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December 19, 2003
Reference
Have you ever been caught by someone wanting a reference? You really want to say no but you can't? I can remember being called by a head-hunter for a reference on a guy that I had worked with once. He didn't ask to use my name as a referee and I did not have a high opinion of the bloke:
HH: I believe you used to work with Fred?
Me: Yup.
HH: He has applied for a job and nominated you as a referee.
Me: Wow.
HH: Would you say he was hard working and a good team player.
Me: Not in a million years.
HH: Really?
Me: I have known desk chairs that work harder ....
Anyway, you often can't do this because the person is present during the interview but the following email joke [from Aussie Courier] even handles that problem neatly:
Bob Smith, my assistant programmer, can always be found
hard at work at his desk. He works independently, without
wasting company time talking to colleagues. Bob never
thinks twice about assisting fellow employees, and always
finishes given assignments on time. Often he takes extended
measures to complete his work, sometimes skipping coffee
breaks. Bob is a dedicated individual who has absolutely no
vanity in spite of his high accomplishments and profound
knowledge in his field. I firmly believe that Bob can be
classed as an asset employee, the type which cannot be
dispensed with. Consequently, I duly recommend that Bob be
promoted to executive management, and a proposal will be
executed as soon as possible.
Addendum:
That idiot was standing over my shoulder while I wrote the report
sent to you earlier today. Kindly re-read only the odd numbered lines.
By the way, when people ask first, I do let them know what I would say when called and give them a copy of any written recommendation .... including addendum :-)
Posted by Ozguru at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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.
Posted by: TL at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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.
Posted by: TL at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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.
Posted by: TL at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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.
Posted by: Tiger at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
I will be sendin' ya my bill under a separate cover. ;)
Posted by: Tiger at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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 ....
Posted by: The Gray Monk at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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?)
Posted by: Cindy at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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.
Posted by: Eric James Stone at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
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,
Posted by: GDay Mate - Reviews at December 19, 2003 09:12 AM
