3 ms·

As someone who does a ton of reference checks when we're hiring, and who acts as a reference for people as well, here's what I would do... Call (do NOT email)

by cl42 10y ago

As someone who does a ton of reference checks when we're hiring, and who acts as a reference for people as well, here's what I would do... Call (do NOT email) each of your references and state the situation: "Hey Ms. Reference, I recently got feedback from one of my job applications that a reference check did not go as well as I expected. Given that I use you as a reference in these situations, I wanted to check in to make sure that if you had any feedback on my past performance or had any advice on how to make a reference check go smoothly, I'd appreciate it." A reference should not accept to be a reference if they will give bad feedback. I do agree with folks here who are saying this might not be the real reason for the turndown, but definitely approach your references if you are concerned. EDIT: to answer your question directly you really don't have much of a right here. This is all lovey-dovey-fuzzy human stuff. I doubt your potential employer will share the feedback, nor would I even ask. If anything, ask for general feedback on what was said or what could have been done better by you.

manmal 10y ago
> A reference should not accept to be a reference if they will give bad feedback. What is a reference for, then? A future employer wants an honest view on the candidate.
- extra88 10y ago
  I always want a candidate's current immediate supervisor as a reference but I would be surprised if any other reference was less than positive about the candidate. A future employer wants and honest view on the candidate but the candidate wants to make the best impression. Generally I only check references after I've already made a choice (but before an offer), the choice was made based on what the candidate has presented so the reference check is basically a chance to avoid a total fraud or unbalanced person. So far I've been fortunate enough to have not made what I would consider a bad hire.
- cl42 10y ago
  I'd say a reference is a social construct that implies Person A is willing to vouch for Person B. Their goal isn't to give a fully honest and unadulterated opinion on all strengths + weaknesses of an individual, but rather to show that Person B is capable of good work. You're basically finding their upper bound, not necessarily the range of skill sets. Accepting to be a reference when being requested by an applicant assumes you'll be honest but also courteous and positive. In some situations, a potential employer might require to speak with a specific individual who you might not have asked to be a reference. In that situation, the social contract above doesn't apply.

by cl42 10y ago

manmal 10y ago

> A reference should not accept to be a reference if they will give bad feedback. What is a reference for, then? A future employer wants an honest view on the candidate.

extra88 10y ago
I always want a candidate's current immediate supervisor as a reference but I would be surprised if any other reference was less than positive about the candidate. A future employer wants and honest view on the candidate but the candidate wants to make the best impression. Generally I only check references after I've already made a choice (but before an offer), the choice was made based on what the candidate has presented so the reference check is basically a chance to avoid a total fraud or unbalanced person. So far I've been fortunate enough to have not made what I would consider a bad hire.
cl42 10y ago
I'd say a reference is a social construct that implies Person A is willing to vouch for Person B. Their goal isn't to give a fully honest and unadulterated opinion on all strengths + weaknesses of an individual, but rather to show that Person B is capable of good work. You're basically finding their upper bound, not necessarily the range of skill sets. Accepting to be a reference when being requested by an applicant assumes you'll be honest but also courteous and positive. In some situations, a potential employer might require to speak with a specific individual who you might not have asked to be a reference. In that situation, the social contract above doesn't apply.