Reference
Has anyone ever asked to use you as a reference on a resume?
Probably, right?
This year is the first time I’ve been asked! But, I’ve been asked by three people, who all have jobs and are looking to change things up. That’s promising – the market must be getting better and people feel comfortable to try to move around! And it’s promising that someone values my opinion enough to ask me to be a reference (or maybe I am a last resort… muah ha ha… er…).
Whatever the reason, it’s exciting to see people putting themselves out there and looking for something that’s a better fit for them! (Says the girl who will probably stay at her government job for life.)
What’s a post without pictures? Let’s talk about knitting so I can throw some in!
I gave my mom the washcloths for my grandma this weekend. I decided to throw a sponge on the package to mess with her. Ha!
I was happy to see she got a kick out of it:
And that she liked the washcloths:
I hope her friends enjoy receiving them as birthday gifts!
My mom and I picked out yarn this weekend for her washcloths. I got one done for her while she was here (and gave her the first two crummy ones I ever knitted and a monogrammed “I” one I made in March):
Those will be fun to work on! I hope to have more done before I see her again in two and a half weeks!
And I finally started on this scarf I’ve been itching to get going on. Man, the pattern is NOT complicated, but I misread it a few times (huge thanks to Mica for setting me straight), and had to re-cast on 10-15 times because I messed it up so much. Now that I’m finally in a groove, I am really digging it! Maybe I will keep it for me instead of its original intended recipient, ha! (Note: I haven’t knitted anything for myself yet…)
Themocracy
Ha! I LOVE that you put a sponge on her package 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever been asked to be a reference! But my memory isn’t what it used to be…
I LOVE the new scarf you are working on! That pattern is so pretty and interesting…can’t wait to see how it turns out.
“Bobbi, what do you think of this person?” “Well… I think they are good? I can’t remember…” Ha ha ha, I kid!
Thanks! I am excited to see how it turns out, too! 🙂
Love the scarf you are working on!
I’ve never been asked to be a reference. I’m not that important or high up enough in my career, lol. I do hope you’re right that people moving around is a sign of the job market getting better! It sure would be nice if everyone didn’t have to live in fear anymore.
Thanks!
Ha ha, I am not important or high up, either. Just been working with people long enough that they know I could vouch for them 😉
The job market was scary for a few years. The design industry seemed to be hit pretty badly!
Your grandma is adorable!
You are getting really talented with your knitting! Way further than I’ve ever gotten. I think you are just more committed to it than I am. I should learn to read a pattern someday.
I’ve been asked to be a reference but I don’t think anyone has ever contacted me about it before. I know if you are going for government clearance or something then they do check references and even conduct interviews if the clearance is secure enough! I haven’t had to do any of that though.
Yeah, if you get a federal job they do a pretty deep background check on ya! Makes sense! 😀
Love the scarf you’re working on. Who’s it for?
Yes, it is always an honor to be asked to serve as a reference. That has been part of my transition from shiny young employee to seasoned mature employee.
I am making it for the Grandma pictured in this post 🙂
I bet you’re still shiny! In some way! 😀
That is one young looking grandma!
I did notice today that my hair looked shiny. 😀
I’ve been asked a couple of times, usually for students. Its a bit weird writing them! Your grandma looks so young…you have good genetic on your side in the future.
People often thought she was my mom when I was in grade school!
If they get the jobs they are going for, I bet more folks will ask 🙂
What a nice care package!
Do you use a special material for the wash clothes? I have been asked to be a reference quite a few times, actually. 🙂
I use cotton to make them 🙂
I’ve been asked to be a reference for a few times, but once it was for a former long-term babysitter who wanted a job as a nanny, so not sure if that one counts. 🙂
I love your washclothes. Every time you post pics it makes me want to go buy some yarn and needles and try to make one!
Aww, that totally counts!
You should go get some yarn and needles! They’re fun, quick and easy to make! 😀
so nice, I need to get V into a knitting class, I need a scarf, and washcloths…I will think of more 😉
You could learn, too!
I read somewhere that you haven’t really started a knitting project until you’ve cast it on a few times. 🙂
Your grandma looks so excited about her washcloths! I didn’t realize that so many people used them since I come from a sponge household.
A few people have put me as a reference for government jobs, so I’ve had people come to my house and ask me pretty intense questions. It’s intimidating! And I had someone else that I didn’t know that well ask if he could use me as a reference, and 1) I didn’t feel qualified and 2) I didn’t have a high opinion of him in the first place. Fortunately, the prospective employer never called me!
Ha ha ha! Now I am official, then! 🙂
I didn’t realize they did either! When I found out that was what we were making for the class I took, I was like… great, no one will ever use this. Ha!
Oh yeah! I had to list a lot of people to get my job and they went and talked to them all! Nutso! Ha! Good thing you never got called about that person! 🙂
I think it just means we are getting old. Re: the reference 😉 like we are now in positions that we can actually have some klout for someone else if a potential employer asks. Hehe but hopefully it means the economy is improving and people are going for positions that interest them more.
The scarve looks fab so far! The pattern and colors look really nice. Your grandma is too adorable. 🙂
Yes I have been asked to provide a reference before—being listed on a resume/employer form and also being asked to write a letter. There have been a couple of times (with letters) when I have told the candidate I didn’t feel comfortable writing on their behalf and THAT was pretty awkward.
But here’s the thing, I am going to be kind but honest in my assessment of someone (because that’s my name and credibility on the line too) and I think that someone should have the best shot and getting the opportunity they are looking for. I have seen the lukewarm/damning recommendation letters and it really did color our assessment of the candidate.
Being honest was totally the right thing to do, for both your sake’s! Luckily, the people who’ve asked me, I can vouch for!