A Job references are a qualified applicant's number one career asset, yet many job hunters underestimate their importance. Look at it this way - if an employer is choosing between two qualified candidates, one with a positive reference, and one with a mediocre or bad reference, who do you think they will choose? Interviewing your job references is a prospective employer's only means of verifying that the information you provide on your resume is true. Also keep in mind that even if you don't specify a former employer as a "reference"-a prospective employer may contact and interview them anyway.

What if you think they may not say anything good about you? Remember this, if your references are being checked it's because you have made it to the short list and the job you are seeking is close to being yours. At this point it's best to know what your references will say, even if you left your former job on bad terms or made mistakes that you regret. We have all been in the position of starting a job with great hopes only to realize months or years later that we either hated it or just couldn't perform to the standards set by the employer. There is no shame in that. Knowing what a reference will say, even if it is bad allows you the opportunity to discuss your negative experience from your side, before the reference is called. You can do a tremendous amount of damage control if you honestly describe the negative situation in a positive way. A bad reference can only hurt you if it is a surprise. Don't leave it up to chance.

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Q Will my former employer know it's me making the inquiry?

A Absolutely not. We never disclose a client's identity. In fact, we take every step necessary to ensure your identity is concealed. We use an agency to check your references that has its own correspondance address, phone number and fax number. Please read our confidentiality policy for more information.

Q How long will it take to finish my reference investigation?

A In some cases only one business day but it is most often, within five business days. Our Reference Investigators make every attempt to reach a reference, even calling after hours if necessary. However, the availability of the reference is the key factor in determining the length of an investigation. Our Investigators will keep you updated by E-mail if a reference takes longer than 5 business days.

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Q Will you refund my money if a reference can't be reached?

A Unfortunately, no. Our Investigators work diligently to reach a reference. Part of our service is to provide you with exactly this kind of information. If a Reference refuses to cooperate with our investigators, you can expect they wouldn't call a prospective employer back either.

Q How many times will you pursue a reference?

A We will attempt to contact a reference at least four times before we proceed with our report. However, if we discover the reference is on an extended leave, we will wait and pursue the investigation when it is known they will be available. As always, our investigators will keep you informed as things proceed.

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Q What if my reference no longer works for the company?

A If a reference no longer works for the company, we will contact the Human Resources Department to finish the interview. However, we highly recommend that you check your reference information, including phone numbers, before you submit your order. This will reduce the length of our investigation, and improve the overall accuracy of your report.

Q If I have a question, how do I contact you?

A You can E-mail our Customer Service Team or call 207-625-3870. Our Reps will be glad to answer any question you may have.

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Q Is it against the law for an employer to make negative comments about me?

A Depending on the state you live in, many states allow an employer to make negative comments as long as they are made in "good faith." In addition, when an employer is asked whether you would be eligible for rehire, they are under no obligation to say yes. When an employer is asked if they would enthusiastically recommend you for the position you are applying, they are under no obligation to say yes. These two comments alone could kill your chances of getting a job on the spot.

Q What is Slander, Defamation and Blacklisting?

A Slander and Defamation - are the utterance of false charges or misrepresentations meant to defame and damage another persons reputation. It is illegal. Blacklisting - is the deliberate attempt to prevent or boycott a person from obtaining employment. It is also illegal.

If you suspect your former employer is making false statements about you, or deliberately sabotaging your ability to obtain employment, you should definitely let us investigate. Our written report can document this fact, and put a stop to it. References-etc is not in the practice of giving out legal advice. You should contact a lawyer if you have questions.

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Q If I don't want to pay by credit card can I pay another way?

A Yes, you can call one of our Customer Service Reps to place your order by phone. The number is 207-625-3870. Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5 PM Eastern Standard Time.