Has anyone been in this situation and what have you done? My child has been called for further interviews and progressed up the application process for another job. But they want 2 written references from previous employers. He's currently on his first ever job and does not want the employer to know he's looking elsewhere. Therein lies the dilemma, whom to ask when there was no previous professional employer? Previous casual jobs were sporadic and in various hospitality type barista positions, totally unrelated to the current position. Besides those managers probably don't remember him after all those years. Should he be honest and tell this to the company that the application is being kept confidential? The only option we can see now is character reference, and this may not count.
Hopeless Situation? Called for Interview Need 2 Written Referees but It's a Secret, How?
Comments
I would suggest a bit of both - seek someone in the current company who can provide a character / work reference. Could be another manager. But also explain to the interviewer that you would not want to jeopardize your current position if the new one falls through. You'd find most interviewers are understanding, or will only contact the referee if you actually get the job.
Good luck
Thanks for all your replies, everyone of which I forward to him. He isn't a member of this site.
A teacher is a good reference to use in a situation like this. I was in something similar when I was applying and used one from my teachers
Interesting they require a written reference!
Yes, i have written references from years ago and no potential employer ever wants to look at them, they always want to call someone.
Yes, two written referee reports. I am sure they mean character/professional.
academic references also work.
lie.
you write the reference (posing as a former manager )and give your mobile number. say you're currently on long service leave and happy to speak to the new interviewers. get ready for a call.
I'm serious.
is your child a moron and incapable of doing the job he has applied for ? No? then just do it.
does your child not deserve the new job?
Errr…..not in my nature to lie BIG like that! If caught out it might be permanent mark against his reputation forever into the future. Besides I'd make a lousy imposter esp of one in managerial position. :) :) :)
google "writing a job reference". read up about what to write in a reference. this is the stuff they may ask you. it;s no biggy.
do you want your child to score a job? are you confident in his abilities? would he be suitable in the job he is going for? would he be successful in the job he's going for?
does it really matter what previous employers may say about him if he is the right person for the job?
it's not a big lie if you believe he is capable. would you be proud to see him get the job and do it successfully?
Just make it up. Tell a family friend to be prepared for the call. There are young people and people looking for their first job that do this all the time. Not everyone has work experience or references to offer and in the tough world of job searching you do what you gotta do.
Staff from school/university perhaps?