Like all of my fellow professionals I truly value referrals as they add considerably to my knowledge base. Referrals are always received in the same generous spirit that are they provided. Just recently I was provided a referral by a known and trusted candidiate, who in glowing terms endorsed the executive by providing me a detailed summary of her strengths. He also suggested that they enjoyed a previous professional relationship.

With the referees blessing I decided to act on this referral and communicated with the executive to be advised that she was his wife, still using her maiden name.

Now call me skeptical but I do get a little testy when relevant facts like these are omitted from a glowing endorsement and offer this advice to those that might be interested. When taking the liberty to provide a referral be transparent in all your dealings, otherwise the facts presented will be treated with skepticism.