Would you put someone down as a reference.....

[It's A Happy Day]

Without telling them?

If you were applying for a job and were going to list a co-worker or personal friend as a reference, would you let them know that they are listed as a reference?

Just wondering...personally I would inform them just in case my future employer decided to contact any of them. Then they wouldn't be caught off guard and sound like they didn't know what to say in response to any questions.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Never.

But see, I'm clever.

I would call the reference and let them know I was looking/applying and use it as a networking tool. Then I'd ASK them if I may use them as a reference. You never know. If they know you enough for you to want to use as a reference, they might have a lead on something for you.

 

[Scornelius]

No, never. And I would be irked if I got a call for a reference without being warned it might happen. As an assistant manager I do a lot of references for former employees, because our manager is a harpy. I'm usually more than happy to give them, but I tell all my employees I want some notice so I'm not caught off guard.

 

[babytrees]

I asked all of my references if I could use them while looking for work. I have a revolving list of about 10....some are better for some jobs I am applying for than others (co-workers vs. volunteers that were in my charge vs. people I've worked with in a volunteer capacity ).

I would never knowingly use a reference that wasn't informed first. I do have one that doesn't seem to be answering my phone calls so I will take her off the list until I figure out what's going on.

 

[declansdad]

Never use a reference without telling them first.

 

[Evil Genius]

I've allways contacted my references before using them. It's a good way to make sure you have correct phone numbers, emails, etc and lets them know to expect a call.

 

[barkley]

it's advisable to ask first because as much as they would like to, they may be unable to provide a reference.

dh and i both were with government agencies that absolutly prohibited giving references. the only thing i could do as a supervisor was refer whomever was calling to human resources and then all they would do is verify if the person had worked there, what their final classification title was, their final salary and if they designated as 'eligible for rehire' (which did'nt mean squat-we had far too many people who were on track to get fired for horrendous stuff but quit so they were technicaly still eligible for re-hiring. had a co-worker who embezzeled hundreds of thousands and he still managed to get re-hired, just in a job where he had no access to public funds ). if i was found as a supervisor to have given any references it was a basis for termination.

ask first.

 

[Angelhalo]

I've never needed to ask because anywhere I've ever left my managers have always said "Feel free to use me as a reference" So I do.

 

[declansdad]

I've never needed to ask because anywhere I've ever left my managers have always said "Feel free to use me as a reference" So I do.

It would still be nice to give them a heads up when you do.