INTRODUCTION:
A job seeker asked, “Why won’t Human Resources not let my former manager give an employment reference for me to my potential new employer?”
TYPES OF REFERENCES:
Before we get into why many employers allow only HR to provide professional references, let’s look at the different types of references.
Though you may not realize it, many employers do not check new hires’ references. But, if your new employer is one that does, they will generally ask for one of two types of references from your current or former employer. They are professional references and personal or character references.
Employers are not naïve. They know that you don’t want anything to stand in the way of your new job. So, you won’t knowingly name a reference who will speak negatively of you. That is why some don’t bother to check references. Regardless, those who take the time to check references still want to do their part to ensure a smart hiring choice. Also, those who check references typically don’t extend an offer to you until after checking your references.
A professional reference is just what the name suggests. It is a reference from someone who has a first-hand knowledge of your work. That includes your work habits, your workplace behavior, and/or, the quality of your work. So, naturally, your new employer would welcome a reference from your current manager. This is the type of reference that human resources provides to potential employers.
A personal reference, aka character reference can come from anyone who knows you personally. They can speak about your integrity, not only in work, but in every day life, too. They know how your spend your time away from work. They know how you spend your free time. They may have also known you for a longer period of time that your manager. So, they also likely know who are the important people in your life and how you treat other people outside of work.
Federal government and law enforcement jobs typically require a combination of the professional and character/personal references.
IN CONCLUSION:
The references that your current and former employers give to other employers about you can help or hurt your chances of getting hired. During your job search, professional references usually carry more weight than personal references. So, never burn bridges. Always carry yourself in a professional manner. Maintain healthy professional relationships with former managers and colleagues. And never speak negatively about a former job during your job search.
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