Disappearing work referees

**Gonzo** · 25 February 2009, 10:26

Originally posted by BrowneIssue View Post

For those occasions when you actually do want to give out referees, do you find difficulty in doing so because they are no longer available? They move on, or the organisation ceases to exist.

My wife is applying to go back to college to do an MA and needs two academic referees from just a few years ago but she can't even find her lecturers any more.

In my case, from most recent going backwards, the referee I would use:
1. is about to change jibs
2. has left
3. has left
4. has retired
5. has left
6. the business folded
7. the business ceased to exist
8. the agency merged into another and the referee retired
9. left and the business folded
10. the organisation has ceased to exist and the referee left
11. has retired
12. the business has ceased to exist

I have felt for some time the whole "referee" thing has been made meaningless by the mobile workforce concept and the rapidity of business takeovers.

What is your view / experience?

I agree. I understand that the only thing that HR will let anyone say in references these days is to confirm employment dates.

For the last permie job I had I was asked to supply references to cover the whole of the previous five years. I had only had two jobs in that time, but the first one was for a government quango that was being closed down. Luckily, there were still three people there on the skeleton staff when I needed to get the reference. I don't know what I would have done otherwise.

**BlasterBates** · 25 February 2009, 10:35

Originally posted by BrowneIssue View Post

For those occasions when you actually do want to give out referees, do you find difficulty in doing so because they are no longer available? They move on, or the organisation ceases to exist.

My wife is applying to go back to college to do an MA and needs two academic referees from just a few years ago but she can't even find her lecturers any more.

In my case, from most recent going backwards, the referee I would use:
1. is about to change jibs
2. has left
3. has left
4. has retired
5. has left
6. the business folded
7. the business ceased to exist
8. the agency merged into another and the referee retired
9. left and the business folded
10. the organisation has ceased to exist and the referee left
11. has retired
12. the business has ceased to exist

I have felt for some time the whole "referee" thing has been made meaningless by the mobile workforce concept and the rapidity of business takeovers.

What is your view / experience?

You don't necessarily need the lecturer that knew you, you can just ask for college or university to provide one.

The purpose of a reference is simplly to vouch for your integrity, not as an evaluation of your ability.

**swamp** · 25 February 2009, 11:18

Originally posted by Gonzo View Post

For the last permie job I had I was asked to supply references to cover the whole of the previous five years. I had only had two jobs in that time, but the first one was for a government quango that was being closed down. Luckily, there were still three people there on the skeleton staff when I needed to get the reference. I don't know what I would have done otherwise.

I worked for MyCo Ltd for last five years as consultant. Signed Me.

**Drewster** · 25 February 2009, 11:20

Originally posted by swamp View Post

I worked for MyCo Ltd for last five years as consultant. *Signed Me.

and by the way I am brilliant and deserve a super rate

**zara_backdog** · 25 February 2009, 11:22

If I go back for into permidom for referernces - most of mine are dead

**Mich the Tester** · 25 February 2009, 11:40

The bloke down the pub who writes mine is still there.

**BrilloPad** · 25 February 2009, 11:42

All of mine are still fine. What are you doing to your referees?

**zara_backdog** · 25 February 2009, 11:47

Originally posted by Mich the Tester View Post

The bloke down the pub who writes mine is still there.

Can you give me his number?

**Mich the Tester** · 25 February 2009, 11:54

Originally posted by zara_backdog View Post

Can you give me his number?

Just copy and paste into this one;

Mich the Tester has been in the employ of MyCo BV for 5 years now. During this time he has taken responsibility for the technical, commercial and financial strategy of MyCo BV and has produced exceptional results in all three areas. His commitment to quality and excellent customer service has allowed MyCo BV to grow substantially and achieve a yearly rise in profits, while gaining praise from MyCo BV’s customers for testing mission and life critical systems to a world class standard.

Yours faithfully

Mrs Tester
Secretary to the Board, MyCo BV, a member company of Mich the Tester Global Enterprises inc

Disappearing work referees