2nd reference ideas?

[cheesefest]

One place I am applying for requires 2 references. 1st is my current work. But who do I use for 2nd reference? As been in my current job for 14.5 years. All the employers between current job and first post uni job - the companies between no longer exist. My personal ref which I used in the past has moved to Australia and have no contact details. II don't want to use my employer post uni as a reference as I was a different person to now.

 

[malachi]

I would explain the reason why you cant give a 2nd reference. You have been at your current job for nearly 15 years so a valid reason.

 

[dowie]

I don't want to use my employer post uni as a reference as I was a different person to now.

I doubt it will matter much, at least if it's a large-ish company is your old manager going to be there and/or even if he/she is then it could be irrelevant.

References can often simply take the form of HR confirming your dates of employment and your job title - just sticking down your last two employers is perfectly normal/expected IMO.

If the reference doesn't actually have to be an employer then why not just ask a friend to do it? Especially valid if they're a current or former colleague or even better if they're a former colleague who moved over to a client.

So you could have 1st reference: standard HR one from the current employer you've worked at for over 14 years, 2nd reference: a client who you did some project work for while at that employer or a friend/colleague/former colleague (ideally slightly more senior than you) who is willing to provide a personal reference.

 

[Fluffybob]

I always thouoght a 2nd reference was a character reference, in which case anyone can do it.

 

[dlockers]

Don't worry about it.

 

[OspreyO]

Give a 2nd person in the current job.