References...what to do?!?

Freaky

I have been unemployed for 6 months, and prior to that I was in education. Much to my delight I recently got invited to an interview as a support worker in the UK, which is in a weeks time.

Only problem now is I am finding it difficult to contact my references. My M.Sc thesis supervisor was previously very good at supplying me with references, but I think she has personal problems in her life at the moment, and I am finding it hard to contact her. My supervisor from my undergraduate program is retired, and the only other member of staff that I would know personally is away on sabbatical... talk about bad timing!!

The only other people I can think of are a woman I used to do a small bit of part time volunteering, and a family friend that previously gave me a character reference, but job requests no references from family/friends.

I havent really had a "proper job", I mostly just help my family on the farm...

I would really really appreciate any ideas/suggestions.
I am so excited about this interview, and the thought of missing out on it because of references is awful, especially as I have been unemployed for so long

MrTsSnickers

Contact the person that is is away on sabbatical. They may still be contactable via email. I did this and just mentioned at interview that one of the references was away on sabbatical and that he could be contacted via email rather than by phone. They were fine with that. Does the prospective employer need to know that the person you volunteered with is a friend?

Freaky

Thanks for the reply!

I already contacted the lecturer who is on sabbatical...she said she would be traveling around that time and would I mind finding someone else to give a reference....would it be very cheeky to explain that I am finding it difficult to get references and to ask could I supply her email address?!

The woman I volunteered with isnt a family friend, so I suppose I can use her as one reference. I do have a family friend who gave me a reference before but I dont think those references carry much weight!

MrTsSnickers

I wouldn't say there'd be much harm in contacting her again and just saying that you're finding it difficult to find someone appropriate and would she mind if you gave her email address. Failing that, use the other reference. What prospective employers want to hear is that you're reliable, able to operate well with people and show appropriate initiative.

You're obviously looking for work, what would look decent is if you can go and start volunteering elsewhere, I know it doesn't solve the immediate problem but it will get you another reference, it'll fill a gap in your cv and that in itself will show that you want to do something rather than bumming about the house!