G'day Mate (Mk III)

This is just random having nothing to do with this post... but i was just checking my email the one this comment is linked to, and i was was suprized by all the wonderful replies i had. bweing that i don't check it as often as i should i didn't know taht you did that. funny the things you learn. I do plan on checking it more often and i like the new logo indefinatly.

Hehe i usually call people to ask if it is alright if i use them as references, you don't want to get screwed over like this guy did. But i guess the better lesson is to have a good work ethic and then you don't have to worry about references. And i diddn't think there would be too many "texas" jokes down under.

Hehe i usually call people to ask if it is alright if i use them as references, you don't want to get screwed over like this guy did. But i guess the better lesson is to have a good work ethic and then you don't have to worry about references. And i didn't think there would be too many "texas" jokes down under.

I am seldom listed as a reference since I made it known that I make it a common practice to just deny I know them if ever contacted with regard to any information about them unless legally compelled to do so. I suspect if anyone really wanted my recommendation, they could always come into my office and sign a waiver of attorney-client privilege (against my advice) specifically requiring that I disclose all information requested. The waiver would have to allege any party requesting such, as, once the privilege is waived as to one party, there is no further expectation of privacy with regard to any and all other parties. And, of course, there would be a fee involved.

I will be sendin' ya my bill under a separate cover. ;)

That's almost as good as the one a colleague wrote for a guy we both worked with and knew to be a complete idiot. It read: -

To whom it may concern

The bearer, Sub Officer XXXX XXXX, is known to me personally and has worked under my supervision for the past four years. During that period, he has performed all duties and tasks assigned to him entirely to his own satisfaction.

Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned should you require further information.

The idiot got the job. The key? His new employers didn't speak English as a first language. I wonder if they ever caught on ....

Not long ago I received a phone call from a former colleague asking that I be a reference for her. I was truly surprised by her call and at the same time flattered that she'd asked me. Luckily for her, I always thought quite highly of her work ethic and was ready to relay those thoughts should her potential employer phone - but they never did. On the flip side of that, being honest in your references is important because it's also a reflection of you - and it can be a small world indeed if you come across that potential employer somewhere down the road... (hmm. did that come out the way I intended it to?)

My dad told me how he handled a situation in which a potential employer called regarding an employee my dad had fired. (If I recall correctly, the man was fired because they suspected he was stealing from the company but they couldn't prove it. Of course, if my father were to make such an allegation to a potential employer, the former employee might sue the company.) The conversation went something like this:

Potential Employer: I'm calling about John Doe, who's applied for a job at my company.
My Dad: John Doe worked for our company from [start date] to [end date].
Potential Employer: Yes, that's what it says on his resume. Was he a good worker?
My Dad: John Doe worked for our company from [start date] to [end date].
Potential Employer: I understand that. But what I'm asking is whether he was a good employee. Was he responsible, etc.?
My Dad: John Doe worked for our company from [start date] to [end date].
Potential Employer: (exasperated) Yes, you said that already. But while he was there, did he do a good job?
My Dad: John Doe worked for our company from [start date] to [end date].
Potential Employer: (long pause) I see. Thank you very much.

Blog Roundup
Gday, this is a short roundup because I have been flat out preparing for the Christmas Eve Marathon. Speaking of which, I am about 6 jokes short so if you have any Christmas jokes, send them over.... Speaking of jokes,