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I'm in the process of assembling on online portfolio site that would include a resume, writing samples, professional and technical certifications, etc. I'm thinking of including a link to a page of letters of recommendation from references whom an interviewer would normally telephone. I am looking for contract jobs (but would consider a direct-hire position if the fit was right). Why do I want to do this? I want to limit the amount of pestering that these
people (whom I respect very highly) have to endure on my behalf. Also, some of my references are difficult to get in touch with for days on end, which can throw a wrench into the HR process. I've seen an inefficiency and have a great desire to tinker with the process to streamline it, but I think I should discuss it with some others first. :-)
Note: I would never put a letter or anyone's contact information onto the Web without their explicit permission to do so.
I expect a person from the hiring company to want to confirm that these are real letters written by real people and not just another writing exercise. :-) If the hiring peron wants to contact all these people, however, the efficiency of having the reference online and not having to play phone tag goes away. I also want to protect the privacy of those kind enough to recommend me. I've thought of the following options:
Have the letters page be accessible only by password - someone interested in hiring me can email me for the password.
Have the letters readable but the contact information available by emailing me (this is my current favorite choice).
I've also considered asking for a real paper letter with a signature, which I could then scan, but this would be less readable than straight text.
So, fellow writers, do you think this idea is appropriate? Would you find such a page useful if you were evaluating a potential hire? What pitfalls have I overlooked?
I get the digest, so I may be slow in responding to your feedback. Also, if you would be willing to look over my site after I get it done and give me a critique, please drop me a line. It should be together by the end of this week.
Thank you in advance,
Laurie Cavanaugh
lscavanaugh -at- earthlink -dot- net
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