DISCUSSIONS

Entering a final interview next week and HR requested references.

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Entering a final interview next week and HR requested references. I'm not sure what to do as my last companies had leadership issues. My supervisor passed away unexpectedly in my last role and for the remaining months, I didn't have a leader.

Prior job, the VP I reported to left the company and I didn't work under anyone else. I completed that role, relocated so I haven't lived in that area for a few years.

HR is requesting supervisor contacts. rather than work references. If it was colleagues or industry contacts, I'd be fine but the verbiage wants to reference your work. Going back another six years, the VPs have retired and I don't have personal contact details.

If I go back another 12 years, I have contacts from overseas but I worked under a CEO and since it's been so many years, I'd hate to bother him unless it was a confirmed offer. I'm not sure how to proceed and would appreciate your advice!

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

9 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

9 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Let them know that you can provide references when there is mutual agreement at offer time. Let them know the reasoning is because you only want them checked once and you are still interviewing elsewhere. Let them know that your leadership at the last company has passed away, and that you will provide those that you have that can speak to your work experience that are still in the workforce.

  2. Anonymous

    You can give them the HR dept. Tjey verify employment only. Also explain the person that may know your work best from a management standpoint has passed away. References are interesting as they are always good. Maybe you could ask others in higher positions to write a reference letter. Hope that helps!

  3. Anonymous

    Only reach out when you have an offer in writing.

  4. Anonymous

    We check references before we make an offer, so this would not be the best approach in many (most?) circumstances.

  5. Barbara

    The offer in writing is always contingent upon background check and reference check. So wait for the confirmation of the offer.

  6. Barbara

    Now that I think about it though I have been approached for references from former colleagues and subordinates prior to their receiving an offer. It’s usually big companies like a university and they asked me to take a detailed survey. I would definitely reach out proactively to your long ago boss and see if he/she will be willing to assist. I would also reach out to other colleagues with whom you’ve had a good working relationship and see if they can help. You can explain to the prospective employer how your bosses have disappeared over the years. These days high turnover isn’t unusual, and speaks about your ability to navigate change and your own leadership skills.

  7. Anonymous

    Thank you all and I appreciated your advice. I completed the required paperwork and now focusing on preparing for the interview.

  8. Anonymous

    I've never switched from a firm yes or a firm no vote based on a reference, but I've definitely switched from a maybe to one side or the other. We typically rank applicants and check references before we send an offer. References in my field are very easy to verify (i.e., I am confident I'm not talking to a buddy vs a colleague) and are pretty candid - they don't want their reputation tarnished by association.

  9. Anonymous

    Academia, but this applies to faculty and staff. For professional references, we generally ask about working styles and any areas where the candidate would need extra support. Since it's to everyone's advantage to ensure a good fit, I've had references get really detailed. Not all of them, but references who hesitate and then come up with a generic answer are also telling me something important. In one case I considered telling a candidate that one of her references was probably not doing her any favors, but she spoke glowingly of him, so I decided not to share. And even in that case, it wasn't that she'd be terrible for any job in our field, it was more that she needed a different type of program than ours if she was going to thrive.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members