Referees rule the roost

NEWS
Jobseekers' prospects could be less dependent on a sparkling personality and stunning CV, and more about what a previous employer has to say about them. Around 60 per cent of employers admit to having changed their mind about offering a job to a candidate they've interviewed after reading a poor reference. However, jobseekers can minimise the risk of their references letting them down, by being aware of the top queries raised by would-be employers. An absence record is the most important thing to keep in check, according to over 89 per cent of employers. Your former bosses' opinion of you, and whether or not they think you'll be suitable for the vacancy, came second and third in the list respectively. Neil Rankin, recruitment and retention editor of IRS Employment Review, which conducted the survey, said: 'For job hunters, this may be surprising news. References seem to have a poor image, seen as a throwback to former times, but they are still an integral and significant part of the selection process.'
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Talkback

My former headteacher has repeatedly given me bad references to any job I have applied for during the last six months including non-teaching jobs.
Is there any law to find out what has been said or written about me from the companies I have applied for jobs?
If there is how can I find out?
Few of them have openly said it was down to my reference but they will not comment.

via Facebook 22 October, 2003 06:19
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