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Ask the Recruiter
Joe Grimm of the Detroit Free Press tackles journalism's toughest recruiting questions.

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When to give references?

Q: From what you wrote you indicate that I should supply references on request.

I remember in college that was a big no-no but that has recently been a debate in my office.

I understand that the world of journalism is very small but I was always told you don't want to make an editor do extra work. I'm just not sure what to do now.

I'm not concerned about anyone giving me a bad reference but I'm worried the paper might find out I'm looking. If a potential paper called an editor here for a reference and I didn't get the job I'd likely be sent to another bureau.

 

Thanks for clearing this up for me.

-- S

A: you are acting sensibly if you hold off on supplying references until you have a serious shot at somethings.

Editors should not call references -- listed or not -- until they get serious and have told the job-seeker they are going to do that.

There are lots of reasons for that:

  • Editors shouldn't put recruits into jeopardy needlessly.
  • It is unwise to trigger a counter-offer prematurely.
  • Better reference checks can be done after the candidate has been interviewed.
Posted at 7:02:00 AM

E-mail this item | QuickLink this item: A109625


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As we travel our career paths, wondering where to go next, we get signs. They can be in places ordinary or unexpected. They can come from above or from the road commission. We use those signs in Ask the Recruiter.

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