What to do when my reference-givers ask me what should they write in references?

The name of the pictureThe name of the pictureThe name of the pictureClash Royale CLAN TAG#URR8PPP





.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty margin-bottom:0;







up vote
2
down vote

favorite












My new boss wants references from previous jobs. So I asked my ex-bosses to write me them. And 2 of 3 of them asked me how do I want it to be written and what do I want from them to include there.



Should I ask my new boss what do he wants in the references or this should be left for my ex-bosses to figure out or should I tell them what I want? (after all it's not me who wants those references)



I never needed references and I've never seen any so I completely don't know anything about "industry standard".







share|improve this question















  • 1




    Very often people will want you to write your own reference letter, and only sign it. This has happened to me very often (Canada). In this situation simply tell them that they should address punctuality, work quality, dedication, ability to think on your feet (aka learn and improvise), etc. Save copies in case your next boss wants these as well.
    – AndreiROM
    Jul 6 '16 at 21:33










  • "My new boss wants references" Are you sure they want written ones? Because reference letters have gone the way of the dinosaurs in most locations and industries.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:37










  • I'm sure they want written (I have it written in my contract that they want written references)... and this is why I don't know anything about them - 7 years in the field and never asked for. The question is: maybe I should ask them if just contact to reference-giver is enough, but this is off topic here.
    – Marian Paździoch
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:54










  • @MarianPaździoch Your contract? Have you already been hired for this position? Or is this an offer conditional on a positive reference check? Of course if it's the latter the hiring manager should be contacting references not asking for letters but I've seen stranger quirks.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 8:49
















up vote
2
down vote

favorite












My new boss wants references from previous jobs. So I asked my ex-bosses to write me them. And 2 of 3 of them asked me how do I want it to be written and what do I want from them to include there.



Should I ask my new boss what do he wants in the references or this should be left for my ex-bosses to figure out or should I tell them what I want? (after all it's not me who wants those references)



I never needed references and I've never seen any so I completely don't know anything about "industry standard".







share|improve this question















  • 1




    Very often people will want you to write your own reference letter, and only sign it. This has happened to me very often (Canada). In this situation simply tell them that they should address punctuality, work quality, dedication, ability to think on your feet (aka learn and improvise), etc. Save copies in case your next boss wants these as well.
    – AndreiROM
    Jul 6 '16 at 21:33










  • "My new boss wants references" Are you sure they want written ones? Because reference letters have gone the way of the dinosaurs in most locations and industries.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:37










  • I'm sure they want written (I have it written in my contract that they want written references)... and this is why I don't know anything about them - 7 years in the field and never asked for. The question is: maybe I should ask them if just contact to reference-giver is enough, but this is off topic here.
    – Marian Paździoch
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:54










  • @MarianPaździoch Your contract? Have you already been hired for this position? Or is this an offer conditional on a positive reference check? Of course if it's the latter the hiring manager should be contacting references not asking for letters but I've seen stranger quirks.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 8:49












up vote
2
down vote

favorite









up vote
2
down vote

favorite











My new boss wants references from previous jobs. So I asked my ex-bosses to write me them. And 2 of 3 of them asked me how do I want it to be written and what do I want from them to include there.



Should I ask my new boss what do he wants in the references or this should be left for my ex-bosses to figure out or should I tell them what I want? (after all it's not me who wants those references)



I never needed references and I've never seen any so I completely don't know anything about "industry standard".







share|improve this question











My new boss wants references from previous jobs. So I asked my ex-bosses to write me them. And 2 of 3 of them asked me how do I want it to be written and what do I want from them to include there.



Should I ask my new boss what do he wants in the references or this should be left for my ex-bosses to figure out or should I tell them what I want? (after all it's not me who wants those references)



I never needed references and I've never seen any so I completely don't know anything about "industry standard".









share|improve this question










share|improve this question




share|improve this question









asked Jul 6 '16 at 21:25









Marian Paździoch

9193813




9193813







  • 1




    Very often people will want you to write your own reference letter, and only sign it. This has happened to me very often (Canada). In this situation simply tell them that they should address punctuality, work quality, dedication, ability to think on your feet (aka learn and improvise), etc. Save copies in case your next boss wants these as well.
    – AndreiROM
    Jul 6 '16 at 21:33










  • "My new boss wants references" Are you sure they want written ones? Because reference letters have gone the way of the dinosaurs in most locations and industries.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:37










  • I'm sure they want written (I have it written in my contract that they want written references)... and this is why I don't know anything about them - 7 years in the field and never asked for. The question is: maybe I should ask them if just contact to reference-giver is enough, but this is off topic here.
    – Marian Paździoch
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:54










  • @MarianPaździoch Your contract? Have you already been hired for this position? Or is this an offer conditional on a positive reference check? Of course if it's the latter the hiring manager should be contacting references not asking for letters but I've seen stranger quirks.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 8:49












  • 1




    Very often people will want you to write your own reference letter, and only sign it. This has happened to me very often (Canada). In this situation simply tell them that they should address punctuality, work quality, dedication, ability to think on your feet (aka learn and improvise), etc. Save copies in case your next boss wants these as well.
    – AndreiROM
    Jul 6 '16 at 21:33










  • "My new boss wants references" Are you sure they want written ones? Because reference letters have gone the way of the dinosaurs in most locations and industries.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:37










  • I'm sure they want written (I have it written in my contract that they want written references)... and this is why I don't know anything about them - 7 years in the field and never asked for. The question is: maybe I should ask them if just contact to reference-giver is enough, but this is off topic here.
    – Marian Paździoch
    Jul 7 '16 at 7:54










  • @MarianPaździoch Your contract? Have you already been hired for this position? Or is this an offer conditional on a positive reference check? Of course if it's the latter the hiring manager should be contacting references not asking for letters but I've seen stranger quirks.
    – Lilienthal♦
    Jul 7 '16 at 8:49







1




1




Very often people will want you to write your own reference letter, and only sign it. This has happened to me very often (Canada). In this situation simply tell them that they should address punctuality, work quality, dedication, ability to think on your feet (aka learn and improvise), etc. Save copies in case your next boss wants these as well.
– AndreiROM
Jul 6 '16 at 21:33




Very often people will want you to write your own reference letter, and only sign it. This has happened to me very often (Canada). In this situation simply tell them that they should address punctuality, work quality, dedication, ability to think on your feet (aka learn and improvise), etc. Save copies in case your next boss wants these as well.
– AndreiROM
Jul 6 '16 at 21:33












"My new boss wants references" Are you sure they want written ones? Because reference letters have gone the way of the dinosaurs in most locations and industries.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 7 '16 at 7:37




"My new boss wants references" Are you sure they want written ones? Because reference letters have gone the way of the dinosaurs in most locations and industries.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 7 '16 at 7:37












I'm sure they want written (I have it written in my contract that they want written references)... and this is why I don't know anything about them - 7 years in the field and never asked for. The question is: maybe I should ask them if just contact to reference-giver is enough, but this is off topic here.
– Marian Paździoch
Jul 7 '16 at 7:54




I'm sure they want written (I have it written in my contract that they want written references)... and this is why I don't know anything about them - 7 years in the field and never asked for. The question is: maybe I should ask them if just contact to reference-giver is enough, but this is off topic here.
– Marian Paździoch
Jul 7 '16 at 7:54












@MarianPaździoch Your contract? Have you already been hired for this position? Or is this an offer conditional on a positive reference check? Of course if it's the latter the hiring manager should be contacting references not asking for letters but I've seen stranger quirks.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 7 '16 at 8:49




@MarianPaździoch Your contract? Have you already been hired for this position? Or is this an offer conditional on a positive reference check? Of course if it's the latter the hiring manager should be contacting references not asking for letters but I've seen stranger quirks.
– Lilienthal♦
Jul 7 '16 at 8:49










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
3
down vote













Short answer: You ask them to write what you did (outlined in your CV), with emphasis on what is relevant for the new job.



You don't have to ask your new employer, they'll probably be scratching their heads at such an odd request.



Simply, ask your old bosses to talk about the skills and experiences you had in that job that are relevant to the new job. The best way to know what to ask is to look at your CV, and make sure that what you put in there for that position is covered in the reference from the employer for that position.



Your new employer just wants to make sure that you have done (well) what you said you have done and where you said you did it :) So look at your CV, see what you said, and think about the kinds of questions you were asked in the interview process. Cover those off and you're fine :)






share|improve this answer




























    up vote
    1
    down vote













    You definitely shouldn't ask your new boss what he wants. He wants to know what your old bosses thought of you.



    If your old bosses are asking you, then this is a good thing: you have the opportunity to consider what made you shine in your previous role. Your old bosses aren't going to put in anything they don't agree with, but they're putting the job of thinking back onto you.



    Consider what you did well - what changes did you bring to the company that are still around now? What did people thank you for and compliment you on the most? What do you think you brought to your previous role?



    Tell your previous bosses this, and providing they agree, you'll end up with an excellently specific reference that is probably better than what they would have written on their own :)



    (I've even had a boss ask me to write the reference myself before, and have them sign it!)






    share|improve this answer




























      up vote
      1
      down vote













      They just don't want to spend a lot of time on it. Nor focus on stuff not important. Give more than they will need.



      Marian worked on the follow:



      Project: asdlkfja

      Role: alsdjflasd

      Performance: met expectation



      .... 


      Served on the following teams:



      Team: Get back the grape soda

      Role: taste tester



      Regular duties



      ... you get the picture 


      Strengths

      - solid team contributor and can step in lead role as required

      - organized



      Weakness



      - show contempt to management - just kidding





      share|improve this answer





















      • I think that is true, but more importantly they don't want to be accused of sabotaging OP's new job. Basically this task is all downside and no upside. I would also try to avoid it. OP should write their own reference letters and ask their former supervisors to sign them.
        – emory
        Jul 6 '16 at 23:18











      • @emory OK, that is your opinion. Why not just post it as an answer?
        – paparazzo
        Jul 6 '16 at 23:22










      Your Answer







      StackExchange.ready(function()
      var channelOptions =
      tags: "".split(" "),
      id: "423"
      ;
      initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

      StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
      // Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
      if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
      StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
      createEditor();
      );

      else
      createEditor();

      );

      function createEditor()
      StackExchange.prepareEditor(
      heartbeatType: 'answer',
      convertImagesToLinks: false,
      noModals: false,
      showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
      reputationToPostImages: null,
      bindNavPrevention: true,
      postfix: "",
      noCode: true, onDemand: false,
      discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
      ,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
      );



      );








       

      draft saved


      draft discarded


















      StackExchange.ready(
      function ()
      StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f70962%2fwhat-to-do-when-my-reference-givers-ask-me-what-should-they-write-in-references%23new-answer', 'question_page');

      );

      Post as a guest

























      StackExchange.ready(function ()
      $("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function ()
      var showEditor = function()
      $("#show-editor-button").hide();
      $("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
      StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
      ;

      var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
      if(useFancy == 'True')
      var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
      var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
      var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

      $(this).loadPopup(
      url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
      loaded: function(popup)
      var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
      var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
      var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

      pTitle.text(popupTitle);
      pBody.html(popupBody);
      pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);

      )
      else
      var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
      if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true)
      showEditor();


      );
      );






      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      3
      down vote













      Short answer: You ask them to write what you did (outlined in your CV), with emphasis on what is relevant for the new job.



      You don't have to ask your new employer, they'll probably be scratching their heads at such an odd request.



      Simply, ask your old bosses to talk about the skills and experiences you had in that job that are relevant to the new job. The best way to know what to ask is to look at your CV, and make sure that what you put in there for that position is covered in the reference from the employer for that position.



      Your new employer just wants to make sure that you have done (well) what you said you have done and where you said you did it :) So look at your CV, see what you said, and think about the kinds of questions you were asked in the interview process. Cover those off and you're fine :)






      share|improve this answer

























        up vote
        3
        down vote













        Short answer: You ask them to write what you did (outlined in your CV), with emphasis on what is relevant for the new job.



        You don't have to ask your new employer, they'll probably be scratching their heads at such an odd request.



        Simply, ask your old bosses to talk about the skills and experiences you had in that job that are relevant to the new job. The best way to know what to ask is to look at your CV, and make sure that what you put in there for that position is covered in the reference from the employer for that position.



        Your new employer just wants to make sure that you have done (well) what you said you have done and where you said you did it :) So look at your CV, see what you said, and think about the kinds of questions you were asked in the interview process. Cover those off and you're fine :)






        share|improve this answer























          up vote
          3
          down vote










          up vote
          3
          down vote









          Short answer: You ask them to write what you did (outlined in your CV), with emphasis on what is relevant for the new job.



          You don't have to ask your new employer, they'll probably be scratching their heads at such an odd request.



          Simply, ask your old bosses to talk about the skills and experiences you had in that job that are relevant to the new job. The best way to know what to ask is to look at your CV, and make sure that what you put in there for that position is covered in the reference from the employer for that position.



          Your new employer just wants to make sure that you have done (well) what you said you have done and where you said you did it :) So look at your CV, see what you said, and think about the kinds of questions you were asked in the interview process. Cover those off and you're fine :)






          share|improve this answer













          Short answer: You ask them to write what you did (outlined in your CV), with emphasis on what is relevant for the new job.



          You don't have to ask your new employer, they'll probably be scratching their heads at such an odd request.



          Simply, ask your old bosses to talk about the skills and experiences you had in that job that are relevant to the new job. The best way to know what to ask is to look at your CV, and make sure that what you put in there for that position is covered in the reference from the employer for that position.



          Your new employer just wants to make sure that you have done (well) what you said you have done and where you said you did it :) So look at your CV, see what you said, and think about the kinds of questions you were asked in the interview process. Cover those off and you're fine :)







          share|improve this answer













          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer











          answered Jul 6 '16 at 21:31









          Jane S♦

          40.8k16125159




          40.8k16125159






















              up vote
              1
              down vote













              You definitely shouldn't ask your new boss what he wants. He wants to know what your old bosses thought of you.



              If your old bosses are asking you, then this is a good thing: you have the opportunity to consider what made you shine in your previous role. Your old bosses aren't going to put in anything they don't agree with, but they're putting the job of thinking back onto you.



              Consider what you did well - what changes did you bring to the company that are still around now? What did people thank you for and compliment you on the most? What do you think you brought to your previous role?



              Tell your previous bosses this, and providing they agree, you'll end up with an excellently specific reference that is probably better than what they would have written on their own :)



              (I've even had a boss ask me to write the reference myself before, and have them sign it!)






              share|improve this answer

























                up vote
                1
                down vote













                You definitely shouldn't ask your new boss what he wants. He wants to know what your old bosses thought of you.



                If your old bosses are asking you, then this is a good thing: you have the opportunity to consider what made you shine in your previous role. Your old bosses aren't going to put in anything they don't agree with, but they're putting the job of thinking back onto you.



                Consider what you did well - what changes did you bring to the company that are still around now? What did people thank you for and compliment you on the most? What do you think you brought to your previous role?



                Tell your previous bosses this, and providing they agree, you'll end up with an excellently specific reference that is probably better than what they would have written on their own :)



                (I've even had a boss ask me to write the reference myself before, and have them sign it!)






                share|improve this answer























                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote









                  You definitely shouldn't ask your new boss what he wants. He wants to know what your old bosses thought of you.



                  If your old bosses are asking you, then this is a good thing: you have the opportunity to consider what made you shine in your previous role. Your old bosses aren't going to put in anything they don't agree with, but they're putting the job of thinking back onto you.



                  Consider what you did well - what changes did you bring to the company that are still around now? What did people thank you for and compliment you on the most? What do you think you brought to your previous role?



                  Tell your previous bosses this, and providing they agree, you'll end up with an excellently specific reference that is probably better than what they would have written on their own :)



                  (I've even had a boss ask me to write the reference myself before, and have them sign it!)






                  share|improve this answer













                  You definitely shouldn't ask your new boss what he wants. He wants to know what your old bosses thought of you.



                  If your old bosses are asking you, then this is a good thing: you have the opportunity to consider what made you shine in your previous role. Your old bosses aren't going to put in anything they don't agree with, but they're putting the job of thinking back onto you.



                  Consider what you did well - what changes did you bring to the company that are still around now? What did people thank you for and compliment you on the most? What do you think you brought to your previous role?



                  Tell your previous bosses this, and providing they agree, you'll end up with an excellently specific reference that is probably better than what they would have written on their own :)



                  (I've even had a boss ask me to write the reference myself before, and have them sign it!)







                  share|improve this answer













                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer











                  answered Jul 6 '16 at 21:31









                  Tim Malone

                  115128




                  115128




















                      up vote
                      1
                      down vote













                      They just don't want to spend a lot of time on it. Nor focus on stuff not important. Give more than they will need.



                      Marian worked on the follow:



                      Project: asdlkfja

                      Role: alsdjflasd

                      Performance: met expectation



                      .... 


                      Served on the following teams:



                      Team: Get back the grape soda

                      Role: taste tester



                      Regular duties



                      ... you get the picture 


                      Strengths

                      - solid team contributor and can step in lead role as required

                      - organized



                      Weakness



                      - show contempt to management - just kidding





                      share|improve this answer





















                      • I think that is true, but more importantly they don't want to be accused of sabotaging OP's new job. Basically this task is all downside and no upside. I would also try to avoid it. OP should write their own reference letters and ask their former supervisors to sign them.
                        – emory
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:18











                      • @emory OK, that is your opinion. Why not just post it as an answer?
                        – paparazzo
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:22














                      up vote
                      1
                      down vote













                      They just don't want to spend a lot of time on it. Nor focus on stuff not important. Give more than they will need.



                      Marian worked on the follow:



                      Project: asdlkfja

                      Role: alsdjflasd

                      Performance: met expectation



                      .... 


                      Served on the following teams:



                      Team: Get back the grape soda

                      Role: taste tester



                      Regular duties



                      ... you get the picture 


                      Strengths

                      - solid team contributor and can step in lead role as required

                      - organized



                      Weakness



                      - show contempt to management - just kidding





                      share|improve this answer





















                      • I think that is true, but more importantly they don't want to be accused of sabotaging OP's new job. Basically this task is all downside and no upside. I would also try to avoid it. OP should write their own reference letters and ask their former supervisors to sign them.
                        – emory
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:18











                      • @emory OK, that is your opinion. Why not just post it as an answer?
                        – paparazzo
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:22












                      up vote
                      1
                      down vote










                      up vote
                      1
                      down vote









                      They just don't want to spend a lot of time on it. Nor focus on stuff not important. Give more than they will need.



                      Marian worked on the follow:



                      Project: asdlkfja

                      Role: alsdjflasd

                      Performance: met expectation



                      .... 


                      Served on the following teams:



                      Team: Get back the grape soda

                      Role: taste tester



                      Regular duties



                      ... you get the picture 


                      Strengths

                      - solid team contributor and can step in lead role as required

                      - organized



                      Weakness



                      - show contempt to management - just kidding





                      share|improve this answer













                      They just don't want to spend a lot of time on it. Nor focus on stuff not important. Give more than they will need.



                      Marian worked on the follow:



                      Project: asdlkfja

                      Role: alsdjflasd

                      Performance: met expectation



                      .... 


                      Served on the following teams:



                      Team: Get back the grape soda

                      Role: taste tester



                      Regular duties



                      ... you get the picture 


                      Strengths

                      - solid team contributor and can step in lead role as required

                      - organized



                      Weakness



                      - show contempt to management - just kidding






                      share|improve this answer













                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer











                      answered Jul 6 '16 at 22:48









                      paparazzo

                      33.3k657106




                      33.3k657106











                      • I think that is true, but more importantly they don't want to be accused of sabotaging OP's new job. Basically this task is all downside and no upside. I would also try to avoid it. OP should write their own reference letters and ask their former supervisors to sign them.
                        – emory
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:18











                      • @emory OK, that is your opinion. Why not just post it as an answer?
                        – paparazzo
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:22
















                      • I think that is true, but more importantly they don't want to be accused of sabotaging OP's new job. Basically this task is all downside and no upside. I would also try to avoid it. OP should write their own reference letters and ask their former supervisors to sign them.
                        – emory
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:18











                      • @emory OK, that is your opinion. Why not just post it as an answer?
                        – paparazzo
                        Jul 6 '16 at 23:22















                      I think that is true, but more importantly they don't want to be accused of sabotaging OP's new job. Basically this task is all downside and no upside. I would also try to avoid it. OP should write their own reference letters and ask their former supervisors to sign them.
                      – emory
                      Jul 6 '16 at 23:18





                      I think that is true, but more importantly they don't want to be accused of sabotaging OP's new job. Basically this task is all downside and no upside. I would also try to avoid it. OP should write their own reference letters and ask their former supervisors to sign them.
                      – emory
                      Jul 6 '16 at 23:18













                      @emory OK, that is your opinion. Why not just post it as an answer?
                      – paparazzo
                      Jul 6 '16 at 23:22




                      @emory OK, that is your opinion. Why not just post it as an answer?
                      – paparazzo
                      Jul 6 '16 at 23:22












                       

                      draft saved


                      draft discarded


























                       


                      draft saved


                      draft discarded














                      StackExchange.ready(
                      function ()
                      StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f70962%2fwhat-to-do-when-my-reference-givers-ask-me-what-should-they-write-in-references%23new-answer', 'question_page');

                      );

                      Post as a guest

















































































                      Comments

                      Popular posts from this blog

                      What does second last employer means? [closed]

                      Installing NextGIS Connect into QGIS 3?

                      One-line joke