How get references

whodunit

Hi

I went for an interview recently for a course they told me i would need 2 references & they must be on headed paper. How do i get these? i haven't worked before. I have just done 2 courses. Do i just ring them up and ask? or email, so is there some form i should fill?

seamus

You don't need to supply references until you've been offered the job.

At that point you explain to the person that you're dealing with (not the person who interviews you) that you have no formal working references. They will probably suggest that you get a reference from one or two recent people who would be familiar with your work - like a dean of the college, or headmaster of your school.

When you say you've done two courses, do you mean six-week FAS ones, or proper FETAC-accredited courses?

Mr. Loverman

The first thing you need to do is explain to the brain dead admin that you've never worked before, so providing references on headed paper is not a simple matter for you.

I recommend you ring the two courses you've completed, ask to speak to the head of each course or department or whoever the decision maker is, and explain your situation. It is important you speak to a decision maker.

If this isn't working out, you can try a family friend who owns a business or is a professional such as an accountant.

tenifan

Get references from your teacher/lecturer, just saying you're punctual, hardworking, team player, no hesitation recommending you, etc

It's no harm to have written references anyway to expedite the job application process.

Mrs OBumble

Mr. Loverman wrote: »

The first thing you need to do is explain to the brain dead admin that you've never worked before, so providing references on headed paper is not a simple matter for you.

If it is an admin person you're dealing with, then they most likely did not make up the reqest all by themselves! They are simply doing the job they are paid to do - Do not tell the person asking for the references that you think they, or their request, are brain-dead!

References don't have to be work references. Most likely your potential course-providers want to get some idea of who they're dealing with, and that you are who you say you are.

Some ideas where to get them:

Did you get a testimonial from the principal when you left school? This could be one. similarly, are there any teachers you could ask to do the same?

Have you ever done volunteer work, or played in a sports team, or taken part in a musical or cultural group? Ask the manager / coach etc to write a letter saying roughly "I have known whodunit for X years. During that time he has been responsible and always come to practise on time" - or somethign similar. Basically get them to say something nice about you, on headed paper from the organisation / club / whatever.

Do you know a priest or parish worker? Ask for a personal reference, on headed paper from the parish.

Do you have a relative who owns their own business? Ask them for a personal reference, written on their letterhead.

Mr. Loverman

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

If it is an admin person you're dealing with, then they most likely did not make up the reqest all by themselves! They are simply doing the job they are paid to do - Do not tell the person asking for the references that you think they, or their request, are brain-dead!

The only reason I made this comment was this:

whodunit wrote: »

I went for an interview recently for a course they told me i would need 2 references & they must be on headed paper

So from the interview I am assuming they know he has never worked before, so getting real references may not be easy.

But of course, it is always a bad idea to tell anyone they - or their procedures - are brain dead. All you are doing is making them hate you.

whodunit

It was a very quick interview, not that I know much about interviews but she just went through my application quickly. I've done two fetac computer courses, I told her I have no work experience. She said it is VITAL I get references from both courses. I received a letter today to say I've been accepted on course but I do need to show the references on induction day.

I'm delighted to be accepted but also worried as I don't know what to do, do I just ring and ask for a reference?

I didn't get on very well at one of the courses, nothing bad really happened I just hated the tutor & she hated me so not sure about asking her

Mr. Loverman

whodunit wrote: »

I received a letter today to say I've been accepted on course but I do need to show the references on induction day.

This means you're in. You can relax. They're not going to kick you off the course if you don't have the references on induction day. (Obviously get them and bring them anyway).

You don't have to ask the problem tutor for the reference. Go above her head. Do you know who her boss is?

2Mad2BeMad

ask your tutor who you got on well with for a ref
don't bother with the 2nd one unless you think she will give you a good reference.
While legally you are entitled to a reference if you ask for one, and that reference must not damage you're name, i.e the person giving you a reference says you're lazy, doesn't bother learning etc...
their has been the case of a person giving a reference off the books so to speak.
So if you think you're course tutor won't give you a decent reference I wouldn't bother

You're in the course now, all they want is character references. This can be tutors, school teachers, princibles etc...
Practically anyone who thinks your a good person who is willing to work hard (don't ask family) close friends you can ask if you have worked with them before

Its a course you're doing correct? not a job, so a reference from anyone will do, doesn't have to be specific.

Mrs OBumble

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

While legally you are entitled to a reference if you ask for one, and that reference must not damage you're name, i.e the person giving you a reference says you're lazy, doesn't bother learning etc...

Ahh, do you have a link for that? 'Cos I think it's not exactly true.

AFAIK, no one has to give you a reference. But if they do, then it has to be true. So saying "2Mad2BeMad is lazy" is not allowed, because that's libel, which is illegal. But saying "2Mad2BeMad only submitted 40% of the course assignments" is fine, provdied it's true.

2Mad2BeMad

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

Ahh, do you have a link for that? 'Cos I think it's not exactly true.

AFAIK, no one has to give you a reference. But if they do, then it has to be true. So saying "2Mad2BeMad is lazy" is not allowed, because that's libel, which is illegal. But saying "2Mad2BeMad only submitted 40% of the course assignments" is fine, provdied it's true.

A reference is basically the truth but its illegal to give a bad one. I should of gave a better example. Calling me lazy or a rude person in a reference, I could sue you for. Saying I done a small percentage of work for my course or was occasionally late, I cant sue you for as that would be truthful. While the first comment " me being lazy and rude to management" might be true, its damaging my character and any chance with the company for the future.Which is illegal. Although if I was lazy,rude etc I wouldnt be asking for a reference in the first place

But like I said their are some people who just tell a potential employer off the books all sorts of bad things about you whether true or not if they don't like you. As its nearly impossible to prove they give you a bad one. Not all people are like this but personally I wouldnt take the risk.

Mr. Loverman

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

A reference is basically the truth but its illegal to give a bad one.

It isn't illegal to give a bad one. You can say whatever you want. You just need to be able to prove it.

For example, I used to work in a job where a programmer had a large HR record for sexual stuff. Touching girls boobs, telling them he is going to rape them, changing their desktop picture to naked men, etc.

(Don't ask me why he wasn't fired; strangest company in the world)

If I wrote a reference stating I don't recommend he should be hired as he sexually assaulted and sexually harassed women during work hours, what is he going to do? Bring me to court where I can prove all these things happened?

Mrs OBumble

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

A reference is basically the truth but its illegal to give a bad one.

Link to an authoritative source please ...