Former temp worker has asked me for a reference

[Anonymous]

Is this okay? She was an average performer but had good people skills. I don't know what the protocol is. Does she need to reach out to HR? Again she was a temp so this is a grey area (at least for me).

[Anonymous]

I don't think it's a grey area for your appropriateness as a reference but I do think you should check with your HR.

[Anonymous]

If you're a decent human being and your company policy doesn't prohibit it, I would recommend that you do it. You have relevant knowledge.

Just say she did her job and had good people skills.

Technically her temp company would have performance feedback from clients. They may or may not have a policy of giving references.

A lot of companies prohibit them because of lawsuit potential.

This person may need them to get a job, so help if you can.

[Anonymous]

Give a positive reference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Give a positive reference.

Agree provided there is no written rule against it. Showing good people skills while also managing to do the job in a temp setting adequately sounds like an actually very promising hire. I temped a bit at the beginning of my career and it is quite challenging to pick up the tasks on the fly when it’s likely not something that you have ever been specifically trained to do. If she is young and this is one of her first jobs, it sounds like she really does deserve support.

[Anonymous]

Give the reference... you never know where the person may end up and you might need a new job later or you may cross paths!

[Anonymous]

Say only good things tell only the truth.

Ask your HR whether and in what medium you can provide the reference.

[Anonymous]

You need to check with HR on if this is allowed and, if so, what you can say. At my company this is tightly controlled (I assume for legal reasons).

[Anonymous]

If you give a decent reference, HR will be none the wiser. Read the company handbook. Does it prohibit you from giving references?

[Anonymous]

If she worked for you, I think it's reasonable and appropriate for her to ask for a reference (even as a temp). Ask HR if you'd like, but I'm sure there is nothing wrong with providing a written reference. The job market is tough and every little bit helps.

[Anonymous]

If she worked with you, definitely do it. In this climate everyone is looking for a job and it’s just bad karma to nitpick over giving a reference. That said, always limit your reference to saying only positive things about the candidate — as long as it’s truthful.