How do I give someone a reference?

Often, as a recruiter, I ask candidates to provide me with references - whether the potential employer asks for them or not. The reason for this is that you get a better view of the whole candidate, over a simple interview and test approach.

In the modern world, most references are done by telephone interview, and last around 10minutes - hearing a tone of voice is better over a managed letter.

But, the thing that always amazes me is that the reference person is often more nervous than the candidate! So, here are a few tips on how to warm/be a reference for someone.

For Candidates seeking references:
First of all, candidates pick your references. I know this may sound strange, but honestly I don't want to talk to your dog walker or cycling buddy. Pick people who you have ideally worked with, or known for a long time and that you keep in touch with. Secondly, brief them - from my point of view, there's nothing worse than dumping your best friend in it, to end up with a bad reference. Thirdly, don't pick people you can't give a full briefing to - why you are looking at leaving, why you think this job is great.

For referee's:
If you are the reference point, then firstly say thank you and then: think! Say no now if you have a doubt over later. Secondly, give the candidate a set of details on which the reference taker can contact you - yes, employers do become suspicious if you give too many references. Thirdly, prepare - I often just jot a few notes down on when we meet, and the candidates history, and the date of the last time we worked together/met. Finally, you can refuse to answer any question - there is no right/wrong/have to question!

Referencing is a good way to get a view of a candidate, and as a reference point you have nothing to lose - hey, they may even offer you a job opportunity (around 15% of candidates for a recruiter come through referencing)

Candidate: "Permission to submit" request from recruiters

Victor asks: A number of recruiters have approached me with a form to fill and asked permission to submit my credentials to their clients. On the other hand, there were some who simply told me that they would submit my credentials. Because they didn't ask my permission, should I assume that those recruiters didn't find me qualified enough?

In Answer:
The form is an admin tool, to: show to the recruiters client that you agreed to be submitted; and when you signed so shows who should get the major amount of the cake if you are employed/there is a dispute

Some agencies will use it internally for the purpose of making sure you agreed to be listed - they often pay their people bonuses for building their dBase of candidates!!!

And that brings up the second issue - the ethics and operations of the agency. Do you want your details sent in a pile of other CV/Resumes, just so the recruiter can bill for part of their fee - or do you want an agency that meets you and asks a few questions about your career goals?

A form is not always so bad, and once you understand the need for it can be a very good thing for experienced candidates looking for the right position. Good Luck!

Candidate - no follow up, what do I do?

Russ asks: Having been for an interview three weeks ago, and heard nothing, I am getting a bit worried. Do I assume I have not been hired, or is there anything I can do?

In answer:
It's not unusual Russ, but it is rare for companies not to follow up - and its often a legal need. Most often, if you hear within the first few days, you haven't got the job - but not hearing can be equally as distressing. At the end of the interview, you were probably reminded that should you have any follow up question, that you should contact someone from HR. In corporates, there is a good reason for that, as legally they want to protect the corporation. If you feel in any doubt, then do pick up the phone and ask. But, if you really want the job, or have had no answer from the HR people - pick up the phone and speak to the hiring manager, who you met during the interview. This is a risky strategy (except for sales posts), but one which - if you accept the likely hood that you didn't get the job - can work to you advantage. Don't write a letter, call the main switchboard and ask to speak to the hiring manager by name. When they answer, explain who you are and when you were interviewed, and that you have asked HR for an update and have heard nothing. As you had other interviews at the same time and wanted to know what your options were, you thought you would give them a call. Now, pin back your ears, go silent, prepare to be wholly sympathetic to their plight - and just listen! Be fully prepared for the "sorry, but..." and also be prepared for a few additional questions. Good Luck!