Problem with employment reference (accountancy firm)

MrSzyslak

I work for a Big Four accountancy firm in FS the last two years, but I am currently interviewing for new jobs.

I know that, when colleagues of mine have left the firm in the past, the only reference they got was one saying that they'd worked for the firm, and their start and finish date and I think your overall performance grade. This is the standard reference they give for everyone - it's against their policy to give a personal one.

How is this likely to be viewed by potential employers? And is it standard in the industry?

_Brian

This is standard enough across many industries..

Sometimes a phonecall to the referee will yield more "off the record" information.

MrSzyslak

_Brian wrote: »

This is standard enough across many industries..

Sometimes a phonecall to the referee will yield more "off the record" information.

Thanks!

So the referee will be the HR contact in the firm? Or could I ask a manager I have worked for who may be able to give me a personnel reference. I am not sure they are allowed either.

_Brian

If your on good terms with the manager ask can you pass on his details directly.

TBH I pass no merit in HR references as its obvious they don't know the individual.

Johnny_Fontane

Very standard that the big 4 only give standard referees. As the earlier poster said, you could get a manager/senior manager that you know well to help out, but its probably not needed.

Your grading within the big 4 is becoming more relevant as employers start to look for it.