3 ms·

Standard in the US maybe, but I've never even heard of anything like this in the UK. I'm sure it happens, but I will eat my hat if it's fairly standard.

by salvar 8y ago

jdietrich 8y ago
Most larger companies require references to at least be checked by HR. Employers have a duty of care to provide accurate references for their former employees. There's a non-trivial risk that a manager could provide a bad or indifferent reference simply because of a personal grudge, which the company could be held liable for. http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKHL/1994/7.html http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKHL/1994/7.html
- justherefortart 8y ago
  I've only had one company and 2 government jobs check my references in 25 years in the field (feds were checking for clearance, so required). I call my references to see if they were contacted after I've been offered positions in the past it's amazing how little it happens. I don't check references because I don't give a shit. You're either giving people that like you, or why would you be giving them at all. If you're still employed, calling that person's current job is a huge no-no (could cost them their employment). What the fuck is so hard about just figuring out if you like someone and hiring them. Telling them fully what goals you expect them to achieve and giving them the tools to do the job. Then if they're not successful, letting them go. Oh yeah, you'd have to be a good employee yourself and work for a good company to do that.
jimnotgym 8y ago
It is my policy in the UK, and is the one recommended by HR experts for liability reasons. HR bods describe it as a factual reference. It is most definitely a recent US import, and I am not sure about it's penetration. John Smith worked here between x and x as a tea-boy. Personally I would much rather someone gave me a factual reference in good time, than an in depth reference eventually. Normally it is also OK for a manager to give a personal reference, ie not on behalf of the company.

Standard in the US maybe, but I've never even heard of anything like this in the UK. I'm sure it happens, but I will eat my hat if it's fairly standard.

by salvar 8y ago

Standard in the US maybe, but I've never even heard of anything like this in the UK. I'm sure it happens, but I will eat my hat if it's fairly standard.

jdietrich 8y ago

Most larger companies require references to at least be checked by HR. Employers have a duty of care to provide accurate references for their former employees. There's a non-trivial risk that a manager could provide a bad or indifferent reference simply because of a personal grudge, which the company could be held liable for. http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKHL/1994/7.html http://www.bailii.org/uk/cases/UKHL/1994/7.html

justherefortart 8y ago
I've only had one company and 2 government jobs check my references in 25 years in the field (feds were checking for clearance, so required). I call my references to see if they were contacted after I've been offered positions in the past it's amazing how little it happens. I don't check references because I don't give a shit. You're either giving people that like you, or why would you be giving them at all. If you're still employed, calling that person's current job is a huge no-no (could cost them their employment). What the fuck is so hard about just figuring out if you like someone and hiring them. Telling them fully what goals you expect them to achieve and giving them the tools to do the job. Then if they're not successful, letting them go. Oh yeah, you'd have to be a good employee yourself and work for a good company to do that.

jimnotgym 8y ago

It is my policy in the UK, and is the one recommended by HR experts for liability reasons. HR bods describe it as a factual reference. It is most definitely a recent US import, and I am not sure about it's penetration. John Smith worked here between x and x as a tea-boy. Personally I would much rather someone gave me a factual reference in good time, than an in depth reference eventually. Normally it is also OK for a manager to give a personal reference, ie not on behalf of the company.