dunno what to do with this

nollaig

Had an interview last week. Anyways, I didnt tell anybody about it in the job I'm already in. Called in sick to go to the interview.

But now the guys interviewing me want a reference from my current employers. I have never asked my current employers for a reference and i'm afraid that they wont be too happy hearing that I had an interview somewhere else! So what to do???

Rafloution

nollaig wrote:

Had an interview last week. Anyways, I didnt tell anybody about it in the job I'm already in. Called in sick to go to the interview.

But now the guys interviewing me want a reference from my current employers. I have never asked my current employers for a reference and i'm afraid that they wont be too happy hearing that I had an interview somewhere else! So what to do???

You employer wont give you a reference on paper anyway i think. As they wont want to be held to it legally. I have usually just given ph numbers of current employer and they then know not to ring. Are you sure the new employer doesnt mean previous employers i.e anything before your current job?

nollaig

no specfically asked for current employer

seamus

Generally, you don't inform your current job about the fact that you're looking for another job until you're handing in your notice.

Tell the new place that you can't supply them with a reference until they've offered you the job, because you don't want to upset the good relationship you have with your current employer.
Any employer with a bit of cop on, will send you out a contract, and ask you to send your references back. The contract will say, "This contract is only valid on receipt of satisfactory references".

If you don't want to work for this other company, or they're not willing to offer you the job without references first, then walk away.

Huggles

nollaig wrote:

no specfically asked for current employer

Thats ridiculous. Sounds like a mickey mouse outfit. If you ask your current employer for a reference for a new job they are bound to go mad! It sounds to me that the other company haven't a clue. The only scenario I can think of is that the place you are now is your first job and they are unsure whether to trust you or not?

Either way, walk away!

nollaig

seamus wrote:

Generally, you don't inform your current job about the fact that you're looking for another job until you're handing in your notice.

Tell the new place that you can't supply them with a reference until they've offered you the job, because you don't want to upset the good relationship you have with your current employer.
Any employer with a bit of cop on, will send you out a contract, and ask you to send your references back. The contract will say, "This contract is only valid on receipt of satisfactory references".

If you don't want to work for this other company, or they're not willing to offer you the job without references first, then walk away.

But I do want to work for this company. ThIf I dont give them what they asked for, i;d imagine they'll be pissed off

But I'm fecked if I give them my current job as reference cos then my current employers wont be happy.

seamus

nollaig wrote:

But I do want to work for this company. ThIf I dont give them what they asked for, i;d imagine they'll be pissed off

No job is worth putting yourself in a compromising position. It's business, don't feel like you have to avoid hurting their feelings.

Don't view the company as someone doing you a favour. By all means be eager about the position, but view it more as they should be glad to have you on board. This includes looking out for yourself and standing your ground on things like references.

connundrum

Wow! I've never heard of this happening before. On my CV I have 'References available on request' - just out of fear of them ringing my current employer without my knowledge.

Don't give them the details until you have a solid offer on the table.

Can you imagine the conversation:

New Employer: Hi, we would just like to find out a bit about Employee X.
Present Employer: Eh, why?
New Employer: Emm.. well she's looking to come work for us, so we'd just like to find out if she's any use.
Present Employer: *&^%$%!!!

Miss Fluff

This is absolutely ridiculous AND bad practice. If this prospective employer does mean a reference from your current employer then they have obviously not got a clue when it comes to good business practice. How the hell can you expect your current employer to provide a reference while you are still on thier payroll?Go back to this prospective employer and explain why you are not comfortable doing this.

As someone mentioned, it sounds like a pretty Micky Mouse operation to me. Are you positive you haven't misunderstood what they requested?

Aoife-FM104

Yeah, I agree with the other posters. The new company is being ridiculous and unprofessional. Alarm bells would be ringing in my head!

Offer other previous employers, and tell them they are free to check with your current employer after you have started working for them.

Or maybe just give them your mates phone number...

Wishbone Ash

Edit: Post deleted because that stupid twit Wishbone Ash did not switch his brain on before posting - sorry.

Miss Fluff

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Why would they be bound to go mad? Employers are accustomed to employees leaving all the time for various logical reasons. Any employer who is "bound to go mad" doesn't deserve to have any staff.

Didn't you read any of the posts in this thread? It is BAD PRACTICE to ask an employer for a reference while still in full-time employment with them/on their payroll.:rolleyes:

Huggles

Wishbone Ash wrote:

Why would they be bound to go mad? Employers are accustomed to employees leaving all the time for various logical reasons. Any employer who is "bound to go mad" doesn't deserve to have any staff.

Jaysis, I love this kind of post!

Firstly read the other posts. Secondly, think about it for a few minutes. If you were an employer and you received a call about a member of your team.

Employers HATE when staff leave, especially good staff, so to get a call from someone about one of them possibly leaving your boss would feel a little more than hard done by!!!

Wishbone Ash

Miss Fluff wrote:

Didn't you read any of the posts in this thread? It is BAD PRACTICE to ask an employer for a reference while still in full-time employment with them/on their payroll.:rolleyes:

TheGooner wrote:

Jaysis, I love this kind of post!

Firstly read the other posts. Secondly, think about it for a few minutes. If you were an employer and you received a call about a member of your team.

Employers HATE when staff leave, especially good staff, so to get a call from someone about one of them possibly leaving your boss would feel a little more than hard done by!!!

Apologies to all concerned! I'm holding my hands up on this one- I read the previous posts but obviously did not switch on my brain before hitting the keyboard. Post edited to reflect my stupidity. (I can't be perfect all the time). Sorry. I shall now fall on my sword:o