If you’ve been working for a while, you have a number of people who could be references for you: colleagues, project managers, managers. All of these are people who know what you’ve done. So, how do you choose references? Make sure your reference can talk on the phone. If you select someone who hates talking […]
I’ve been a reference for many peers, previous employees, previous managers, and even clients. It’s almost always my pleasure. But sometimes? Not so much. I’d been managing a relatively junior employee who wasn’t quite clear on the concept of coming into work on time. He didn’t like deadlines—even the ones he gave himself. He was a
I have a large LinkedIn network. I have worked hard to build that network. I bet some of you reading this are part of that network! So it’s not surprising that I receive requests from people for introductions or recommendations for a job. And, there is a huge difference between asking for an introduction and
I’ve been on vacation and traveling, which is why I’ve been quiet on this blog for way too long. Sorry about that. And, I’ve been deleting numerous emails with the subject, “Are you taking on new clients?” which is a referral-for-pay scheme. I don’t participate in those. If I can’t refer people because I believe
People often use my network to ask me for back-door references about people I know. Sometimes, I can help. Sometimes, I can’t. If I don’t know someone well enough to provide a reference, I don’t. For example, if I consulted at a client for a few days, I don’t know anyone well enough, other than
Several of my colleagues are concerned by their “back-door” references, or unintentional references. They’ve gone on interviews, felt as if they’d aced the interview, were told “we just need to check references” and boom, they are out of contention for the job. One colleague was told, “Oh those people you worked with > 10 years
While I draft an answer to George’s fake audition question, let me address Alex’s question about using LinkedIn for recommendations. I use LinkedIn, especially for coaching recommendations. I don’t know if it helps me get more clients, but I keep thinking it should 🙂 Just remember, a recommendation is not a reference. A recommendation does
Jurgen surprised me in a comment, when he said that only the worst employees provided references. He said he doesn’t check references. I was astonished. I check references each and every time I extend an offer. I check references for people who do work on our house. I check references for people we ask to
Recently, a colleague whom I know from my writings and speaking asked me for a reference. I’ve never seen him work and I explained I could not provide a reference. He was quite angry with me. In Choose Enough References, I suggest asking people who can explain the value of your work. Let me be
I found my first job with the help of an on-campus recruiter, and with a local Boston-area recruiter. I found my second job through the newspaper. I’ve found all my other jobs (all of them, including my consulting engagements) via my network, which does include recruiters. That’s about 25 years of jobs. Louise Fletcher has