Offered job - BUT reference on C.V. has left his job and I can't contact him.. HELP!!

dex91

I'm starting a new job on Monday, all paperwork has been signed and bank details taken for pay.

The recruitment agency employing me has been unable to contact my employment reference. There were two people at the company who knew me very well (including my reference) and they have both left the company and I therefore don't have a reference for my C.V. from my time at the company. I was working there about a year ago, and nobody else will remember me, and I can't find a contact number for the company... they are off the grid.

I could really do with advice here as I am worried I'll get the sack before I even start... please any advice would be great

Thanks

lr1277

When this happened to me, and my former employers was large enough, I asked the personnel department to pass on a message to the person I wanted to give the reference, asking them to contact me. They did this so I could forward their new contact details to my new employer.

HTH

Hobo17

They must have a policy for situations like these (if a company no longer exists which it sounds like may be the case for you) - ask the agency what you should do. Can you track the reference person down via facebook or use an alternative previous job as a reference? If you can track down the company's contact details then surely it would be sufficient to put the HR department as a reference rather than a specific person if you know your ex-manager no longer works there?

Nessi

Don't worry about this. If the company has closed down that's hardly your fault. If they are still operating they must have a personnel department that can verify you were there. Very few companies do a traditional reference these days anyway. Most will just state your job title and the dates you were there.

good luck for Monday!

Uncertain

Nessi wrote: »

Very few companies do a traditional reference these days anyway. Most will just state your job title and the dates you were there.

That is a sweeping statement and nothing like as universal as some on here would have you believe.

It may be common in some fields of work but it can sometimes cause real problems and misunderstandings if an employee is moving to an area where a full reference is still the norm.

In the OP's situation all they can do is explain the circumstances to the prospective employer and hope they understand.

dex91

Thanks for the quick responses. It turns out its tomorrow I'm starting, I've just gotten the email about the wage/location/dress code. The problem is the job (where ive lost track with the reference) was at a call centre for a broadband company and the two people I was in contact with have left their jobs. I know this because they have not answered my emails or the recruitment agency's.

However, the job im starting on Friday, I worked there for 4-5 months in 2009 and got on well with the boss there. I left as the project was temporary that I was working on. She wasnt down as a reference, but do you think they would let me off with using her as a reference? I think they might think theres something fishy going on as my ive had to provide two personal references (one of which is on holiday at the moment and the other i actually talked to and asked to do it - but he still hasnt). I'm just really concerned I'm going to be let go, Ive been looking for summer work for 6 weeks now, I cant afford to lose this. What should my next move be? I can't find any contact numbers for any of the staff, let alone the building. If they are to confirm my employment there, I would have to write.

Thanks again

scooby088

Why not get one from the HR department from that company, i always give the HR managers name when i need a reference.

dex91

scooby088 wrote: »

Why not get one from the HR department from that company, i always give the HR managers name when i need a reference.

Unfortunately, it being a call centre, I can't find any direct numbers to get through to them, not even the HR dept which is one man I think. I havent kept in touch with anyone from there other than my reference. We got on quite well, and he gave me his email address but unfortunately, that's all I've got to get in touch with him.

Thanks for all of your help guys, I think I'll just have to tell the employment agency how it is, and hope they keep me on. I do have a P45 proving I worked there.

dex91

If anyone knows the email address for TalkTalk Human Resources, please can you give it to me... I've searched for the past half hour and come up with nothing.

Thanks again

Svenena

Have you tried calling the switchboard and asking to be put through to HR? (0)20 3417 1000

wombles_forever

All call centres have to have a landline number. You can check for it (in yellow pages etc) under the address of the call centre where you worked and ask for HR. Or just get them to snail mail to HR at the centre's address.