Looking for feedback on how to deal with a request for a job reference

[D1gger]

About a year ago, I was desperate to hire a new estimator and couldn't find a really qualified individual. I eventually had to settle on hiring someone who didn't seem quite right for the job, but I thought might have the potential.

We worked with this guy for nearly a year, trying to improve his knowledge, and more importantly his work ethic. We failed to get any substantive improvement and I finally had to admit failure and fire the guy.

Fast forward to yesterday and I get an email from a contractor in another town who I know reasonably well and respect. My ex-estimator has applied for a job as an estimator with him and has given me as a reference.

My dilema is that I do like my ex-employee as a person, and I'd rather not blackball him, but at the same time how do I not tell my fellow contractor and friend that he is likely making a mistake (this estimator actually cost me quite a lot of money with stupid mistakes).

The chicken way out is to not answer the email, as I will be heading out for two weeks holiday after today and hope it resolves itself while I am away, but I really don't like just avoiding the situtaion.

Cliffs

Nice but bad ex-employee used me as reference
Don't want to mislead next employer
Don't want to blackball ex-employee

 

[rivan]

I'd be honest with the other contractor, but not in writing or email.

People and lawyers have crazy ideas about what might make a lawsuit these days.

http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/money-and-legal/references

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Careful, as sometimes you are limited to what you can say.

Keep it short and simple. Says "He's illegible for rehire".

 

[SunnyD]

I had a manager who told me this:

"I only give references to two types of people: The first type are the ones that really deserve a good reference and belong in a better job. The second are the asshats I want to get out of my store as fast as possible."

I'm not joking either. He said this. I fell into the former category btw.

 

[BoomerD]

"Yes, John worked for me between July 1, 2009 and August 2010 in the position of estimator. I'm sorry, but our policy is to not give anymore information than that."

 

[NinjaTech]

I'd be honest with the other contractor, but not in writing or email.

People and lawyers have crazy ideas about what might make a lawsuit these days.

http://www.totaljobs.com/careers-advice/money-and-legal/references

I agree. You need to be honest with your friend. You wouldn't be a good friend if you did not let him know about this guy.

Your ex-employee should know never to give anyone as a reference unless you ask them first. This is just asking for a bad reference.

 

[kranky]

I would say, "I can't give you a reference on John." I think he could read between the lines of a statement like that. If you were ever challenged on it, just say it's your policy not to give references.

 

[D1gger]

Thanks for the thoughts. I think I'll respond with:

"John did work here from Jan 2009 to October 2009 and was a punctual and honest and well liked employee."

If my buddy asks a direct question regarding his job performance I'm not going to sidestep it, but tell him:

"John didn't have the necessary expertise for the position we had available for him, but he may be a better fit for your organization, you will have to be the judge of that"

I'm not worried about any claim for a lawsuit from "John" as his work performance (failures) with me is very well documented.

Who knows "John" may be a great employee if their estimating department works differently than mine, where I expect every estimator to be able to complete an entire project without intense supervision.

 

[LTC8K6]

"He's illegible for rehire".

lolhuhwut?

 

[BassBomb]

did he even ask to use you as a reference?

i would be honest to the contractor, since clearly a relationship with that guy is probably more important than your ex terrible employee

 

[D1gger]

did he even ask to use you as a reference?

i would be honest to the contractor, since clearly a relationship with that guy is probably more important than your ex terrible employee

That's one of the interesting points. He definitely did not ask, and if he had I would have been honest and told him he should find another reference.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

lolhuhwut?

freakin' spell check

 

[NetGuySC]

just state the facts.. you would not rehire the guy as an estimator

 

[BassBomb]

That's one of the interesting points. He definitely did not ask, and if he had I would have been honest and told him he should find another reference.

Considering he didnt ask, and left on poor terms, behonest to the guy that might hire him and tell him he is a poor choice