AFSNews Careers Column December 1994

Careers

References, whether one writes them or requests them, are an important part of the job-search process. Career educators debate their significance when it comes to hiring decisions, but the fact remains that employers expect references.

When you are choosing people to serve as references for you, be sure that they are the ones who can best address your skills and can give specific examples of your accomplishments. Ask their permission before submitting their names as references. Be sure to send each of your references a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae (CV) and the job description or advertisement for each position you are pursuing. If you have blanket permission to use their names as references, let them know each time you do so. And perhaps most important, keep them informed of your progress and send them thank you notes for their efforts on your behalf.

If you are serving as a reference for someone, ask for the candidate's resume or CV and copies of the job announcements that he or she is responding to. Tailor your comments to your perception of the candidate's ability to be successful in the job. Give specific examples of the candidate's skills and accomplishments. Be sure that the information you share with potential employers is job related. Do not discuss the candidate's personal situation, and do not disclose information that might reveal the candidate's membership in a "protected class." (Federal law prohibits discrimination upon a variety of bases--age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran; some state and local laws are even more restrictive. A candidate's protected status under these laws should be a matter of confidentiality.) If you cannot in good conscience give a positive assessment of a candidate, you should refuse the request to serve as a reference.

If you would like more information about candidates' rights in the job-search process, I will be glad to send you a copy of a handout called "Know Your Rights."

If you have suggestions for future columns, please contact me at Career Services, Lucina Hall, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306 (tel: 765/285-2430; fax: 765/285-3757; e-mail: 00JPGOODWIN@BSUVC.BSU.EDU).

Joseph P. Goodwin Ball State University