Written or verbal references?

BagsOfGold

I have applied for a couple of jobs and just wondering what do they normally look for?

I have plenty of reference letters but just worried about verbal references and ringing up a previous employer and asking for a reference. I have worked for very large companies that they probably won't remember me if I ring them up looking for a verbal reference.

I am me123

I think usually ( depending on whether the job is Public or private sector), written references are sought first, then they are followed up by a phone call in order to check written reference provided is genuine.

Mrs OBumble

You aren't going to be the one ringing anyone up.

For a verbal reference, you give the potential employer the name+phone number of a person (previous manager, HR officer etc). They make the call.

If you have manners, then you will have contacted the person whose name/number you gave beforehand, and got their agreement to being a referee.