BellaOnline Forums Career Job Search Are references Important

Hi all,

It seems like our agency has not stopped hiring in the eight years I've been here. A disturbing trend I've noticed recently is the number of applicants who are the top candidates for a job, then don't get it because of references (or lack of).

You should to be able to supply the names of at least three past supervisors. Don't use co-workers if at all possible. In fact, we just recently had an applicant who used a co-worker for a reference. The co-worker said they would not hire the person back!

Do you have issues obtaining references?

Sometime it is really difficult to get a hold of the person for the reference.
Or the person lists a person as a reference but forgets to let the person know. or ask permission of them. Make for a bad reference!

Launa,

You're definitely correct! That is an issue that many jobseekers struggle with. Out of 5 applications, at least 3 of them will have references we are unable to reach - their phone is disconnected, they no longer work there...etc...

It's so important to remember to let your references know that you have applied for a job and may get a call about a reference. Sometimes we reach the person, but they give a bad reference!

Whenever we can't get a hold of a reference or hear bad things, it always reflects negatively on the candidate. If you're not sure, call your prior company and find someone, a supervisor you worked with, anyone who can attest to your time in the company, or perhaps steer you to someone who CAN give you a reference.

Never leave a job on bad terms, always make sure you have someone you can use as a reference.

I hope not because I will be jobless forever!

Nancy,
You appear to have very negative views regarding job search. If you are content to be jobless forever, definitely your right. We do look forward to constructive issues.

Live my life and see how positive you will be. I was positives for many years and it brought me nothing but more grief! I am smiling, polite and respectful when in public which includes everytime I had a job interview or an appointment that has to do with this.