Ask HN: What is the point of asking for references while making an job offer? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: What is the point of asking for references while making an job offer?

#11

Post by trcollinson » Tue, Apr 28, 2015, 7:19 PM UTC

It's actually relatively funny but, half a dozen times at least, I have been asked to be a reference for an individual who I have flat out told I would not be a good reference for. They put me down anyway and I answer the interviewers questions honestly and respectfully. I do believe in every case the person was not given the job after the interviewer spoke with me. I have also called other peoples references and had them not go well. So I guess, on occasion, references are not cherry picked to be perfect.

Funny side note, one individual has used me many times over many years as a reference and has received the same feedback each time. I have even told him in person and in writing not to use me as a reference. Some people just don't learn.

Re: Ask HN: What is the point of asking for references while making an job offer?

#12

Post by JSeymourATL » Tue, Apr 28, 2015, 8:43 PM UTC

> What is the point?

Social proof, peers and superiors who can vouch if you're the real deal. Also, it provides additional insight into your skills-- how you think and act.

Question: If we were going to create an executive development path for this individual. What areas could they work on? What strengths could be bolstered?

Re: Ask HN: What is the point of asking for references while making an job offer?

#13

Post by sjg007 » Tue, Apr 28, 2015, 9:59 PM UTC

gesman wrote: post #10

Same reason why you'd ask your new babysitter to provide references. These of course could be fabricated but gives you an extra peace of mind. And then of course you may actually call and speak to these people.

What is interesting is that most high end babysitters and nannies go through agencies as well as references.

Re: Ask HN: What is the point of asking for references while making an job offer?

#14

Post by chrisBob » Thu, Apr 30, 2015, 12:39 PM UTC

References are also very cultural, so you should be careful. Chinese references tend to be of very little value. They are full of useless praise along the lines of "He comes from an excellent family".

My wife's current boss (Professor) has an interesting technique. If he has a good postdoc, and wants them to get a faculty job, he writes a reference letter and starts it with something along the lines of "You should not hire this person, and here is why: ". If nothing else it makes sure someone reads the letter, and he has a very high rate of success this way. Roughly 75% of his postdocs get hired for faculty positions in a field where less than 15% of postdocs go on to get academic jobs.