When someone asks you to provide a personal reference, it can be an honor but also a responsibility. You are essentially vouching for someone’s character and abilities to another person or company, and your words could greatly impact that person’s future. Therefore, it’s important to approach this task with care and consideration. Here are some do’s and don’ts of providing a personal reference example:
Do:
1. Be honest: The most important aspect of a personal reference is your honesty. You can highlight your friend or colleague’s strengths, but do not try to overstate them or make up things that aren’t true. If you can’t vouch for someone in some area, be upfront about it.
2. Provide specific examples: Simply saying someone is great at their job is not enough information. Provide specific examples of work they’ve done and how it demonstrated their skills and character.
3. Use professional language: A personal reference is not the time to use informal language or slang. Make sure your reference is written professionally, with proper grammar and spelling.
4. Offer to speak in person: If you feel that a potential employer or recruiter would benefit from speaking to you directly, offer to do so. This can help strengthen your reference and give more insight into the candidate.
Don’t:
1. Overpromise: Do not guarantee that someone is the perfect candidate for a job or that they will excel in every aspect of a new position. This could come back to bite both you and the candidate.
2. Speak vaguely: Avoid using general statements that do not provide any real context or information about the person. This does not help a potential employer get to know the candidate.
3. Speak negatively: Do not speak negatively about the person or offer criticisms. If you cannot recommend someone, it is better to decline providing a reference.
4. Share confidential information: Keep in mind that your reference may be shared with the candidate. Avoid sharing any confidential information you may have, as this could breach their trust.
In conclusion, providing a personal reference can be a great way to help someone succeed. However, it is important to take your role seriously and offer honest, specific examples of the candidate’s skills and abilities. By following the above do’s and don’ts, you can provide a valuable reference that will help set your friend or colleague on the path to success.
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