do you contact/email people prior to giving them out as references?

[Anonymous]

I'm about to give out my former boss's name as a reference. I haven't been in contact with him since I left that job 5 years ago. I left on good terms.
He's very busy--leader in his field, all over the academic and mainstream press etc.

Do I email him before giving his name out as a reference?

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

yes, definitely.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I have always been asked before my contact info is given. This will give him the opportunity to think about what he will say/write before he is contacted. If it has been five years it will give you the opportunity to say hello, as well, and reconnect with him.

[Anonymous]

Of course!

[Anonymous]

YES

[Anonymous]

Yes, describe the new position and perhaps mention what skills/experience you'd like him/her to speak to.

[Anonymous]

Definitely!

[Anonymous]

And frankly, I'd be irritated if somewhat didn't alert me that they were using me as a reference (and give me the opportunity to let them know if I didn't think I could give them a good reference, and yes, that happens).

[Anonymous]

someone, not somewhat.

11:42 here again. Never assume that someone will give you a good reference. Always double check. You'd be shocked.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:someone, not somewhat.

11:42 here again. Never assume that someone will give you a good reference. Always double check. You'd be shocked.

Agree, check this. Don't get thrown under the bus by someone jealous, unhappy, conflicted, or hyper-critical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:And frankly, I'd be irritated if somewhat didn't alert me that they were using me as a reference (and give me the opportunity to let them know if I didn't think I could give them a good reference, and yes, that happens).

Agree 100%. Former staffers and interns do this to me from time to time and I am always annoyed, even when it is someone for whom I would have otherwise been very willing to give a positive reference. It is unprofessional and I always consider telling the person who contacts me about the lack of notice (but haven't done so yet). Knowing that would make me think twice about hiring someone.

[Anonymous]

i had a colleague do tell me very recently that she'd like to give me as a ref which she did. Just asking me and telling me why she wanted the job and why she thought it was a good fit made my reference for her excellent.