How do references work?

parc

When a new company contacts an old employer for a character reference how much detail does the new company tell the old employer about you?

A recruitment company is contacting an old boss I had. While I got on with my boss and the reference will be good, I'm going for "an inbetween jobs" position and would prefer if he didn't know about it. I was quite friendly with my boss and have told him that my new job couldn't be better but once he hears the recruitment company asking for detail, he'll know I'm out of work

Abi

parc wrote: »

When a new company contacts an old employer for a character reference how much detail does the new company tell the old employer about you?

A recruitment company is contacting an old boss I had. While I got on with my boss and the reference will be good, I'm going for "an inbetween jobs" position and would prefer if he didn't know about it. I was quite friendly with my boss and have told him that my new job couldn't be better but once he hears the recruitment company asking for detail, he'll know I'm out of work

Not nesessarily. I've applied for jobs while in one many times.

parc

oh right. would the recruitment company go into much detail though? Would they have a chat about the position I'm going for now, and what I did previously?

Abi

parc wrote: »

oh right. would the recruitment company go into much detail though? Would they have a chat about the position I'm going for now, and what I did previously?

It depends completely on the agency, and what their standard list of questions are I suppose. Some may insist on being very thorough because they're representing their clients and want to cover their asses.


They will want to confirm your duration of employment with your referee, that you're dependable and as qualified as you say you are. They will want to be sure that you are of good character basically, and that you left your employment on good terms.

mikemac

Sorry for the hijack

But I've read here often two references are standard

But what if you're in a long for a good while, maybe over four years.

My boss is my only reference, nobody in college would remember me and or any older job I had

I've reference only, this ok?

Abi

mikemac wrote: »

Sorry for the hijack

But I've read here often two references are standard

But what if you're in a long for a good while, maybe over four years.

My boss is my only reference, nobody in college would remember me and or any older job I had

I've reference only, this ok?

Most companies prefer to put in about two calls afaik, but what can be done if you only have one? Although not job related - when I was applying for college I was in a similar position as yourself. I got a letter from my ex-landlord who thankfully did one for me!

parc

It's actually a strange one because I'm not worried about what my boss will say, more-so the agency. I was good friends with my boss and we shared a lot of mates. Though I don't see him now, I could meet up with him in future for drinks.

Just don't want him knowing much about my current position. No big deal if he does, but this is more on a personal and social level.

Abi

parc wrote: »

It's actually a strange one because I'm not worried about what my boss will say, more-so the agency. I was good friends with my boss and we shared a lot of mates. Though I don't see him now, I could meet up with him in future for drinks.

Just don't want him knowing much about my current position. No big deal if he does, but this is more on a personal and social level.

Ah well then. All you have to do is ring the recruitment agency and speak to the person dealing with your file. Just ask them not to mention your current position, the one that matters is the one you are applying for and that you have the relevant experience for it.

this is arse

give them my phone number and i'll take care of it for you