Anyone else laid off having trouble getting references from Ford? I've had to resort to using co-workers and managers that have left Ford since there is apparently a policy against giving references at Ford. My managers at past companies have had no issues giving me glowing references. Are you guys facing the same thing?
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I wouldn’t want my former managers (notice I didn’t say leaders) representing me. Get the references from your peers, former direct reports, or other teammates. Based on my interviews so far that seems to be good enough!
Some of you would be better to make-up some references versus using actual, no harm, but some have blended into the work environment like furniture or a hanging picture.
Get on Linkedin & get some references. Just remember, lose lips sink ships.
It’s BS. Of course they can. It’s just pure Laziness
OP here - ended up getting some great references once started going up the chain and going to co-workers & internal customers. Thanks for the tips guys!
I see what you did there. Lol
In all seriousness though, if you are worthwhile among your coworkers, they'll leave a paragraph or two stating their experience working with you. When you list them out on a page or two, it showcases well when sitting down in front of a potential employer, over someone without these endorsements.
Watch the expression on their faces. Have fun.
Fast food places usually do not check references, just criminal records.
Use Ziprecruiter for references, if that section is still active. Blast out a request to all the emails of your co-workers or those you worked with. Most should respond with a write up, and these should serve as a good word on your behalf.
Print it on a piece of paper and you have a list of recommendations and endorsements. Just remove their place of employment to get around the company technicality.
I'd be damned if I wasn't going to utilize the connections I've made over the years. No one is going to forego a kind word because a checkmark HR rep says we can't. Nope.
Okay that makes me feel better, I have tonnes of co-workers willing to vouch for me, but recent MGRs/director aren't responding to my requests... I believe it's because Ive never been a mindless yes person (which I completely regret now), I was worried that lack of recent MGR reference would hold me back.
Lol, yeah you can. People don't care what Ford claims they can't or shouldn't do. I walked with a number of references from my coworkers who believed that my value and contribution was greater than the company checkmark policy. All they need to say is that they aren't endorsing on behalf of the company.
Landed multiple job offers with those recommendations too. Invaluable. Made multiple copies of them as to never lose them. Nothing showcases or states your value more than the words of your co-workers, especially if you have a bunch of them.
I heard it’s HR policy...can only confirm you worked there, for fear of being sued if they say the wrong thing.
I don’t really know if references matter much, though.