Allison & Taylor, Inc., is headquartered in Rochester, Mich. For further details on services and procedures please visit http://www.allisontaylor.com/.

Allison & Taylor: Find us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

Media Contact:
Jeff Shane
JeffShane@AllisonTaylor.com
(800) 890-5645 USA toll-free
(248) 672-4200 direct dial

Back to Press Room




Live Help

Speak with one of our
Job Reference Specialists.

Order Now

FREE E-Book!
E-Book: References are Key to Job Offers

If the below fields are visible, ignore them.


Accept Terms?
Pinpointe Pixel

New Service
Video interviewing is the wave of the future. What will HR professionals say about your video interview?

Find Out Now

Job Reference, Background Checking & Employment Verification Services
Job Reference, Background Checking & Employment Verification Services
About Us | Timeliness | FAQ | Reference Checking Services | Contact Us | Affiliates | Blog | Media

The nation's leading provider of employment verification and reference checking since 1984.

© 1999 - 2024 Allison & Taylor Reference Checking

145 South Livernois Road
Rochester Hills, Michigan 48307 USA

Credit card logos

Call us toll free (800) 890-5645

Privacy Policy | Questions or Comments

Job Reference, Background Checking & Employment Verification Services

The material provided on this site is meant to be informative or illustrative. No description, language or communication provided or stated on this site is intended to provide legal advice or is to be construed as providing any legal opinion or conclusion, or advice of legal rights regarding any matter, including past, present or future claims or causes of action, under federal or any state law.

No link, reference or referral made by Allison & Taylor constitutes a guaranty, warranty or representation of the quality or professional standard of any services rendered or to be rendered.