A former colleague asked you to give him a reference while looking for a new job and you agreed to do it because your cooperation had been excellent and you would like to help him. However, after thinking for a while, you start to wonder how you should behave when the appropriate recruiter will call you so that you can maintain professionalism and don't cause any harm to the former colleague. Alison Green, the author of the popular management blog Ask a Manager, advises:
Get ready for the call
Think about why your colleague was so good at his job, why it was great to cooperate with him and what he achieved. Consider also the areas he should further develop in and what kind of work would not be appropriate for him. Feel free to take a few notes in order not to forget anything important.
Talk about work
When a recruiter calls you to verify your reference, he will probably ask you questions from a predefined list. You don't have to worry of a long monologue being required from you. Answer briefly, as specifically as possible and stick to work-related issues only. Don't comment on the former colleagues' health or personal life.
Watch the tone of your voice
The recruiter won't notice only the content of your words, but also your level of enthusiasm when describing the former colleague. Be open and honest, you don't have to sound like a machine just because you think it will sound more "professionally".
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