Job reference: What to do?

[muffins78]

Hi, I've just seen this and I'm almost certain you can't give out sick days. When I was moving jobs, I told my new employer that I was sick for an extended period of time in the recruitment process. When I was speaking to my then current manager, she told me that they couldn't disclose sick days on refs, can't remember why.

In my line of work and it has been the case with my three previous employers, they have a standard reference which confirms the position of the individual, and their start and end dates. Nothing more than that.

The reason been is if the information outside the hard facts is incorrect or becomes incorrect, the company who gave the reference could be liable (or something)! These companies are big names, so they will know why they are doing, what they are doing! I hope this helps!!

[Earl Aelfheah]

muffins78 Wrote:

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> In my line of work and it has been the case with

> my three previous employers, they have a standard

> reference which confirms the position of the

> individual, and their start and end dates.

> Nothing more than that.

>

> The reason been is if the information outside the

> hard facts is incorrect or becomes incorrect, the

> company who gave the reference could be liable (or

> something)! These companies are big names, so

> they will know why they are doing, what they are

> doing! I hope this helps!!

It does depend on the industry. If it's standard practice to give a basic reference then fine. In sectors where a very basic reference is unusual, it could in itself be viewed as 'negative'. Honestly the best thing is just to make sure that what you say is factual and can be objectively justified.

[JohnL]

rahrahrah Wrote:

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> It's not illegal to give a negative reference, as

> long as it's factual

But you open yourself up to a challenge from the person being

given the reference by saying anything.

So I understand employers not wanting to risk it.

If your employers references are basic though - new employers

are going to want somebody who can vouch for your character.