Good References for Friends

[swedeace]

Think about this for a second and then honestly answer:

If you offered a friend to be a good job reference for them for future jobs to add to their résumé and they say "no, that's okay," what would your reaction be?

Do you think it's risky? Would you feel offended if the friend said "no" or would you be empathetic?

Is it a good idea to offer being a good reference to a friend? Why? Why not?

[Ireneparalegal]

i can't say. I have never offered a reference, I have always been ASKED to be a reference. I wouldn't know what to do regarding the question you asked.

[MsOrange]

it depends... that perosn might only want buisness related references... I do'nt like putting "friends" on my reference list because I don't want my potential employeer to feel like they are just getting "yea she's a great girl" type replys. I want it to be more professional I guess. In other words... I think if it was honestly for that type of a reason, and nothing personal, i wouldn't get upset.

[swedeace]

Originally Posted by MsOrange

it depends... that perosn might only want buisness related references... I do'nt like putting "friends" on my reference list because I don't want my potential employeer to feel like they are just getting "yea she's a great girl" type replys. I want it to be more professional I guess. In other words... I think if it was honestly for that type of a reason, and nothing personal, i wouldn't get upset.

That makes sense. I was implying that since I work at a college and have seen my friend's illustration projects he's done for an Adobe Illustrator class, two LightWave still model renders, and retouched photo images he's done for a landscape photo of mine, and he's done a great job!! I was looking more into the "professional" side. I mean, I can vouge his good job, is what my inclination was. I was really proud of offering of being a good job reference for him. I did feel a bit hurt when he said, "No, that's okay." I didn't expect him to say that, so I assumed he'd say "yes." He's quite honest and upfront which I like instead of "beating around the bush." That's just how I felt when he told me. Then I later thought, "Well, maybe he was just not comfortable with a friend vouging for him in a job reference." So I just respected that. I was just curious as to what everyone else opionated over this.

Thanks for both of your replies.

[MsOrange]

Originally Posted by swedeace

That makes sense. I was implying that since I work at a college and have seen my friend's illustration projects he's done for an Adobe Illustrator class, two LightWave still model renders, and retouched photo images he's done for a landscape photo of mine, and he's done a great job!! I was looking more into the "professional" side. I mean, I can vouge his good job, is what my inclination was. I was really proud of offering of being a good job reference for him. I did feel a bit hurt when he said, "No, that's okay." I didn't expect him to say that, so I assumed he'd say "yes." He's quite honest and upfront which I like instead of "beating around the bush." That's just how I felt when he told me. Then I later thought, "Well, maybe he was just not comfortable with a friend vouging for him in a job reference." So I just respected that. I was just curious as to what everyone else opionated over this.

Thanks for both of your replies.

well, maybe since he does have a blunt personality, he simply meant nothing by it. I say if it really eats at ya, then talk to them, otherwise, I think it's probably for that reason. Besides, people don't want tons and tons of references, I have three, so maybe he already has enough, ya know?

[swedeace]

Originally Posted by MsOrange

well, maybe since he does have a blunt personality, he simply meant nothing by it. I say if it really eats at ya, then talk to them, otherwise, I think it's probably for that reason. Besides, people don't want tons and tons of references, I have three, so maybe he already has enough, ya know?

You're right. Maybe he's not into references. I was just very proud since this is his very first job he's ever had. His current job is only a temp job, too.

It only ate at me at the beginning when we talked about it, but it's not as bad anymore. Yeah, it's because of his blunt personality, probably.

Anyone else have a smiliar story?

[Hollow]

eh, i'd feel like i'm less important than whomever else they would accept.

[Ireneparalegal]

Originally Posted by swedeace

You're right. Maybe he's not into references. I was just very proud since this is his very first job he's ever had. His current job is only a temp job, too.

It only ate at me at the beginning when we talked about it, but it's not as bad anymore. Yeah, it's because of his blunt personality, probably.

Anyone else have a smiliar story?

Hey, Swedeace, you are a great person. I DON'T NEED NO REFERENCES FOR THAT!!!!