Reading Between the Lines: Decoding Sparse Written References
Liam Dobbin
Managing Director at Wilsonhalligan Recruitment Recruiting Yachting's best Captains
Reading Between the Lines: What a Vague Reference Really Says
In the world of hiring, references serve as a crucial checkpoint. They validate experience, confirm accomplishments, and offer insights into a candidate’s character and work ethic. But what happens when a reference is little more than a formal confirmation of employment dates—with no additional details?
If you’ve ever received a reference that simply states a crew members job title and dates, it’s natural to wonder: Is this just their policy, or is there something being left unsaid?
Does this raise red flags?
Is it due to confidentiality?
Was it generated by the family office or someone who doesn't know them?
Does this mean...... call me!!
Are written references valid anyway?
Sparse written references do not have to be detrimental.
By reading between the lines and understanding the potential implications, candidates and employers can navigate the labyrinth of professional references more effectively. Encouraging transparency and fostering relationships can lead to stronger, more meaningful endorsements that can illuminate the path to hiring the right candidate. Understanding the nuances of what is left unsaid is as important as the words that are chosen. In the hiring landscape, every detail counts—both on the page and beneath the surface.
Have you seen awesome written references only to find out the real story is different.
Have you struggled with a sparse reference?
Founder of SEAFEEDBACK.COM Let Crew Speak Real time data, information and corroboration.
17 小时前References are one of our major Red Flags currently. Lots can be hidden behind a reference. I await the time when we have open discourse as to a crew members development and open discourse into problems that need bringing to light on each vessel.
Luxury Yacht Interiors - Holistic Approach to Yacht Construction
18 小时前On this topic - received just now from a former colleague. Brights up my day and humbles the soul.
Luxury Yacht Interiors - Holistic Approach to Yacht Construction
19 小时前Acknowledgement of employment and reference are two different things. But it's always tricky. A bad captain can give a bad HOD a glowing refrence. Some people really appreciate you but are poor in writing. Anyone in your refrence list should actually be your fan and know how to sell you, authentically. The worst if when people in your refrence list actually talk negative about you. Happens more often than one thinks. The integrity of referees - if you don't have nice things to say, don't be a refreree. A good refrence is not illustrating just the person but also yourself as a leader.
Chief Operating Officer at dsnm Ltd - Specialising in Superyacht Navigational Management
19 小时前Although I am a believer in there is always two sides to a story.... It does raise alarm bells if the prospective employee has sparse references. Dependant on the role they are applying for, normally I would hope there would be some hope of a reference from previous employer. From a different side, when someone leaves us, I always offer to give them a full and detailed reference for their next employer....weirdly the ones who chose not to take me up on the offer...usually have a good reason too ??