Page 197 - James Caan - Get the Job you Really Want

unless you have had the courtesy to contact them in advance
and let them know they might expect a call, you may get a
nasty surprise just when you least expect it.
Avoid the surprises. Bring your referees up to speed. Tell
them about the company you’re applying to, the job you have

applied for, and how far you have got in the process.
‘I’ve had two interviews so far. I’m not there yet, but
I think they might call you. What are your thoughts about the

position? Because, frankly, I’d like to know.’
If they’re not confident that you are making the right move,
it is far better for you to know early on.
The usual pattern of the conversation when an employer
rings for a reference is, ‘Oh, hi, I just want to know, did Bill

work for you?’
‘Yes, he did.’
‘Was he with you for three years?’

‘He was.’
‘Was he any good at his job?’
‘He was fine.’
‘Would you rehire him?’
‘Yes, we probably would.’

A series of bland, box-ticking questions.
When I call for a reference, I approach things di≠erently.
My phone call will go along these lines.

‘Thanks for taking the time to speak to me. Bill is applying
for a position here as a sales director. Now, in our organization
a sales director’s role is a, b, c and d. I wanted to ask you, from
your experience having worked with Bill, is that a challenge

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