Frequently Asked Questions

Reference letters are an important part of your job search. Do you have letters of reference? Do you know what a former employer would put in a reference letter? Will your former employers provide a good character reference? Coming soon on our site - sample reference letters - see how your letters of references stack up.

Will my references know that I am having them 'checked out'? How do you introduce yourself? Do you say you are Allison & Taylor? Isn't it illegal to ask about things other than title and dates of employment during a reference check? Can I have additional or specific questions asked of my references? Who should I list as a reference? What if my reference no longer works for my previous company? If my references are bad, what can I do?

Question: Will my references know that I am having them 'checked out'? Answer: Absolutely not. At no time do we reveal who has hired us to do this research. Back to question list

Question: How do you introduce yourself? Do you say you are Allison & Taylor? Answer: If you are concerned with your references finding out that you hired Allison & Taylor to "check them out", don't be. When our staff makes these calls they do not use the company name of Allison & Taylor. We have several divisions and DBAs (legal company names set up as Doing Business As) that we make the calls under. If your references are very inquisitive, the most they will be told is that we have been hired by a third party to do your background check for the purposes of employment. This is a true statement (you happen to be the third party and you hired us as a part of your quest for employment). At no time will they be able to make the connection. Our divisions have all appropriate literature and web sites that indicate companies hire us to prescreen employees. Client confidentiality is always maintained. Back to question list

Question: Isn't it illegal to ask about things other than title and dates of employment during a reference check? Answer: No, and that is one of the interesting things about references. It is a private conversation between two people, your past employer and a prospective one. Anything can be said, regardless of what the laws are. Go to your local legislator's office. They can find the most recent laws for you but remember, every road we drive on has a speed limit. When we are running late, if a police officer is not in sight, we speed. There is not a reference police officer watching over you past employer. Essentially, your past employer or reference can take 5 minutes on the telephone with a total stranger and either increase your chances of obtaining a new position or absolutely ruin them. Back to question list

Question: Can I have additional or specific questions asked of my references? Answer: Custom reports are available for an additional fee. If there is any possibility of litigation, we suggest not to alter our normal course of business as this jeopardizes our unbiased research. Back to question list

Question: Who should I list as a reference? Answer: When compiling a list of references, try to look at it from the prospective employer's shoes. First, you need responsive people that can confirm that you worked there, your title, reason for separation and other basics. Additionally, you need to list people who can vouch for your level of responsibility and performance. Also consider any party to whom you reported. These individuals do not necessarily have to be named on your list of references, but be assured, if you reported to them, they are likely to be contacted by a prospective employer. Back to question list

Question: What if my reference no longer works for my previous company? Answer: It is in your best interest to locate your previous supervisors and colleagues. We are not a detective agency, and neither are the prospective employers who will be considering you. Allison & Taylor can simply call your past companies and ask for forwarding information, just as a prospective employer would, but realistically this is likely to go nowhere. You could hire a private investigator or try to do this on your own. Call the company yourself, maybe someone you know is there and they would release the information to you. Can you call former colleagues or clients? The internet is a great source of information, try your own search. The bottom line is that in order for you to compare to your competition for other positions, you need to have your references and past supervisors in order. Back to question list

Question: If my references are bad, what can I do? Answer: A bad reference can be strategically dealt with depending on what is actually being said and to what degree things are explained. You need to first determine what is being said before you can develop an appropriate strategy. Depending on what the research reveals as well as the laws within your state, you may be able to take legal action. We suggest taking our report to an employment attorney for proper legal advice. Allison & Taylor, Inc. will be available to supply our research evidence and to testify in support of your situation should the need arise. Although we will not make a referral to a specific attorney, we do suggest finding one through NELA - the National Employment Lawyers Association. Additionally, very good legal advice and information can be accessed at US Law Books. Back to question list