referee étiquette: May I put someone as a referee who agreed 8 months ago or can I text them?
So the referee is one of my bosses, she only gave me her number and agreed to be a referee for a job 8 months ago.
I do not wish to call her as I would feel uncomfortable, given it is her personal number and She is a boss.
so my question is can I do any of the following:
a) Can I just put her as a reference and then if I see her at work (shift worker, not sure when she works) ask her? (application due monday)
b) I am reluctant but I could text her? and say that I didn t want to call as she may be busy/working but could I use her as a referee. Again I feel uncomfortable texting her give our professional relationship.
what should I do?
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If she has agreed to be a referee, you should be good to go. A prospective employer will only take up references if they are offering you the job. Eight months is no great length of time in the scheme of things (five years would be).
Just give her number. Mention it if you see her, but don't pester her.
I believe that something that is commonly underestimated by virtually everyone (myself included) is the value of maintaining contact with former colleagues. For people that you would like to keep on the back burner as a possible reference, shoot them an email once or twice a year inviting them to lunch or coffee, and then go hang out with them. Catch up on what's going on, let them know what's up with you, etc. It is nothing but a good thing to maintain friendships with people you used to work with.
So, you haven't had contact with your former boss in 8 months? Drop her a line letting her know that she may be getting a call. Then, ask her if she's free some time for lunch or coffee so you two can catch up. If she declines, fine. If she accepts, awesome.
I would just put her information down and turn it in. Me personally- I wouldn’t even bother calling her. But if you feel you must - make the call.