If you’ve agreed to provide a reference, you’ll need to gather some basic information. A lukewarm reference will do more harm than good and employers will sense your hesitation. In this case, it’s in the candidate’s best interest for you to turn down the request. If you feel uneasy giving a reference, say so. Then let the candidate decide whether to include you as a reference. Talk to the candidate about what you feel comfortable discussing with potential employers. But he or she may have made some positive changes since you last worked together. You may hesitate because the candidate’s performance was uneven in some areas. If you’re unsure about giving a reference, discuss your concerns with the candidate. Avoid examples that highlight a candidate’s weaknesses.For example, “While he worked on project X…” or “As a member of the X team…” For example, “When X managed this task, her work was outstanding.” For example, “It was our experience…” or “In this situation…” This way you can decide what details are relevant. Make sure the candidate gives you a job description.

Your comments should relate to the job the candidate is applying for.

Avoid opinions about issues such as personal conflicts. If you agree to provide a reference, follow these tips: Under PIPA, you can provide the reference, but you must inform a current employee of your intent to do so.įor more information, contact your human resources staff or visit PIPA. However, an employer could contact you about a current or former employee who hasn’t asked you for a reference. When you’re asked for a reference, the candidate expects you to share his or her employment information. The information must be about the work relationship. You can share employment information for current or former employees without consent when it’s reasonable to do so-for example, during a recruitment process. It describes how workplaces should handle customer and employee personal information. Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA): Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) came into effect on January 1, 2004. If you’re asked for a reference that raises legal issues, check with human resources or consult a lawyer. Others will include information from a performance review that the employee has endorsed. Some will only provide employment dates, position and salary details. An employer who hires someone because of your good reference, especially if your reference fails to mention any safety concerns raised by the employee’s conduct on the jobīecause of legal concerns, many companies have guidelines for giving references.A fired employee, when a negative or a basic minimum reference makes it difficult for the employee to find another job.Liability: In Canada, employers who provide misleading references may be liable for damages to: The following information does not take the place of legal advice. But be aware of the possible legal implications before you agree. If you respect the candidate’s abilities and would recommend them for the job, you may not hesitate to give a reference. These samples may help you write your reference letters: You may want to provide a reference letter if you’re retiring or if you or the job seeker have moved.

But some candidates may request a letter of reference or recommendation. Most employers ask for references by phone. It may also refer to tasks the job seeker has performed in the community or at school. A character reference describes personal traits and attitudes. You might be an elder, teacher, neighbour or the person’s volunteer, community or religious leader. Someone you know outside your workplace might ask for a character or personal reference. It may also refer to the candidate’s character, especially in the area of work ethics and attitudes. It often includes their job title and description, their employment period and details of skills, experience and achievements. Most job seekers will ask for one of two types of references.Ĭurrent or former employees or co-workers will usually ask for an employment or performance reference. Use these questions and ideas to help you provide an effective and appropriate reference. A co-worker, customer, client, or even your supervisor could ask you for a reference. If you’re an employer, supervisor, or instructor, you can expect students or employees to request one from you. Good references are vital to a job seeker’s success. You may be asked to provide a reference at some point in your career.

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