Importance of updating references

Dear Sam: I worked for a company that changed their name no less than four times during my employment. I just read in the paper where the name has changed again. What are my responsibilities with regards to keeping up with the name changes, and or address changes, and possibly the company going out of business? Thanks – Pam in Columbus

Dear Pam: Good question…and one I am asked quite frequently! Your résumé should present the name of the employer during the time you worked with the company, or as explained later, the past and present name noting each as such. Your reference sheet should also include both the past and present name, and the current contact information for your reference. If you are relying on the human resources department to provide your reference, and the company has changed names, then you’ll need to note the current name of the company in addition to the name when you worked there so the hiring manager understands what position they are calling to verify. This may be presented as such:

ABC Company
Formerly known as XYZ Company
123 Any Street
Columbus, OH 55555
555-555-5555

As mentioned above, you can also use the same presentation on your résumé if you like, something that works well if the most recent company name is more recognizable.

As to whether it is your responsibility to keep up with this information, I suppose the answer would come from whether you wanted a reference from that employer! A hiring manager won’t have time to track down the current contact information, so I’d say that you should do your best to have current information on your résumé and reference sheet. You can also use a former co-worker or supervisor as a reference, and simply maintain contact with him/her regardless of where they work now, which may be easier than tracking the actions of a company. Remember that many candidates are in this situation, so hiring mangers understand if references are not available at times due to situations outside of your control.