CAREERS NOW 01-28-09

Dealing with a Reference Dodger

DEAR JOYCE: Does an employer have to give you a reference, good or bad? Twice my former employer didn't respond to a request for a reference on me. I don't know why. All he had to do was verify the dates and sign the form. - M.L.F.

I'm unaware of any law requiring an employer to give you a reference, but you can check with your state labor department to be sure. The refusal may be nothing more than the behavior of a dysfunctional manager. Next time, go in person and wait for the signature. If you find out he's hanging you out to dry on purpose, cancel his membership in the human gene pool.

DEAR JOYCE: In sending out unsolicited resumes to recruiters and employers, hoping to avoid spam filters, what's the best thing to put in the subject message? - W.R.

The best information to get the employer to open your e-mail if it survives a filter screen is the name of someone the recipient knows.

DEAR JOYCE: I'm 44 and have just found a job after months of looking. I am considering whether to do one of those online colleges and get a degree that would allow me to change careers. I was shocked at how much it costs to attend college by computer. Would it be worth the price? - B.J.T.

How precious is the education to you? If you're considering college study simply as a magic carpet to whisk you to job security and a new life, shop first and enroll later. Price the cost of the first two years at a local community college. And, as I've said before, when you hear the sis and boom of education-at-any-cost cheerleaders, don't forget to ask them about the bah. Many who become degreed at about age 50 find themselves to be better-educated unemployed workers. That is, unless they find a side door into their chosen new industry and career function by following the Gen Y lead and adopting the constantly networking, instant-messaging lifestyle.

DEAR JOYCE: As I hunt around for a job, is it best to leave repeated phone messages, or to keep calling until you reach the person you're calling? - A.S.P.

There are two schools of thought on this dilemma. You can begin calling back, early and late in the day when you're likely to miss a gatekeeper, without leaving a message. Just be sure that your telephone number is blocked from caller I.D. A lengthy record of calls makes you look desperate.

Leaving a message, the second school, plays out in several variations. You can try to befriend a gatekeeper when there is one: "This is Joyce Lain Kennedy, and I was referred by Kitty Jennings. I believe there's good reason for Jack Hiring manager and I to talk. When is the best time to reach him?" When you're stuck with voicemail, say something similar - even if you don't have a mutual friend or referral to mention - and say you'll call back at a given time: "I'm sorry to have missed you. I'll call back tomorrow afternoon, and I promise, I won't waste your time. Or, if you'd like to reach me sooner, my mobile number is --."

Following up by phone is an art covered in how-to-sell books.

DEAR JOYCE: Twice I've been a finalist for a job and lost out both times. I got a non-answer each time I tried to find out why. Can I do anything to get the inside story? - S.E.

Not much. Employers aren't going to tell you the truth so save your breath. Instead, say, "I really think I'm perfect for this job. May I call you in a month or so and see how your first choice is working out? If she doesn't work out, I'll be first in line for reconsideration."

Although the odds of this happening are slim, it doesn't cost you anything and you never know - just last month, it happened to a personal friend when the first choice fell ill and couldn't report to work. And when you call with your offer, don't forget to ask for other job leads: "Although I'd much prefer to work for your company, I have to be practical. Who else should I be talking to?"

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