HR advice -Partner as Ref

forestnewbeee

Hey,

I'm looking for some advice. I have worked with my partner for the last 4 years in a really niche business. I was just me and him running the business for 4 years. I have applied for another job in the same niche area and he is the best reference for this job as its the same area and I have only worked witj him for the last 4 years. I have read online that it is a big no no to put down boyfriends/spouse as refs. He says we should be up front about being partners when submitting the ref and I agree with him as I do not think anybody should start off a new job with lieing. But at the same time I'm afraid to loose this job as its perfect as its in the same niche area we both have worked in. I have been offered the job after a few interviews etc just pending back round checks and references.

TheBody

Have you some clients that would act as a referree for you?

Dardania

TheBody wrote: »

Have you some clients that would act as a referree for you?

That would be best. Or, are there any suppliers you interacts with that might vouch for you, or bank manager if you took funding etc.?

Glass fused light

If its a niche business its a niche industry so the new job will / should be aware of your reputation and business setup. IMO the main issue for your new employer would be if your old business is competing for the same business. As you have done the interview and discussed your current job and I presume that the new employer had covered any potential conflict when they asked the why you are moving from the old to the new job question? So I would not worry too much about, and stick the reference down as it is factually correct.

OMM 0000

Using your partner as your reference is odd, and worthless IMO.

Oftentimes the reference check is a tick the box affair.

Think about your wider network - is there anyone who can vouch for you?

Your accountant, your lawyer, an old college professor, a local politician, your parish priest, etc.

Glass fused light

OMM 0000 wrote: »

Using your partner as your reference is odd, and worthless IMO.

Oftentimes the reference check is a tick the box affair.

Think about your wider network - is there anyone who can vouch for you?

Your accountant, your lawyer, an old college professor, a local politician, your parish priest, etc.

Problem is that some places specify ex-employer work references and may want a different person to act as character reference.

OMM 0000

Glass fused light wrote: »

Problem is that some places specify ex-employer work references and may want a different person to act as character reference.

I remember an potential employer wanted a reference from a company I used to work at, but the company was now dissolved. This was before LinkedIn. I literally had no way of providing the reference.

The HR person seemed irritated, but what exactly was I supposed to do?

If I recall correctly, the manager overrode the situation and I still got the job.

So I guess it's a case of explaining the situation to HR and hoping they're not braindead.