Trouble getting a reference!

roxyroo92 · 2024-12-02T18:28:10+0000

I started my new job 3 weeks ago and it’s going really well however when I first gave my 2 references they failed to tell me they both have to be professional ones. My previous employer gave there’s no problem but I’m having a job getting one from the job before them. I’ve messaged my old manager twice now and she’s just ignored them, the other girl no longer works with them so I will have to go to the owner who I know full well will make if so difficult. Other than that my previous employers either no longer exist (gone into administration) or I’m no longer in contact with them and I doubt they’ll even remember me as during 2020 I had a few temp jobs!

I have a character reference so do you think this will be okay to give as it’s becoming impossible at the moment to get any response! Never had this problem before and it’s baffling me as to why something so simple is proving impossible!!!

Note: I’m still in training at the moment but I’ve been payed and signed all the forms including contract (Nothing in there states references)

Has anyone else experienced this?

Josh · 2024-12-02T19:05:06+0000

Yeah I had to get security vetting clearance for a Govt role, x2 of the 4 previous employers went into administration before I started and I needed 10 years of prior roles for the vetting process.

I explained this to the vetting team and they were fine with it. It was 2008 after all, a lot of jobs went bang during that time!

MichaelAwkward · 2024-12-02T19:41:06+0000

Have you tried contacting the HR department directly rather than your old manager? They should be able to give a basic reference. Some companies refer all references to HR rather than individual managers giving them anyway since it’s usually company policy just to provide the basics.

I was fortunate with my new job that the hiring manager knows me already so no references required.

roxyroo92 · 2024-12-02T20:11:24+0000

MichaelAwkward said:
Have you tried contacting the HR department directly rather than your old manager? They should be able to give a basic reference. Some companies refer all references to HR rather than individual managers giving them anyway since it’s usually company policy just to provide the basics.

I was fortunate with my new job that the hiring manager knows me already so no references required.

They don’t have an hr department which has been another problem.

Begbie · 2024-12-02T20:14:04+0000

Id they've already employed you, do they even care?

Normally this happens before your start date, doesn't it?

roxyroo92 · 2024-12-02T20:14:13+0000

Josh said:
Yeah I had to get security vetting clearance for a Govt role, x2 of the 4 previous employers went into administration before I started and I needed 10 years of prior roles for the vetting process.

I explained this to the vetting team and they were fine with it. It was 2008 after all, a lot of jobs went bang during that time!

Mine is similar with the vetting however that’s been really simple which you’d think it would be the other way around!

Skynet5 · 2024-12-02T20:19:31+0000

I guess there maybe differences… but if you provide the reference as the company, rather than named individual, then you’ve done your bit. shouldn’t the new place be doing the run around?

If you’re in the job perhaps just explain the issue and say you’ve proactively got a character reference instead due to this challenge.

I’ll never forget the DV process. That’s a tough process.

roxyroo92 · 2024-12-02T20:53:08+0000

Begbie said:
Id they've already employed you, do they even care?

Normally this happens before your start date, doesn't it?

That’s what I thought but they seem to want two!