How far would you go for reference? (references, job, companies)

[wawafan]

Would you hit up an old boss from 15 years ago who you got on well with but have since gone separate ways? He has moved on to other companies since we last spoke but I managed to find him on LinkedIn.

[joe from dayton]

No. Your references should be current. For all he knows, you've been in prison for the last 15 years. I would not put any stock in a 15 year old reference unless it was to backup a current reference, such as "wawafan's current references say X. I even talked to her boss from 15 years ago and he said the same thing."

[cotocatmom]

I guess it depends on how many references you need, and how many current ones you have? One of my references is from 10 years ago, give or take. I have newer ones, but I like to throw her in there because she really does vouch for me, and I think it looks great to have someone from that long ago still willing to back me up as a worker. It shows a long term track record of integrity and positive professional relationships. Some places only ask for 2 or 3 recent references, others want a reference from practically every job you ever worked dating back years. If your old boss still remembers you, I say go ahead.

[veuvegirl]

15 year ago is far too long. You definitely need someone more recent.