What to do about references?

joker77

I've been with the same employer for nearly 8 years now, and am in the process of finding another job. The thing is though - my latest reference is from the previous employer so is 8 years out of date.

I can't exactly go asking any direct managers where I am, as I don't want to rock the boat. I'm not going to move unless I find the right job, so I might end up staying where I am - another good reason to keep it to myself for now.

During the 8 years, I've been out on client's sites for more than half of it. I could probably ask a senior manager in 1 of these sites, but again - that could and probably would get back.

Any suggestions? I have a couple of friends who I worked with at the time and have since moved on, both hold management positions now - they're my most likely option I think, maybe 1 of them and the previous employer from 8 years ago.

joker77

Anyone been in a similar position to this - e.g. with an employer for a long period of time and unsure what to do about references?

feylya

I would assume that in that situation, you would interview and if you got a job offer, then references would be needed. I've never been asked for a reference in an interview.

joker77

feylya wrote: »

I would assume that in that situation, you would interview and if you got a job offer, then references would be needed. I've never been asked for a reference in an interview.

I've sat in on interviews, and the HR person has always brought up references and asked for contact details to follow up with them. This was before the job offer stage.

engrish?

joker77 wrote: »

I've sat in on interviews, and the HR person has always brought up references and asked for contact details to follow up with them. This was before the job offer stage.

I would say be honest with them, explain it like you just did and you should be fine.

maxwell smart

I've interviewed about 350 people in the last three years for various positions, I have never asked about references before I offered. Any offer I would make would be on the understanding that I received acceptable references.

I don't think it is fair to expect someone who is looking to change employer to inform that employer that they are looking for a change.

dan_d

Hey,
I'm in the same situation and I'm absolutely assured that if you write "references on request" or something to that effect on your CV/cover letter that is acceptable.Most places won't ask until they offer you anyway, and when it comes to it, have someone who you are prepared to tell before everyone else, and who will give you a ref.
I'm doing an interview in a couple of wks and that's what I've been told to do.
Good luck

Eoin

I was in the same position. 6 years in my last company, and to top it off my boss was my boss in my previous company as well!

Your options are probably either to resign and hope that your boss will give you the reference, or ask another manager, or someone in an appropriate position that you can trust to give you a reference.

joker77

Cheers for the replies! All good points and I suppose common sense prevails, they'll understand the position I'm in.