What can I do in regard to getting references for jobs?

18 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 16,2024 at 7:29PM UTC

   I've had the same dilemma. Re-route the job reference to a co-worker who can speak to your work ethic, product, communications skills, etc.

2. KatOctober 16,2024 at 7:41PM UTC

   Ask co-workers that you know will give positive information on your behalf. You can also ask previous co-workers or a supervisor in another area that you worked with. You can also use friends or family members. If you've done volunteer work, that can be used as a reference too. Just make sure you ask first, keep the contact info up to date and make sure they will say good things about you.

3. AnonymousOctober 16,2024 at 7:49PM UTC

   You may use the previous HR contact that can only verify that you worked there. It is not acceptable to use friends or family ever for a professional reference. Find co-workers, or colleagues from previous positions. Regardless of your relationship or opinion of whether the company had "bad" management, it is always very important to get references prior to departure in writing where you can. I'm a former recruiter, have hired hundreds if not more. Always always keep a running reference list and updated contact information so you have that as you need it.

4. AnonymousOctober 16,2024 at 8:40PM UTC

   Coworkers are great references as are industry colleagues that you have worked professionally with. Vendors abd consultants can offer great references as well.

5. Mary WehrleOctober 16,2024 at 9:41PM UTC

   You can ask coworkers, or other professionals that may know you and your work/expertise.

   When you list previous employers, requests normally go to HR. HR will only validate your time there, job title, rate of pay and whether or not you are eligible for re-hire.

   Try not to sweat it.

6. AnonymousOctober 17,2024 at 2:02PM UTC

   I don't think they are allowed to say eligible for rehire or not anymore. . This could open the former company to a lawsuit.

   I know the last three companies I have/am working for can not disclose that piece of info. They only can say the employee worked her confirm the dates - not give dates and confirm job title. All three companies are fortune 500.

7. GirlBossanova934974October 17,2024 at 1:11PM UTC

   Use a former coworker. IF you were on a more friendly basis with the former coworker and you worked in the same department. you might even ask the coworker tor a manager's reference. I have done this for years. Never failed. The person asking for the reference has no way of knowing how was the manager back in 2021 etc etc.. And since many managers these days just run from one meeting to another meeting collecting work for other people to do, the solution is quite simple.

8. GirlBossanova934974October 17,2024 at 4:45PM UTC

   Exactly. I have done it several times in the last decade. Who knows more about you are doing? Your manager who is spending half the day or more in back to back meetings OR a coworker who sees what you are doing day to day, hour by hour??? The working world has changed a great deal in the last 2 decades. FACETIME is the name of the game for some time and many managers are far too busy PROMOTING themselves instead of supervising their direct reports. IF you think a person who spends 30 minutes per week or 2 weeks with you in some 1 on 1, and then runs like crazy to the next meeting is a judge of your skills, well good luck........

9. AnonymousOctober 17,2024 at 5:35PM UTC

   Corporate HR will generally only verify the dates of employment for libel reasons.

   Ask coworkers with whom you had productive, collegial relationships and who would have seen your strengths. When departing jobs, it’s wise to leave on respectful terms and inquire if those managers would be willing to give a positive reference for you in the future. You can also ask fmr coworkers to “endorse” a skill of yours they have first hand knowledge of on LinkedIn. It’s hard to ask but at first but it gets easier!

   I don’t know how many employers actually call all references.

10. OLIVIA JOHNSONOctober 17,2024 at 6:55PM UTC

    HI there!

    Great question! You are already on the right path.

    For references, I would look to:

    • Prior and current Managers/Supervisors that you had great relationships with.
    • Prior and current coworkers that you've had great relationships with.
    • References do not have to be all business. Character references can be equally as important. Look to friends, family members, clergy that have known you for quite some time (5+ yrs ideal). Especially helpful if they themselves are in the field you are looking to advance in.
    • Another low hanging fruit could be people who have already praised you for your work, look at prior emails receiving kudos for a job well done or your LinkedIn Recommendations and ask to be a formal reference when needed.

    Hope this helps!

    Coach Olivia

11. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 18,2024 at 8:24AM UTC

    Are you sure you'll need references? At my current company and the previous two companies I've worked for, we didn't check references. We do employment verification - just titles and dates worked there.

12. AnonymousOctober 18,2024 at 12:30PM UTC

    In my experience and feedback from my references, less than half of the organizations that ask for them will check them (possible exceptions are if you are applying for government jobs, as they are pretty diligent about checking them.) I have a mix of supervisors and coworkers who have agreed to be references. Sometimes, if you have volunteered, the organization will give you a reference (ask the volunteer coordinator). Be sure also to list the volunteer position on your resume. If you have a friend outside your work environment who is a manager somewhere (or executive), they can provide references. Make sure you mark them as personal and get their permission first.

13. AnonymousOctober 18,2024 at 4:31PM UTC

    You could test a reference. Have a friend call one of the former managers or the HR dept there. See what is said. Also you could contact the HR dept yourself and ask what the companies policy is on references and ask that they only give dates of service. Yes, peer references are good but if you burnt the bridge you may be hurting yourself more than helping. I would reach out to see whether the former manager would consider being a reference. If you did good work I assume that they might be okay with that.

14. Maggie StoneOctober 19,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

    Does it specifically say the reference has to be a manager or supervisor? If not, then you can put down any coworker or non-family member. For example, I have used my pastor in the past because I have been in leadership at my church.

15. AnonymousOctober 20,2024 at 1:57PM UTC

    Yes it is great to have one out of three professional references to be a past manager or supervisor, but it is not always a requirement. Former/current coworkers should be fine.

16. AnonymousOctober 20,2024 at 7:22PM UTC

    Is there a team lead you could ask?

17. AnonymousOctober 26,2024 at 3:37PM UTC

    Yes, I think that you can have references from anybody who knows you. I do not have many friends and in my past jobs I do not feel like asking for references. My wife is the opposite. She has very open relationships with people. Those people have given me references letters. It has worked for me and I think it can help you too.

18. Sandy PochapinOctober 26,2024 at 5:02PM UTC

    I have done the "reference testing" suggested by one of the other commentors and its very helpful for your peace of mind but very few employers (unless they're small or older people) are even checking references these days because a lot of companies (Bose, Andersen Windows are two examples) won't even give them. All they'll say is what your title was and how long you worked there. Too many people can be subject to a defamation suit for giving a bad reference and they ARE easy to fake, which is why most companies no longer bother. Background checks are easier and much more popular (it seems to me).