For those looking for a job--- piece of advice

Please always check with people before putting them down as a reference.

I had a TA last year that was HORRIBLE! I mean AWFUL! My life was so much better on the days that she was not there than the days that she was.

She resigned last year after a couple of years of unsatisfactory evaluations.

She put me down as a reference.

I have received easily 10 reference checks for her. If I had her number I would call her and tell her not to bother because I really don't have anything positive to say. I feel bad but I am not going to lie when asked direct questions. I do not just give the information but when asked if her attendance was an issue or her rapport with her student was a problem. I have to answer yes. I was asked today if I would hire her if I was incharge of hiring and I refused to answer the question since I am not an administrator. I am not trying to sabatoge her, I have nothing against her as a person.

But seriously make sure the people you are using as a reference do not mind being your reference.