References question (letters, application, owner, employer) - Job Search -Interviews, resumes, recruiters, and more - City-Data Forum

DressageGirl · 08-21-2009, 11:18 AM

I am getting everything together to start looking for a job after being a stay at home mom for 7+ years

Anyway, I have a few questions regarding references. First off, when filling out an application, since noone is still with the companies that I actually worked with them, do I put the company and position we worked together with or their current company/position?

Also, is it better to have all three of your references your former supervisors or is it OK to have people that you have worked directly with?

last, my most recent job was a part time job as a caregiver for an elderly woman. I would like to use her daugher's name as one of my references since she really did "manage" me. Is that OK do you think?

VRE332 · 08-21-2009, 11:21 AM

Yea update the references new company name and titles. I usually put 1 supervisor, 2 colleagues, etc. No friends.

DressageGirl · 08-21-2009, 12:20 PM

Ok, that is what I thought. Current titles and company, correct?

sinsativ · 08-21-2009, 05:29 PM

yes, also contact those people and let them know that people may be calling them for references. Or you may get letters of reference from them which would save some time.

pkennedy1990 · 03-23-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DressageGirl

I am getting everything together to start looking for a job after being a stay at home mom for 7+ years

Anyway, I have a few questions regarding references. First off, when filling out an application, since noone is still with the companies that I actually worked with them, do I put the company and position we worked together with or their current company/position?

Also, is it better to have all three of your references your former supervisors or is it OK to have people that you have worked directly with?

last, my most recent job was a part time job as a caregiver for an elderly woman. I would like to use her daugher's name as one of my references since she really did "manage" me. Is that OK do you think?

If you've been a stay at home for 7 years, consider yourself LUCKY if you actually have current contact information for places you worked way back when - most of us out here can't even get that far. Most of us who have been homemakers found that every place we worked way back when, is no longer there. And the people can't be found.

So good for you. You're less screwed than the rest of us.

kodaka · 03-23-2010, 08:12 PM

I never provide my references current employer's names. They are not speaking on behalf of their current employer. Their current employer is not endorsing me. I just give their name, their title and their preferred contact information (I ask my references how they would prefer to be contacted, and let them provide their chosen phone number and/or email address). It has never been an issue for me to not provide their current employer's name.

It is fine to list a direct supervisor or colleague. They don't all have to be owners or high-level managers or owners.

AnthonyB · 03-23-2010, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pkennedy1990

If you've been a stay at home for 7 years, consider yourself LUCKY if you actually have current contact information for places you worked way back when - most of us out here can't even get that far. Most of us who have been homemakers found that every place we worked way back when, is no longer there. And the people can't be found.

So good for you. You're less screwed than the rest of us.

You can still name old supervisors, even if no longer there, it shows you have nothing to hide.

If you were a stay-at-home mom and volunteered at your kids school or PTO you should mention that and any co-volunteers or head of school. They can act as character references. It shows your commitment and drive.