Reference for a job

[lemonsorbet]

When applying for a job, they often want two referees who will provide you with a reference.

If you've worked for the same company for several years, and don't wish to inform them you're leaving until you're actually offered another job, who would you ask to be a referee??

I'm contemplating looking for something more challenging next year, but am utterly stuck on whether i NEED to have a referee, and who I can use! It's been too long since I left uni to ask someone there, and I'm not sure it would look good putting one of my friends or relatives down would it?!

[dot.hawkes]

generally I would expect an applicant to provide their last or current employer, or an educational refeerence if a school or college leaver, and a personal reference, someonme unrelated that has known them in a personal capacity for a number of years. This could be a person like a neighbour, aquaintance who is willing to offer written conirmation of the time they have known you and the aspects of your character that they feel warrant a mention. Don;t worry too much about a new employer taking up references, thuis is usually done after employment commences I believe

[lemonsorbet]

Thanks!

I was under the impression it was polite to ask someone to be a referee before putting their name down, so I certainly can't ask my boss, as I don't want him to know I'm applying to other jobs! (as if I don't find anything, this would jeapodise my chances of getting a good project to manage here!).

Do they definitely take up the reference afterwards?

[whiskeysheri]

On applications I've filled out in the past, lemon, they've had a box you can tick to say you agree to have your referees contacted before the job offer. I assume that means they usually do it afterwards otherwise. :o)

[dot.hawkes]

Yes you are correct it is polite to ask someone before hand, and infact pertinent, because you ned to be sure they will reply to the reuest from the new company. Most employees are not allowed to give references for work colleagures on a professional basis, the HR/personel dept have a sey pro forma usually, this is the correct way to do this as personal differences might result in a poor rewference being given under the name of the company, it is I understand, illegal to give a bad reference in the name of an employer, restrained or reserved references my imply a problem, but the employer is not allowed to make derogtary or negative remarks. References are formally applied for during the first 3 months of employment, which is the usual probationary period