Should I include a former source as a reference? I don't know about the ethics of such a move or if it will look bad.
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I covered a county government beat for about four years before I moved halfway across the country. If I were to include a former source, I would only include one as a reference. I've held the organization's feet to the fire on more than one occasion, but I've always been fair.
When they heard I was moving, about a dozen people stepped forward and said if I needed a reference, all I had to do was ask. I was very flattered, but that brings up my concern.
I know some editors are probably concerned that reporters could get too chummy with sources, which I never did. But then again, if I use a former source as a reference, what does that say?
On the positive side, if I did include the former source as a reference, my future employer could get a perspective on my reporting from outside the newsroom (all of my other references are from the
same newspaper).
Thank you,
Confused
Don't do it.
Asking a source or subject to be a reference could appear to compromise your independence.
Instead, I would treat the respect they are showing for your fairness and honesty as material for a cover letter or the interview. Paraphrase them or quote comments they made to you.
But do not put them or your potential employers into a position that raises any shred of doubt about your ethics.
Some people use a similar approach with their clips, determining which are better to send out and which are better to bring up for discussion in interviews. The information can be helpful, but it's a question -- and a big one -- of delivery.
Coming Tuesday: She works for an editor who behaves in a most unprofessional way and wonders whether their obvious personality clash, plus the editor's connections, will ruin her career.
