References question!

kitschkitty

If you have been self employed, or are retuning to work/applying for jobs after a long period of unemployment, what is the best way to address the issue of referees when applications specifically ask for a reference from your current/last employer?

Also what if your past employers have merged/been taken over, closed down, or there may only be a central office that may (or may not) have/give a very limited reference that may not highlight the best things about your employment?

How do you best address this issue in an application?

It's an issue that is literally driving me crazy. :huh:

callow

I am in a similar position myself as I am self employed and applying for an NHS position. The following is taken from their application website:

"If you are or have been employed these should include your two most recent employers, your line manager or someone in a position of responsibility who can comment on your work experience, competence, personal qualities and suitability for the post. If you are a student please provide contact details of a teacher at your school, college or university. If you have not been in employment for a considerable amount of time but have had previous employment, then you should seek one reference from your last known employer and a personal reference from a person of some standing within your community i.e. doctor, solicitor, MP etc. Where it is not possible to obtain any employer reference at all then please obtain two personal references. Where no personal reference can be obtained then references should be sought from personal acquaintances not related to or involved in any financial arrangement with you. If you have undergone training to return to work then the academic institution should be contacted. Personal references such as friends and relatives are not acceptable unless stated previously."

Luckily I have used a job before self employment and a place where I currently volunteer.

tyroneshoelaces

This also applies to me, i was self employed, the company i worked for before that have closed down and the manager from the job before that has gone, there is no one left in the shop i used to work with!!