Just looking for advice on who to list? </p> I have been working for a family business for the past few years, and prior to that was at uni. Before I was at uni, I worked for the co-op, but that was sometime ago now.</p> Would a reference from my first job (4/5 years ago now) be of any relevance? Bearing in mind the fact I've only had two jobs (one was family), who would make for a suitable reference besides an employer? </p>
People in responsible positions who know you - doctor, priest, teacher - providing they aren't family members.
So basically anyone who might know me with any degree of certainty?</p> Ideally I would've asked my personal tutor at uni, but he never spoke to any of us, so wouldn't be able to provide much in terms of a character reference </p>
Deffo bang yer personal tutor down as one. After leaving college had sod all references so used mi college form tutor as one.
Despite the fact he was useless and probably doesn't have a clue who I am? I just contacted my dissertation tutor, at least we would meet once a week for the best part of a year </p> Do most employers check references? </p>
I recruit for my department and we do check references. In your position you'd be OK nominating somebody for the company you work for now as one of them. Any decent employer will ask for sickness and attendance details and family business or not they are liable if they give false information that show your character incorrectly. To be honest the only bits of a reference I am interested in is the sickness and absence details as this shows pretty much what to expect.
Well currently I'm no longer working. We decided as a family it would be better for me to look for another job back in February, and the only other people working are my Dad, my Sister and her boyfriend.</p> Also, unless they've kept track without me knowing, there are no details of sickness/absence</p> I used to work at the co-op like I said, but again, I'm not sure they would've had details on absence </p>
References aren't essential especially when the employee is young or hasn't much work experience as most employers put new starters on a probabtion period anyway. A personal reference is ok, somebody who knows you and has a position of respect / authority. It doesnt have to be a judge or doctor as it is often clear that they dont actually know the person they're referencing on behalf of. A family friend who is / was in the armed forces or police or fire brigade is just as good.
Nothing wrong with the armed forces; I was in for nine years. Its the lack of any discipline or respect thats at the root of many problems in this country.
When asked re Sickness and absenteeism Then look baffled and when the interviewer asked why. Being in my own business sickness and absenteeism is not allowed. I interviewed hundreds for jobs and employed best part of 300 over the years. I looked for very simple things A honest face, a honest interview, and a prospective employee that looked like he/she really wanted the job. When I mentioned the need for week end and overtime work just watched their face to try and detect a 'cringe'
Agree 100% Wastyke. CV's mean very little to me, I find out more during interviews - how they dress, how much effort they make, do I think they'd fit in. All these things matter more than that lies and ******** on a CV. Recruiting for a project manager recently (a reasonably senior and responsible role) I ruled out people who didnt turn up for the interview in suits and with ironed shirts and polished shoes. Also wearers of comedy ties were not invited back for a second interview. If they cant be arsed making an effort for the interview it leaves very chance of them improving once they have the job.
