[Saecularis Angel...]

In another thread, lots of posters are saying that it is common, when asking for a reference, to write it yourself and then just get the referee to sign it.

I'm gobsmacked and rather horrified; it seems almost fraudulent. If the whole point of a reference is to get another person's opinion of me, of what value is it, to get my opinion above someone else's signature?

Is it really that common? Have you given a reference this way, or asked for one this way? Does the etiquette change depending on the field or context (I'm pretty sure if I suggested this to the person I asked for one, she'd be as horrified as I am)?

Am I just being hopelessly naive?

[Mamabug]

I've done this with a personal reference once...

[kpingitquiet]

I've given a reference that was like that, once. It was because the person told me to, a la "You were a great employee! Just write whatever you need and I'll sign off on it."

[4kidlets]

I have not heard of this - however, written references aren't used much any more anyway - in jobs I have applied for and people who have asked me to be refereee for them - its usually give the phone numbers of the referee and the employer rings and talks to them directly.

[Saecularis Angel...]

I agree for employment it's unusual now, but this is to get into a particular clinical unit for my diploma. They've specifically asked for references "to be written and for you to have sighted and forwarded to us."

[Katie_bella]

Yeah um, no, i wouldn't do this.

If someone asks me for a written reference, i write it. If someone wrote it for me and asked me to sign it, I don't think i could. Especially as it's often followed up by a phone call, i'd probably forget what was in the letter if I hadn't written it.

[Bluenomi]

It's pretty common which is why my department no longer takes written references but requests a phone number so the panel can ring them instead.

[Bobbypoppa]

It is common practice in a few industries, including mine when receiving yearly performance assessments.

I questioned why as well and was told it is a method of assessing how the employee views their own performance.

Its a tool for the employee to express their own personal opinions of their skills, ethics, integrity, short falls etc.

However in my field the assessor of your work performance can mark you either up or down as long as they provide evidence and reason for the change.

I'm assuming it would be the same with a letter of reference, where as, the referee can change the letter / wording prior to signing off?

[Apageintime]

I have had references done for me like this and done refernces for my staff like this.

I do check what the staff say and have offered suggestions if necessary.

[Mozzie1]

Yes, it's common - in fact I've never heard of a written reference that wasn't written by the candidate themselves! I would never expect someone else to take the time to write one for me.

That said, they are pretty much defunct in my industry now - only verbal references are accepted. I'm in finance.