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Not everyone is going to have strong references. For whatever reason, you didn't get along well with your previous supervisors/managers, your "personal" references are people you haven't affiliated with in years.
Someone in their early 20's can put down a high school counselor or coach, but after 25 putting anyone down from high school or college might look a bit odd, like you have no one else. A reference from someone in the clergy could be off-putting to the interviewer if they are of a different religion or athiest.
Lately, I've gotten the impression even the most basic jobs want some sort of reference, and they will also look up that person or even conduct a short interview on that person (about themselves & the person applying for the job). I've had it happen to me before when a friend used me as a reference.
Also, some people are very private and don't want to be listed as references. I have one friend who holds a PhD in a highly specialized field, and has specifically told me they would prefer not to be used as a reference because of privacy concerns.
How big a deal really is it? If you only have a few references from friends or extended family (with different last name) is that enough, assuming they do not have impressive CV's or high-paying careers?
References don't need to have fancy careers or titles - no one is looking at their resume. References ideally are people who worked with you in a supervisory capacity or people who supervised others. I also think it's okay to use an 'old' reference if the person will give you a good one.
Most people don't call references. I have been a reference for a few friends looking for work and I have been called twice. I actually had someone thank me for a glowing reference I gave when she was offered the job -- the person had never talked to me and lied to the new hire!
Unofficial references can be important. If you worked at Company X and are now interviewing at Company Y, Company Y might know someone at Company X and ask about you. They might look you up on LinkedIn to see who you have in common. If I burned a bridge when I left an employer, I would be more worried about this than about the references I provide.
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I sometimes put more weight on references than I do the interview. They should be professional affiliations, and preferably someone you were subordinate to. A personal reference is fine as long as it's not standing alone.
Do you know the name of the HR representative of your former company which could provide a basic reference? Do you have any professional peers or friends, people you may not have necessarily worked with, but whom could provide a legitimate personal reference about your character? That is what employers are looking for, solid references from people who can either validate that you worked at Company A, and can provide confirmation that you are someone likable and has a solid work history.
I know a lot of people have a problem with references, so I hope this helps. Good luck.
I have 4 ,owner of a company, a boss, a parent, coworker.
That's great, I have a similar set of references and I think the 'owner of a company' is an excellent one. I have a friend who is president and CEO of his own company and we're best friends. He's based in Toronto. It looks good to add him on my select list of references.
That's great, I have a similar set of references and I think the 'owner of a company' is an excellent one. I have a friend who is president and CEO of his own company and we're best friends. He's based in Toronto. It looks good to add him on my select list of references.
No offense to you, Raena, but I don't know anyone who would take seriously a reference from a parent. I don't put much stock in personal references, I don't ask for them and wouldn't call them, but I think a parent would be particularly biased.
Trancedout, you say personal references are people you haven't affiliated with in years, but personal references are friends, neighbors, people who know you on a personal level. Are you saying you haven't any?
References don't need to have fancy careers or titles - no one is looking at their resume. References ideally are people who worked with you in a supervisory capacity or people who supervised others. I also think it's okay to use an 'old' reference if the person will give you a good one.
Most people don't call references. I have been a reference for a few friends looking for work and I have been called twice. I actually had someone thank me for a glowing reference I gave when she was offered the job -- the person had never talked to me and lied to the new hire!
Unofficial references can be important. If you worked at Company X and are now interviewing at Company Y, Company Y might know someone at Company X and ask about you. They might look you up on LinkedIn to see who you have in common. If I burned a bridge when I left an employer, I would be more worried about this than about the references I provide.
Dang right.
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