New to the game. Was hoping to make the big jump soon, but the whole checking the references thing has got me worried.  I work for a small family owned company that might not enjoy knowing what my hobbies are. Sounds stupid, but do they tell them who they are when they contact your employeer? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

Any reputable provider should be very discreet when contacting someone's work.  I sure am.  Do your homework and stick to a well reviewed reputable provider.

Here in Mayberry, either me or Andy will call your boss, and tell him/her we have a woman of dubious reputation in the holding cell and she said to call for you to come down and bail her out.


But seriously now, I've suggested that she calls to confirm the shipping address as I have a number of personal items sent via UPS/FedEx/etc. shipped to my office, rather than my home.  Everyone in my office does it also.  Never raised an eyebrow.

Explain your situation when you contact the provider.  If she's well reviewed, you won't need to worry that she won't be discrete, but knowing it's a small place may change her tactic.  Now, if the company is owned by YOUR family, you definitely want her to know that.  If she pretends to be from your doctor's office, and the person answering the phone is your mother/sister/wife, they may have questions for you that you aren't prepared for.  Even so, if she knows it, you should be fine.

Suppose ur employer is US Army and ur a soldier?

The lady will not say anything unless asked. One lady called and said she was from company XYZ. When pressed, she added that she is calling to discuss product ABC. If your job is keeping the books, that story doesn't work very well (then again, cold callers are not the smartest people out there). The more you tell the lady your situation, the better her "cover story" on why she is calling. You might even suggest a cover story if she calls your office.

Tell the provider your situation and she should tell you what she needs or how she handles that. I fall into both categories and have never had a problem with references.
jhb