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Joachim
Joined: 01 Oct 2003
Posts: 311
Location: Brighton, UK
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 Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:21 am Post subject: |
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A reference doesn't mean an awful lot! Firstly, nobody in their right mind would give the name of a referee if they thought that person/company was going to say something bad about them. Secondly, it has been known for a company to give an 'excellent' reference for someone just because he/she is a troublemaker and the company just wants to be rid of the employee. Thirdly, in some 'compensation crazy countries', people have been known to sue if a person/company says something bad about them. Hence a company may be very wary about giving the 'true picture'. A reference, at its best, can only be useful if the HRD has the ability to read between the lines.
Example: 'J is very inventive in his approach to routine procedures'.
Possible meaning: 'J is a bit of a maverick and is unwilling to follow company guidelines'.
I'm sure the DOSs on this site can think of lots of lovely examples! |
I can't help but feel that this is an overly cynical perspective. When I am in the process of hiring teachers, I absolutley check out all references, not only because verified references are required by immigration here in Hong Kong, but also beause I would be immediately suspicious of anything unverifiable on a CV. Surely any responsible employer would? |
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Stephen Jones
Joined: 21 Feb 2003
Posts: 4124
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| Posted: Sun Sep 09, 2007 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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I think we are confusing testimonials and references here. Nobody will put too nasty a statement on a testimonial for fear of being sued, and in the US it is impossible to get a testimonial that gives much more than your starting and finishing date.
Now when people ring over the phone that is a different matter. What needs checking up carefully are the credentials of the referee. If it is the DOS or Manager of the last employer fine. If it is somebody else, then check the person has the credentials he says he has, and if he is simply another colleague, then caveat emptor. |
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