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Character reference

  • 06-08-2013 2:02pm
    #1
    thefasteriwalk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭


    Who do people usually assign as a character reference? I only ever need to include this for VEC positions for some reason.

    I've just been sent an application form which asks for the details of two character referees (aside from the two school related referees) and also requires that I send a written reference from one of these character referees. It needs to have been written within the last twelve months. This reference must be from 'a person of senior social standing e.g. Garda, Clargyman, Minister.' I do not know anyone of 'senior social standing'. I do, however, have excellent references from school principals who came to know my character. Is that not enough?


Comments

  • #2
    Postgrad10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,792 ✭✭✭Postgrad10


    I have an undergrad lecturer as a character/academic reference. If you've got spare school references, I would think use two of them as character references too, surely principals are people of senior standing too:) Otherwise a lecturer?


  • #3
    thefasteriwalk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 565 ✭✭✭thefasteriwalk


    Postgrad10 wrote: »
    I have an undergrad lecturer as a character/academic reference. If you've got spare school references, I would think use two of them as character references too, surely principals are people of senior standing too:) Otherwise a lecturer?

    Yeah, it's just I finished my degree in 2006. I've got four school references. I'll just fire them off, I suppose. Thanks.


  • #4
    Miss Lockhart
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,639 ✭✭✭Miss Lockhart


    How ridiculous to think that gardai, clergymen or ministers are of senior social standing. What a load of nonsense.


  • #5
    RealJohn
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,099 ✭✭✭RealJohn


    Miss Lockhart wrote: »
    How ridiculous to think that gardai, clergymen or ministers are of senior social standing. What a load of nonsense.
    Why is that ridiculous?


  • #6
    Miss Lockhart
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,639 ✭✭✭Miss Lockhart


    RealJohn wrote: »
    Why is that ridiculous?

    Because your profession does not confer senior social standing. At least not in this century.


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  • #7
    2011abc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,738 ✭✭✭2011abc


    Oh Id disagree there !You dont think a solicitor has more (percieved?) 'social standing' than a checkout assistant in Ireland ?


  • #8
    Miss Lockhart
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,639 ✭✭✭Miss Lockhart


    No I don't. And I think any employer relying on non-work related character references given by strangers on the strength of their perceived social standing would be immensely foolish. Surely recent scandals have taught us that no professions deserve to be put on a pedestal.

    As an employer myself I would put no more faith in a reference from Fr Murphy or Seargent Daly than one from the local shopkeeper.


  • #9
    StillWaters
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,799 ✭✭✭StillWaters


    Miss Lockhart wrote: »
    Because your profession does not confer senior social standing. At least not in this century.

    It can also be a Community Activist eg Chair or Manager of a local community group etc, Councillor etc, really it just means 'upstanding'.


  • #10
    Miss Lockhart
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,639 ✭✭✭Miss Lockhart


    I consider most people I know to be upstanding.


  • #11
    Systemic Risk
    Closed Accounts Posts: 217 ✭✭Systemic Risk


    StillWaters wrote: »
    It can also be a Community Activist eg Chair or Manager of a local community group etc, Councillor etc, really it just means 'upstanding'.

    And yet again how does anyone know who is upstanding. Look at Lance Armstrong, head of a the Livestrong foundation and a cheat, liar and bully. There are many examples of Gardai and clergymen not behaving in an upstanding way. Think of the corruption that was uncovered in Donegal. How many solicitors have been struck off for fraud? I would have hoped we have moved on as a society from showing reverence to certain professions.

    Other than work references these character statements are ridiculous and outdated. I assume as the OP has said that they are only used in VECs because I have never been asked for one. However I am only teaching and lecturing on a casual basis and have no contract so I don't know if they do ask in Universities.


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