Dear Reference (once you make cert)
Feb 27, 2010 10:44:58 GMT -5
marathon, DogLady, and 10 more like this
Post by northwest on Feb 27, 2010 10:44:58 GMT -5
Dear ___:
Thank you so much for agreeing to be a reference for me. My understanding is that the Social Security Administration contracts with an organization to call the references. You can either talk to them by telephone, or they can e-mail you the questions and you can e-mail back your answers. I learned that the following are the questions that were asked of references last time SSA hired ALJs. Of course I want you to answer candidly and truthfully. However, as a reminder, I've known you since ____...... (fill in with any details that will help your reference answer the questions.))
How long have you known the candidate?
What is the type and frequency of your association?.
Based on your knowledge, is the applicant a respected member of the legal community? Why?
How would you describe his/her expertise and professional qualifications? What in your opinion are his/her strengths and weaknesses? {{Note: this is a trick question!! You don't really have to say I have any weaknesses}}
What is your understanding of the applicant's typical workload?
What percent of the applicant's work schedule would you estimate is spent in the court room?
How would you describe his/her interaction with others?
Does the applicant display adherence to professional standards of conduct, reliability and diligence to discharge their professional responsibility?
SSA is looking for an applicant who is ethical, hardworking and knowledgeable about the law and procedure. In your opinion, does the applicant have this capability?
The position of Administrative Law Judge requires applicant be capable of managing and adjudicating up to 700 cases per year. In your opinion, does applicant have this capability?
Would you recommend this applicant for a position as an Administrative Law Judge? Why/Why not?
Is there any other information which would be helpful to SSA in making a decision on the applicant's qualifications?
I understand that the people contracted to do reference checks simply record the answers, and probably would not be able to answer your questions, such as what does the "700 cases per year" mean. I've learned that sometimes people respond to this type of question, "If anyone can do that heavy of a caseload, ___ can", or "____ is very diligent, and is sure to get the job done."
Thank you so much for agreeing to be a reference for me. My understanding is that the Social Security Administration contracts with an organization to call the references. You can either talk to them by telephone, or they can e-mail you the questions and you can e-mail back your answers. I learned that the following are the questions that were asked of references last time SSA hired ALJs. Of course I want you to answer candidly and truthfully. However, as a reminder, I've known you since ____...... (fill in with any details that will help your reference answer the questions.))
How long have you known the candidate?
What is the type and frequency of your association?.
Based on your knowledge, is the applicant a respected member of the legal community? Why?
How would you describe his/her expertise and professional qualifications? What in your opinion are his/her strengths and weaknesses? {{Note: this is a trick question!! You don't really have to say I have any weaknesses}}
What is your understanding of the applicant's typical workload?
What percent of the applicant's work schedule would you estimate is spent in the court room?
How would you describe his/her interaction with others?
Does the applicant display adherence to professional standards of conduct, reliability and diligence to discharge their professional responsibility?
SSA is looking for an applicant who is ethical, hardworking and knowledgeable about the law and procedure. In your opinion, does the applicant have this capability?
The position of Administrative Law Judge requires applicant be capable of managing and adjudicating up to 700 cases per year. In your opinion, does applicant have this capability?
Would you recommend this applicant for a position as an Administrative Law Judge? Why/Why not?
Is there any other information which would be helpful to SSA in making a decision on the applicant's qualifications?
I understand that the people contracted to do reference checks simply record the answers, and probably would not be able to answer your questions, such as what does the "700 cases per year" mean. I've learned that sometimes people respond to this type of question, "If anyone can do that heavy of a caseload, ___ can", or "____ is very diligent, and is sure to get the job done."