TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Ideally, a prospective employer will contact your hand-picked references for
expert opinions about your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of a
position. But does anyone have ideas for how to handle the delicate
situation of a prospective employer potentially contacting an unreasonable
previous manager whom you suspect may be unjustifiably less than
complimentary? In fact, a simple "no" to the question of "would you hire
him/her again" can be nearly undefendable, whereas detailed reasons for
dislike can be explained or attributed to personality clashes. If they let
you know they want to call, you can provide some context, but if they call
without stating their intention, it could be the kiss of death.
Sally Marquigny Network Imaging Systems
sallym -at- msmailhq -dot- netimage -dot- com Herndon, VA
