Another work reference one...

[VintagePerfumista]

And my first AIBU in 13 years!

I previously worked in first rung of management. Part of the job involved appraisals/giving written feedback and submitting recommendations etc to HQ about each person I appraised.

I have now been contacted by one of the people asking, initially, for an open letter reference from me. It was a long time ago, but I'm sure we were told that any requests for refs had to go through HQ. I told the person this. Then I received another email asking for a written copy of the appraisal.

I forwarded all of this onto my ex manager who has told me I am in the best position to write this open letter thing.

I am not happy about this, but don't know if I'm being precious. The person can presumably contact HQ and get a copy of their appraisal (I presume they cannot find the one they were given at the end of the employment and I presume the company keep these things, but am not sure. It's the "open letter" thing I don't like.

What would you make of it, and what should I do?

I repeat, I have no problem doing it, although after such a long time I could only state the basics. I am just wondering more where I stand with being told I can do it, because I'm not sure I can! (legally)

Thanks!

If the person was a good employee and it's not a massive bother, I would just do it.

From memory of working in a corporate environment HR "official" references could only state basic facts. "X worked here from this date in X dept" but managers of individuals were allowed to give personal references if they chose.

If you don't feel comfortable about it, don't do it but I don't think you need worry about doing anything illegal so long as you are telling the truth.

I would tell them that you won't do an open letter, but if anyone wants you to complete a reference send the request to X email address. Then just give the basics.

Writing an open letter, sounds like a ball ache to me.

Thanks for quick replies- I think I will mail my manager again, and say I don't have a problem putting a few lines together but it wouldn't be an "official" reference of any kind.

I have a feeling the person in question wants an all-singing praise be! kind of thing....

Chuck- that was my first reaction- why can't they just put the name of the company (inc me if necessary) on the reference bit of an application. I was wondering if by doing that myself all these long years I've been missing a trick and should just be asking for a letter saying how fab I am!

Yeah, I wouldn't be expecting an all-singing reference from somewhere I worked a long time go! Just basic details. They're lucky you're still at the company.