What are some of the problems that arise in checking references furnished by job applicants?
86998
I've had to do a lot of this and it's amazing how many different kinds of problems there are. Here are some I've encountered.\n\n1. person cited as a reference doesn't know the applicant (how unbelieveable is that?)\n2. person who wrote the reference refuses to comment on what they have written saying, "I've already said all I had to say."\n3. Verbal reference by telephone is completely different and much more critical than the written reference.\n4. Addresses, phone numbers, job titles, etc. of reference are wrong or garbled so that contact can't be made.\n5. Person contacted about an applicant denies having written a reference.\n6. No one cited as a reference knows that the applicant has listed them as a reference to contact.\n7. Different references return wildly different perspectives on a candidate that contradict each other.\n8. A person cited as a reference clearly has issues with the applicant and has used the reference process to get even.\n9. Applicant is pathetic and people used as references are so eager to get rid of them that they give glowing references.\n10. Person contacted as a reference asks to be considered for the job for which they have written a reference for someone else.\n11. A pool of applicants get together and serve as references for each other.\n12. Persons contacted about an applicant use sexual, racial, cultural, or religious bias in their answers.\n13. Persons serving as references provide contradictory information when contacted by different members of the applicant review team.\n\nI could go on and on. Is there a solution? Probably not. People are as diverse as the jobs that are available to be filled. Working with humans and their individual quirks and bias is tricky, but really interesting. Nothing I can offer except learn from your experiences, trust your instincts, and keep a good sense of humor. People are frustrating and funny in equal measure.
783550
It's against the law for them to give any type of reference on your actual work habits.  The only thing they can verify is your Start / End dates with the company and your starting / ending salary information.\n\nTry having a friend calling to ask for a reference on you.  Tape the call from another line and contact a lawyer if they give your friend anything other that what is allowed.
868774
You should get a few quotes from local contracters, & make sure you check their refferences.
1187099
It depends what you are applying for.  If it is for credit, they will usually check databases to verify the information you give, but if it is for employment, especially for government or high profile jobs they will send letters, phone calls, etc.  to the names that you list and may ask questions of the person you list on the form.  I have been asked questions of someone applying for a high profile position of his employment with us and they also asked many personal questions about him.
468768
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820695
Help with application forms would be a good idea.  Questions are not always clearly set out or are so general that they can be difficult to answer.
767777
The standard resume line is now "References furnished upon request" centered at the bottom of the resume (sometimes italicized).  Don't waste precious space putting down names and contact info that you would be better filling in with your experience.\n\nHave a second sheet with three or so references if it is requested.  Then you also know that the company will probably really be checking them and you can let the references know to expect a call or letter.  Make the reference sheet on the same resume paper with the same letterhead.
844619
It is REALLY unlikely that an employer is going to check your credit history.  Even if they claim they have that right, or you give them that right when you fill out the application.\n\nThere are plenty of other ways to get screwed when trying to find a job, this one should probably be at the bottom of your list of things to worry about.\n\nGood luck.
351637
All the employer needs to do is call the reference to verify the validity of said reference.\n\nI am a manager, and I have fired two employees AFTER THEY WERE HIRED, because I found out they lied on their applications. One lied about her references (it took me a while, but I did find out they were all fabricated), and one lied about his education (I did not receive transcripts like he promised).\n\nDo not lie, because you will get caught (sooner or later) !!!
776944
Why do you think that?   The only way to know for sure is to ask the employer that didn't hire you, if he called the old employer for a reference and got a bad one.  If that's the case then you will have to leave that employer off your resume'.  That will also cause a problem because the new employer will want to know where you worked before.  Sorry  it's a bad situation.\n\nCappy,  you CANNOT file suit just because a former employer gives you a bad reference.  Maybe you were a bad employee.
655058
I am checking.\n\nOk I got it.\n\nProbably falls under the Postal Inspection Service.\n\nClick on the Employment section at the website below.
785343
I think it's fraud or intent to defraud.\n\nDefinitely bring a lawyer into the picture.  And whoever did your background check on these employees should be held accountable as well.  \n\nIf they had any contact with patients, there's definitely some type of law that covers that.  \n\nAs for the last guy, cut your losses and pay his last paycheck and be done with him.  I doubt he'll use you as a job reference.
718833
keep it simple, most of company ask their employees about how to solve a problem if you are in this situations...\nand the history of their company...\nyou better study the company background before you apply,,
624731
Too long (should be one page only)\n\nPutting information that is uninteresting to the prospective employer.\n\nNot highlighting (bold) interesting information\n\nLeaving out specific skills of interest, because you are following a template\n\nForgetting cover letter, forgetting to sign the cover letter, forgetting to include e-mail address or phone #
1103914
Yes you should worry! First of all, it WILL show up that way on a background check. Second of all you could lose the job for "nondisclosure" if you are hired for it. There is no way to clear the situation at all.
3572
You need to be more clear.\nDo you mean the Selective Service System?\nAre you looking for your employment history or someone else's?
332801
Employment references must come from your previous employers.  Personal references come from friends that you have known for at least one year.  In many states, lyning on an employment application is grounds for termination.