Millhouse

in which jurisdiction? As far as I know, it's not illegal anywhere - you just open yourself up to being sued.

Many places these days will not given reference anyway - just simply confirm dates of employment and maybe answer the question 'would you employ this person again?'

kittycat1

I always was told its illegal but actually just think its bad etiquette. But surely you would secure someone as a referee before you put their details down? I've been asked before and said no to being a referee when I knew I couldn't write a positive thing about them other than they were punctual. I always think its the things you dont say that is more telling in a reference than whats written in one.

scrubbedexpat141

I do bucket loads of referencing and you'd be amazed the things people say, and how asking a sensible question will get you a different answer. eg;

"Is he a good PM?"
"Yeah"

OR

"Can he run this AED500m highways job as number one, it's been designed (mostly) and is on site next week, can he get it finished on time/budget, keep the client happy and act as the standalone numero uno?"
"No ****ing chance"

weasel decentral

references are a waste of time, I always give the most glowing reports for the worst guys. Get them quickly employed somewhere else and ****ing up someone else's company.

The Dean

Quite.............

In any case, if he/she wants to move on (and won't be undermining your own company), why deny him/her the opportunity?

mikewot

-When she opens her mouth, it seems that this is only to change whichever foot was previously in there.

- He has carried out each and every one of his duties to his entire satisfaction.

- He would be out of his depth in a car park puddle.

- Technically sound, but socially impossible.

- This man reminds me very much of a gyroscope always spinning around at a frantic pace, but not really going anywhere.

- This young lady has delusions of adequacy.

- When he joined my company, this man was something of a granny; since then he has aged considerably.

- Since my last report he has reached rock bottom, and has started to dig.

- She sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.

- He has the wisdom of youth, and the energy of old age.

- This man should go far - and the sooner he starts, the better.

- Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap

- This man is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.

- This man is so dense he bends light.

weasel decentral

Accurate description of 50% of my co-workers

Bahtatboy

No it's not. The problem is that it leaves your employer open to an action for libel if you day something derogatory which you can't substantiate, or--equally--something good which you can't substantiate (and a future employer uses that as a basis on which to employ). That's why nearly all employers will now only confirm the simple facts: duration of employment and position.

Millhouse

I couldn't agree more

Paracletus

Its about being honest I found out..had a job interview on Tuesday, came away with superb marks..Being able to tell them in humility you are grumpy in the morning, or say yes, or whatever just proves you have a bit of personal insight..They're just looking for someone with a decent social intelligence.

The Dean

'... with superb 'marks'...'?

How do you know? Did they tell you? What sort of 'marks'?

norsk

footprints on his arse probably...

norsk

Still in Norway or moving already?

Bahtatboy

Actually I think it's a valid question, and I use it in interviews. But all it does is identify those who have no ability to reflect on themselves: I don't want to work with people like that (unfortunately I do but I didn't recruit them). With respect to those who come up with something plausible and sensible, it's nigh-on impossible to know if they're being honest or sophisticated, but at least they understand the concept.