Michael Sylvester wrote:
> would like to get some opinion on this. Say you have listed 5 references
> on your resume' and that you would like to test what type of information
> they would give to potential employers,so you decide to conduct a test.
> You have someone call them up and pretend that he/she is a Chairman
> of a Department interested in hiring you and that this person is
> interested in the references' opinions about you.
> Based on the info received,you decide to drop one or two of the references
> from your resume' because of negativity.
> Is it ok to put refences to such a test?
No. What will happen is that - once they find out - nobody will agree to
be a reference for you. It is better to put on the reference list only those
people you are certain will support you. Accomplish this by (1) only put on
people you have worked closely with (2) ask them if they will support you. By
"support" I mean honest support. It's OK for a reference to discuss your
strengths and weaknesses vis-a-vis the position. In fact, comments from
references that are sweeping generalizations - all glowing - are not good.
People who offer jobs want a good fit. So does the applicant. We don't do
anybody a favor by praising them so much they get a position unfit for them.
--
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John W. Kulig [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Department of Psychology http://oz.plymouth.edu/~kulig
Plymouth State College tel: (603) 535-2468
Plymouth NH USA 03264 fax: (603) 535-2412
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"The only rational way of educating is to be an example - if
one can't help it, a warning example." A. Einstein, 1934.
