Keep Your References From Becoming ANIMALS!

Hi, folks and welcome back to the Diner and have I got a message for YOU.

I am George Valentine, owner of the best Diner on the 'net - here to give you job hunters and counselors the perspective of the employer.  Like references!  You would think an applicant would treat them well, but by the time I call them many have turned into animals.  Here's how to avoid this happening to you.

First Up, the Owl!
Yesterday I got an applicant Willie Makit wanting a job at my diner.  First reference was Sadie Gen who quickly turned from a woman into an owl.  I mentioned Willie's name and she just kept saying "Whooooo, whooooo?" not recognizing his name.

It could have turned out better for Willie if he had tried to make Sadie feel like part of his success and keep her up-to-date on the job hunt.    He will get a job someday and Sadie could help him celebrate - but she's forgotten she is a reference and Willie has strike one.

Next up is a woman named Betty Kant and she turned into a sheepdog!  I mentioned that Will was hoping to work in a diner and I wondered if she thought it was a bad idea.  I asked if working here would be a good fit, she said "rough, rough".  After more thought about the fit, she said  "baaaad".

If Willie had talked with her of his experience and connected it with Betty to how his skills matched the work here at the diner, it may have worked but for now it is 'strike two'.

Fishy
Next reference looked encouraging, the Pepto Diner.  Quickly, the person I talked to there only mentioned date of hire and date of dismissal from the job then that person turned into a fish!  All that person said was "glub, glub, glub".  No information at all.

I appreciate that in the 21st century, there will be employers hesitant to say more than this fish talk.  Willie should know that for ever one of these references, I need a real person.  Call that one a foul ball, still strike two.

Now I come to a fellow named Noah Wei, a personal reference.  When I called and asked about Willie's customer service or social skills, Noah turned into a goat!  Every question was met with a "nahhhhh".  Noah was angry with Willie ever since he asked Noah to "use him as a reference".  In short, Noah felt just that way, used.  

If only Willie had shown appreciation for his friend helping by taking an unannounced call from a stranger - that is what a reference does after all.  Take that as a lesson and show appreciation and don't strike out.

Now I have to go, I am all set to bring my grandson to the zoo to meet some real animals.   In the meantime, take my advice and keep your references connected, focused and appreciated.