REFERENCES CANNOT ALWAYS BE TRUSTED BY
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
'Dull, but reliable, will make a good parent' - so said a head teacher's reference which I was once sent for a school-leaver.{{U}} (0) H{{/U}}

Most references are unreliable, although recruiters usually ask for them. Few ask for character references today, as these have proved useless.{{U}} (9) {{/U}}However, these cannot always be trusted. A few may be biased.{{U}} (10) {{/U}}This can also occur if there has been friction between boss and subordinate over personal or business matters.

On the other hand, there can also be positive bias. An employer who wants to get rid of someone may fail to mention any relevant failings or even give a glowing report to help the individual go quickly.{{U}} (11) {{/U}}But if they do, the law in Britain says they owe a duty of care to both the employer to whom it is supplied and to the individual to whom it refers.

Most written references are unreliable because they are not specific enough. So how do you, and a potential employer, ensure that any reference given on your behalf is genuinely helpful?{{U}} (12) {{/U}}Employers normally expect two: one, your immediate superior in your current or most recent job; the other, your boss in the post before, so long as it was in the last five years or so. For a senior post, more may be required.

For their part, no prospective employer should approach your current employer until you have an offer 'subject to references' and you have given permission.{{U}} (13) {{/U}}

Once you get the offer, and before giving permission to make contact, tell your boss and explain that the prospective employer will be asking for a reference. Do this face-to-face and during the meeting describe the job for which you have applied. If you can provide a job description or the relevant job advertisements, even better.{{U}} (14) {{/U}}

Even if your referee does express some doubts about your fitness for the post, don't worry, employers often prefer to back their own judgement.
A. It would also be wrong for anyone to contact your penultimate firm before then because word may reach your current employer on the grapevine.
B. In fact, employers do not have to give references at all.
C. These might include your boss's immediate senior and someone at the same level as your boss who is familiar with your work.
D. Your boss can then match the reference needs to the needs of the job.
E. What they seek are references from previous employers.
F. Some managers think it an act of disloyalty if an employee applies for a job elsewhere and will give poor references or only weak praise.
G. Firstly, as an employee, make sure you choose the right referees.
H. It amused me at the time, but said more about the referee than the candidate.