Help with upcoming interview... againOk, this is still concerning the same big interview I was freaking out about earlier. One of my references has very recently given birth. She is my only reference from my second to last employer. Even though she did not specifically tell me she would not be able to take calls from prospective employers after she gives birth, I'm guessing that providing me with a reference is the last thing on her mind at the moment. The company has a no reference policy and all such calls have to go through HR, so I can't get anyone else from there (she no longer works there, which is why she is able to act as my reference). What should I do? Option A. I can still provide her contact information, but let them know that she may not be able to talk to them because of a personal circumstance that requires most of her time at the moment and that they should feel free to contact company HR in the mean time. or Option B. Not mention her at all and just provide the phone number for HR with a short note explaining that as per company policy, employees are forbidden to provide references for former employees. On one hand, I am not going to be a jerk and demand that she put a screaming newborn on hold and talk to my prospective employers (not that she would). If I have to provide her number, I'm going to make sure they are not surprised if she can't talk to them. On the other hand, I don't want to raise a red flag by providing no reference at all aside from HR (I worked for that company for 15 months). I am REALLY leaning towards option B. Will that hurt my chances? If you think about it, many companies will not provide references, so it shouldn't be that big a deal. What do you think? I don't know what the "right" answer is, but I would give them both references, and be honest & say that reference A may or may not be able to speak with them, due to her having a newborn. Depending on how "recently" she gave birth, she may not mind taking a call. But I would also give her a heads up, say you did list her but also made it clear she may not be in a position to talk with them. That's what I would do, but whether it's the "proper" thing to do in this circumstance, I don't know. And, of course, let them know what the policy is for reference B.
Good luck! The correct answer is none of the above. Contact your friend, ask if she minds being a reference, then provide her information. I don't know a lot of new mothers who will put a screaming infant down to answer a phone call. That's what screening your calls is for. There's no reason to say that she might not be available. She'll answer or return the call when she's got time.
Tess How bad is it if I just list HR? By "recently", I mean this past weekend. I just can't imagine this conversation "Hi, congrats on the new baby! Listen, does this change anything as far as you being my reference?" Am I really in deep trouble if I list HR? I do have references from my most recent job. What do people who are not friends with a former co-worker no longer with the company do in this situation? It must happen all the time since more and more companies have this policy. Is having someone who has worked with you and can give you good reference just an opportunity to boost your chances, or can a candidate actually be disqualified for not having references due to company policy?
Do what Tess said. If this lady is willing to take or return the call (and remember, newborns don't cry 24 hours a day... just seems that way), use her name. If she can't/won't, just explain to the interviewer that your reference from that company just had a baby and is not in a position to accept calls and offer HR's number.
I wouldn't disqualify you based on not providing references from that job because of company policy. However, you are right that having that reference can be an extra boost. IMO, you should leave her as a reference, but specify that she may not be in a position to talk because she has just given birth. Also, let them know that, unfortunately, the only other people they can contact at your former place of work is HR. If you are going to provide a "maybe" reference from that company, they should know why (i.e. couldn't get anyone else due to company policy). I disagree with Tess regarding putting her in without explaining the situation. She may want to be nice and tell you it's ok for them to call, but then be forced to end the call abruptly once the baby starts crying, or it may take her a very long time to return the call. I would explain the situation first. The reason I would leave her in even though she may not be able to talk is because some employers don't actually bother to contact your handpicked references precisely because they are handpicked. Many such employers will still have you list your references because not having any reference from any place you've ever worked is a red flag and, if nothing else, says something about your interpersonal skills and ability to form connections. You mentioned that you have other references from other jobs, so it shouldn't be a huge deal. Having her there will just look better than not having her there, that's all.
If she has just given birth 3 days ago, I'm guessing now may not be the best time to call her up to discuss the possibility of her continuing to act as your reference and go over what she is going to say if contacted for this particular position. My advice, list her, but let the employer know that there is a chance she may not be in a position to talk to them. Let her know that you listed her, but that you have made it clear that she may not be able to talk to them. For all you know, the hiring process may take 2 months and by the time they actually call her (if they call at all), things will calm down a little. And, if something goes wrong, like she can't return the phone call in their time frame or has to end the call to attend to the baby, at least they've been warned. Since your former employer does not provide references and she is your only reference from that place, there isn't really anything else you can do.
Ok, here's my 2 cents for whatever it's worth.... I would just list her as a reference and explain the situation. She already gave you the ok to list her, so if she can't get to thephone, she will call back when it is convenient. They don't cryall the time. Good Luck. | |
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