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I have a very important interview this week, and the HR rep said that I needed to bring in two copies of my Resume, along with a "Reference Letter". Now that was my first time ever hearing about such a letter, and I spoke to my Boss about it today, and he said while unfortunately he can't write a personal letter for me, he said he would be able to get me a "Letter of employment". I have no idea in the world what that is, but will that be good enough for the employer? I have no idea what to do here.
No sadly. The most I can do is probably ask my boss if I can use him as a reference so if they need to call somebody, they can speak to him. I mean, are "reference letters" even a thing..? I've never heard of anyone using them. I asked a few people and they said that reference letters are archaic and it's easier for the employer just to call the persons references to find out whatever they need instead of a "letter".
I applied for a job with a school district (in a non-teaching role) last year and they required letters of professional reference. The only other time I have ever seen something similar was getting letters of reference for grad school. So no- not typical and frankly a little odd that I would be handling the letter. Usually confidential references/recommendations are what carry weight.
Do you have any coworkers, vendors, contractors or clients who could provide a reference. I was stuck in the rut of only looking at my specific bosses as references for the longest time. Finally someone explained that professional peer or someone outside the business whose contract/projects I handle can be just as valuable. And that a mix of employees, clients, vendors can show a broader set of experiences.
Very typical for professional jobs. You don't mention what type of job you're interviewing for.
The thing that *does* suck is the same business that ask for references also have policies that officially state that manager's *shouldn't* provide the same for people that work for them! It's the ultimate catch-22 and very hypocritical, but it is a fact/life. The only way to get around it is with a manager that is willing to ignore the official company policy or someone you've worked with that isn't at the same company willing to be a reference for you.
I have a very important interview this week, and the HR rep said that I needed to bring in two copies of my Resume, along with a "Reference Letter". Now that was my first time ever hearing about such a letter, and I spoke to my Boss about it today, and he said while unfortunately he can't write a personal letter for me, he said he would be able to get me a "Letter of employment". I have no idea in the world what that is, but will that be good enough for the employer? I have no idea what to do here.
Letter of Employment is just that. A letter stating that you were employed and from what date to what date. Period. It is not a reference letter by any means.
What type of job is this for and how big of a company?
I don't know many larger employers who allow people to give reference letters. I have had smaller ma and pa type businesses give me reference letters stating how well of a job I did for them while freelancing but never a larger corporation.
Are they asking for references from former employers, or from personal friends as to your character?
Letters aren't so common anymore. I have a one page list with three former employers, labeled Professional, and three character references from friends, labeled Personal.
I have reference letters from these people if they should ask, but usually they are happy with just the list so they can call and get the reference first hand, rather than a letter. I'm prepared with both, their choice.
I keep a few "reference" letters myself from former bosses but with phones/internet these days, they would just rather call them.
I don't use personal references, it's pretty much useless to me, my professional reference can talk about my character as well as any personal references can. And I would rather the employer not pry into my personal life that much as to ask for "personal" references
I have a very important interview this week, and the HR rep said that I needed to bring in two copies of my Resume, along with a "Reference Letter". Now that was my first time ever hearing about such a letter, and I spoke to my Boss about it today, and he said while unfortunately he can't write a personal letter for me, he said he would be able to get me a "Letter of employment". I have no idea in the world what that is, but will that be good enough for the employer? I have no idea what to do here.
Did you ask your direct supervisor to write a reference letter for you? Also I am surprised they are asking for this information from a current employer since they don't know if you are trying to be discrete about finding another job.
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Yes it's typical
