Why are we so obsessed with references?

Pauliedragon

For the second time in a few weeks I might have missed out on a job due to the fact my reference contacts are unavailable due to the offices being closed. I can't give out personal mobiles so why don't companies realise this and take it into consideration. These aren't skilled jobs so they've nothing to lose by just giving me a trial. Do companies really put that much thought into phone references that could be fake anyway?

MrsBean

Could you ask your most recent employer for a written reference to have on hand? Most places usually only chase up your last job for a reference. If you're handing it to them you're making their job easier. Provide an email addres for them to verify the reference with if phone numbers aren't a goer.

silent_spark

You can also ask your referee to directly contact the person seeking the reference, just give them their contact details.

Pauliedragon

MrsBean wrote: »

Could you ask your most recent employer for a written reference to have on hand? Most places usually only chase up your last job for a reference. If you're handing it to them you're making their job easier. Provide an email addres for them to verify the reference with if phone numbers aren't a goer.

Cheers. Didn't think if that.

Jim2007

Pauliedragon wrote: »

For the second time in a few weeks I might have missed out on a job due to the fact my reference contacts are unavailable due to the offices being closed. I can't give out personal mobiles so why don't companies realise this and take it into consideration. These aren't skilled jobs so they've nothing to lose by just giving me a trial. Do companies really put that much thought into phone references that could be fake anyway?

Here the thing, recruiting people costs money. The company has to spend time writing and placing ads, going through applications, interviewing people, checking references and qualifications and so on. Given the choice between taking on someone who they have verified and just giving someone a chance, they will go with the person they have verified because they don't want the expense of having to do it all over again in a few weeks time.


Don't assume that the future employer does not verify that the phone reference is genuine. There are lots of things you can do to get a feel for the person on the other end of the phone. You'd be surprised at what can pop up from simply googling the phone number, it might appear on an unrelated profile for instance. Even asking them a few questions about the company they are supposed to work for will perhaps be reveling. And so on.


A few things that can help:
- Get a written reference and if they company does not do this, ask if they will at least give you a statement of employment
- Ask your references if they'd be willing to allow you to give out their number in cases where there is a definite offer being considered. If so don't put them on your resume, just put a comment that you will provide the numbers if a job offer is definitely in the offing

- Ask your references if they are will to make the first contact.


Good luck with your search

thegills

Pauliedragon wrote:

For the second time in a few weeks I might have missed out on a job due to the fact my reference contacts are unavailable due to the offices being closed. I can't give out personal mobiles so why don't companies realise this and take it into consideration. These aren't skilled jobs so they've nothing to lose by just giving me a trial. Do companies really put that much thought into phone references that could be fake anyway?

Why can't you ask the reference for their mobile?