Writing a reference

[RedDragon]

This is my first year as supervisor so have never had to write a reference before My deputy has applied for another post nearer to home .Do I keep it all positive or mention her weaker points too?

[Panders]

Have you been contacted yet by the proposed new employers? They may have their own format for you to fill in which can be of help. I try to be as positive as I can or if I need to say something less positive I try to be as diplomatic as possible.

[narnia]

Similar dilemma here; a parent has given my name as a referee for a job working with severely disabled adults., but she didn't ask me, nor do I know if she is suitable for the job!

[Guest]

It is important to be completely honest. Contrary to popular belief, you can give a 'bad' reference as long as it is honest and correct. Some people deserve an excellent reference and I certainly have provided these. I would mainly concentrate on positive things unless there is something you think the new employer should be aware of. I always struggle with the 'would you re-employ' question. I feel bad putting 'no' but sometimes that is my honest opinion. If you are uncomfortable with giving the reference, just stick to facts - dates of employment, responsibilties etc...

[Inge]

I was always honest when giving a reference..

I tended to look at it as if I was the employer asking for the reference and would I want the truth or maybe employ someone with a glowing reference that was not good at the job..

I always remember one I gave where a member of staff walked out mid session because of a disagreement in practice.. as manager I said no to her, so she stormed out.. never to return.. and then had the cheek to put me as a referee for a job... needless to say they were told of her unprofessional conduct.. no idea if she ever found out or got a job.. but was never asked for reference again!

I know of some early years companies who refuse to give a reference as it is not their policy to do so.. it is an option.. you do not have to reply.. if in real difficulty but wanting to reply.. I used to say yes they had been employed from/ to and that was it..

[Guest Spiral]

Honesty is the best policy, I've attached the form I use.

 

Certainly, if the questions aren't asked clearly, you can't answer them as you won't know what they want.

 

Hope that makes sense,

 

Spiral :-)

[Guest Spiral]

here it is again..didn't load! sorry x

Reference req 2014.doc

[RedDragon]

Thanks so much Spiral x

[thumperrabbit]

here it is again..didn't load! sorry x

That's really useful, thanks for sharing :1b

[Wildflowers]

A long time ago I was sent a form from a primary school and was honest. I wasn't aware of the applicant's right to read what I had written and felt very uncomfortable. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

[finleysmaid]

if you are going to say something a bit 'bad' i would suggest you always have evidence (appraisals/supervisions etc...otherwise if you are ubcomfortable do not fill in that section!)

[Mouseketeer]

Depends if you want her to stay or go ;-p

 

But seriously I am honest, especially with the yes or no to re-employing, that says it all really, but can be very difficult knowing it can be seen by person.

[Wildflowers]

Why is it written in reference request letters that the information will be treated confidentially when the applicant has the right to read anything? (I had spoken with the member of staff and put my reasons in writing.)

Edited March 26, 2014 by Wildflowers

[catma]

I wouldn't write a reference if the person hadn't had the courtesy to ask me first nor did I write them after 2 years.

cx

[diesel10]

If she has negatives. Why not write her a reference so help her move on......Write the negatives in a neutral way.

 

ie Mary regularly arrive on time.

[SazzJ]

I was very worried about what a past employer would write about me. They had no reason too, I was always on time, took extra shifts etc at drop of a hat etc but I disagreed with a lot of bad practice, mainly ratios and I always spoke up.

 

I was leaving and had given 6 weeks notice, 2 were holidays then I was to return for 4 weeks. She handed me my notice as I left for my holidays

With no warning at all. I was devastated and others were shocked too that she had treated me this way. I was honest with any job saying what had happened and one fed back to say that it was actually a good reference.

 

Honesty is best

[Guest]

When writing ref. it's more about what you don't say . When reading a ref you can tell by what's not said, so I don't write any derogatory notes. If they left for a disciplinary reason I would mention.

[Guest Spiral]

Go to;

www.gov.uk/work-reference

 

 

It spell out your legal rights and the law.

Just be careful. I always phone them if there is a comment in a reference I'm not sure about.

 

Spiral :-)

[RedDragon]

Thank you everybody,I wrote the reference which was good only had a few hours to write it as it was demanded and then the person told my colleague she didn't get the job because of my bland reference,can't win!!!!

[SazzJ]

Would never respond to a demanded one? Surely it's common courtesy even for the Employer to ask do you mind supplying one

[finleysmaid]

Would never respond to a demanded one? Surely it's common courtesy even for the Employer to ask do you mind supplying one

i once had a head teacher ring me 3 days after asking for one shouting at me to get it done as i was holding up her recruiting system! (she didn't get the response she was expecting i'm afraid!) :blink:

[SazzJ]

How rude Finleysmaid!

 

Yes it forms part of recruitment but not be all and end all! She would have gotten same response from me lol

Edited April 1, 2014 by SazzJ

[RedDragon]

This was a head too interesting!!

[finleysmaid]

This was a head too interesting!!

humm yes interesting...she seemed to think i had a huge admin team behind me who could get this done asap...when i pointed out it was only me she was less than impressed!