Years after leaving company, supervisor continues to get requests for references
DEAR MISS MANNERS: Five years ago, I left a company where I was a supervisor for several years. I still receive calls (actually, text messages) from former employees every once in a while, requesting letters of recommendation or asking if they can put me down as a reference for a job they are applying for.
Usually, I say yes, as I know it can be difficult finding a job and wanting to move on to a better position. Last year, I ran into a co-worker from my old company at a meeting we were attending. She asked if I could be a reference for her. I said yes. Earlier this year, I got another text from her, again asking if I could be a reference for her, as she is applying at a different company. I said yes again, though no one ever called me.
Now, six months later, I have received another texted request from her as she is once again applying for a position at a different company. I spoke to the HR person at the company and gave her a good reference.
Two days later, I received a call from another company that she didn’t tell me about. After texting her about this, she informed me that she had applied to two other companies and put me down as a reference each time.
Other than the one time I saw her last year, I have not had any contact with this person for at least eight years. Being asked to be her reference has begun to really bother me.
I know nothing about her current work ethic or performance. More important, I am tired of being her go-to reference person. I think the grown-up thing to do would be to say, “I will provide you with a reference for the last two companies, but no more” — and then to block her number. Am I being inconsiderate?
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