Hi all,

I know that the debate over the true value of employment references still goes on; but as with most people out there I work for an organisation that have very little choice but to obtain satisfactory employment references.

This is proving more and more difficult with employers finding more excuses not to complete the usual reference forms.

However, I recently cast my eyes upon a really interesting reference request for an ex-member of staff from a Yachting firm based in the States. To cut a long story short this was an interactive email which I thought was fantastic. It had a section which detailed the factual information declared by the applicant (job title, dates, benefits, reason for leaving).

Underneath this there were 4 boxes which the respondent could click on: 1) The information is all correct 2) The information is incorrect 3) The person is unknown 4) I'm not willing to be a referee.

I presume that depending on which of the above options you click on, you'll then be re-directed to an appropriate page.  Either that or it takes your answer as the definitive (unfortunately I didn't see the real email in action just a print out).

I thought the principle was excellent as it appeared to make life extremely simple for the receiver and thus it would encourage a higher volume of response as well as a more speedy response.  What I'd love to know is do you have any experience of this type of emailer references system.  If so; does it work, what are the pitfalls, what are the benefits, is this an add on piece of software or is it something that comes with an integrated HR software package and what does it cost?

What measures do other organisations take when obtaining references by email (especially in terms of validating the recipient/reply) or if organisations avoid emailed references - what are their biggest fears.

Any feedback most welcome!!