Job References Web 2.0 Style

info@savannahjobs.com (Rob) — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:21:00 -0400

Job References have changed rapidly lately, keep this information in mind during your next job search.

Traditionally, recruiters call references after a thorough face-to-face interview. The contacts are provided by the job seekers and are typically people who are likely to provide a positive recommendation. However, these days your prospective boss may have called your references before you walk through the door and they may not be the contacts you provided.

Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn Corp. and Jobster Inc. are making it easier for employers to get in touch with people who have worked with job candidates in the past or know them personally. Recruiters say they use such sites where people create online profiles and then link to professional colleagues who are also members to find mutual connections they can hit up for information.

Such reference checking can be a “double edged sword.” Many social networking users routinely connect online to people they have only a passing relationship with. There’s no guarantee these references will be favorable. Additionally a potential employer can inadvertently turn your covert job search public, by contacting a current coworker for a reference. On the other hand many profiles list glowing recommendations from contacts and coworkers that help a job search. Just be careful and aware of what employers may find when they do their homework on you.

Savannah Jobs Blog: Job References Web 2.0 Style

Job References Web 2.0 Style