What’s the protocol for providing references when job searching? Are written references preferable, and when in the process do you offer references?
There was a time many years ago when a silly little line was commonplace at the bottom of resumes that read, “References available upon request”— which must have been a great relief to employers to know if they asked, they would get them!
Nowadays it’s a safe assumption, and usually the request is made at the end of the process when the employer is interested in making a job offer—sowait to be asked. The key to references is to speak with whomever you intend to list to make sure they’re willing to provide a reference and that they’re alerted and prepared ahead of time.
As for written references, unless you were an intern or worked in some capacity where it’s virtually impossible for a new employer to contact your previous employer, they carry little weight. Most employers will want to speak with at least one or two people directly.
My boss is a screamer. He never says anything really inappropriate, but he flies off the handle often. Isn’t the screaming by itself inappropriate? How would you handle such a situation?
Personally, I’d scream back, “WHY ARE YOU SCREAMING?” But as all good coaches say to their students, little grasshopper: Do as I say—not as I do. People in the workplace act the way they do because they’re allowed to. So if your boss is THE boss (and has no boss), there isn’t much you can do but deal with it, or leave. If you’ve worked with the person long enough and have a good relationship, you can try to findamoment to provide reverse mentoring.
But if your boss has a boss, and you work in a typical corporate environment where screaming isn’t the norm (unlike on a construction site or the stock exchange floor where it might be required!), if enough people complain, there’s a better chance his behavior will change.
Gregory Giangrande is a senior human resources officer in the media industry. Email your career questions to gotogreg@nypost.com. And follow Greg on Twitter: @greggiangrande.