Never asked for a reference in an old job.

TheBrinch

Hey,

So I had been working in a job for 3 and a half years. When I left the company, I never asked for a reference.
Its been almost 1 and a half years since I left and I'm wondering if it would still be a good idea to contact them to get a reference. I know my old manager still works there.

The reason being is I currently don't have any other references for my CV so I believe getting this one would be a big help.

Is it too late to do so or should I contact them?

Cheers

Geniass

TheBrinch wrote: »

Hey,

So I had been working in a job for 3 and a half years. When I left the company, I never asked for a reference.
Its been almost 1 and a half years since I left and I'm wondering if it would still be a good idea to contact them to get a reference. I know my old manager still works there.

The reason being is I currently don't have any other references for my CV so I believe getting this one would be a big help.

Is it too late to do so or should I contact them?

Cheers

As in a paper/written reference?

Usually employers ring previous employers and ask for a reference. I still use an employer from 5 years ago Just make sure you contact them shortly before the company rings looking for the reference.

TheBrinch

Geniass wrote: »

As in a paper/written reference?

Usually employers ring previous employers and ask for a reference. I still use an employer from 5 years ago Just make sure you contact them shortly before the company rings looking for the reference.

No not a written one. Using them the same way you do. Just for a phone conversation basically.

I'm just wondering if it would be best to contact them even before putting them on my CV. Rather than ringing and saying I already used them and an employer might ring them soon.

Geniass

TheBrinch wrote: »

No not a written one. Using them the same way you do. Just for a phone conversation basically.

I'm just wondering if it would be best to contact them even before putting them on my CV. Rather than ringing and saying I already used them and an employer might ring them soon.

Usually you'd attend at least one interview before a reference is contacted, so you could wait until then. But, do contact the reference before the company does. They usually tell you in advance if a reference is to be contacted.

Uncle Ben

TheBrinch wrote: »

Hey,

So I had been working in a job for 3 and a half years. When I left the company, I never asked for a reference.
Its been almost 1 and a half years since I left and I'm wondering if it would still be a good idea to contact them to get a reference. I know my old manager still works there.

The reason being is I currently don't have any other references for my CV so I believe getting this one would be a big help.

Is it too late to do so or should I contact them?

Cheers

I'd ask for the reference ASAP. If your old employers were to go bang tomorrow you'd have nowt.

Irish_Elect_Eng

In reality, you don't get a reference from an employer, but a specific contact at that employer. Call your old manager/supervisor and make a personal connection. Even if the company goes bust you can still get a reference even if he/she is working elsewhere.

TheBrinch

Irish_Elect_Eng wrote: »

In reality, you don't get a reference from an employer, but a specific contact at that employer. Call your old manager/supervisor and make a personal connection. Even if the company goes bust you can still get a reference even if he/she is working elsewhere.

Yeah that was basically my plan. Thanks!

TheBrinch

Okay got the info I needed. Cheers everyone!