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.
