Character reference

Beckyy

I started a new job 2 months ago. They had the names of my old boss and my last college teacher for references, as I'd only had one job since leaving school. As it was the summer holidays my old college teacher never got back to them - my new employers said they needed to recieve a character reference from someone else. This was about 3 weeks ago.

My old boss' business partner said she would write me one, and gave me her home address, but they called today and said they haven't recieved it back, and they sent the forms about 3 weeks ago. I'm trying to get in touch to see if she recieved them okay.

If I can't get hold of her, who else can you use for a character reference?

I moved from England to Scotland 2 years ago. The only people who know me here are my OHs family and I don't have any local friends who know me that well. None of my old school friends are in a position to write one.

I have 2 half brothers, with different surnames to me, would one of them be able to do it for me? Or would they not count?

I'm getting really stuck for people and I'm worried it's going to cause problems for me if I can't get this character reference back to them in a couple of days.

MrsManda

As schools and colleges are going back this week can you contact your former teacher and ask them to write it for you?

scheming_gypsy

Anybody can write a character reference for you, it's just somebody who's going to say you're trustworthy, reliable and honest.
Although most people just write it themselves and get a mate to sign it

smileylondongal

Try and get hold of your recent character referee because she seemed willing and it could be it got lost in the post. If it has, ask her for her email address and they can email it to her. Hopefully due to the urgency, she can then write it, scan it and email it back.

I would steer clear of family as they may find out and the employer wants to hear from someone a bit more independent. There's also no harm trying the teacher again as school/college is starting back this week - call up the switchboard to see if anyone's about.

If you are friends with anyone you worked with, you can also ask them to write you something? Worst case scenario is to ask a friend to do it, as it's a character and not work reference. I would say it's nicer to do it from a 'professional'.

Best of luck and congrats on the new job!

Beckyy

I've just been trying to get in touch with my old school teacher and found out that he's recently moved to a new college that has opened in the area, which would be why he never got their letter, and his new college isn't back yet.

My old boss never really used to use email, her business partner who wrote my professional reference was the one that used to do most of the computer things. I've left a message on her phone and hope she'll get back to me.

My new employers already have a full PVG police check and a professional reference, and 2 months of my work with them. I'm just a bit worried I could end up losing my job if they get annoyed about it.

scheming_gypsy

How long is it since you last spoke to your old school teacher? if it's a number of years then they're not going to give a very accurate reference.

scheming_gypsy

if you get really desperate, pm me with what you want it to say and your address, i'll print it out, sign it and post it to you.
A character reference is usually just so they're sure you're not a complete clown who likes to dress like a Klingon and fondle livestock at the weekend

Beckyy

That's a very kind offer scheming_gypsy, but fingers crossed one of them will get back to me.

It's been about 2 years since my last contact with school teacher, but he taught me for about 6 years and my Mum still sees him about on occassions and has a chat, so he definitely knows me well. He countersigned my driving license and my last passport too.

olias

scheming_gypsy wrote: »

likes to dress like a Klingon and fondle livestock at the weekend

Whats wrong with that?:p

Olias

t0rt0ise

Is there no ex work colleague who would be willing? I do understand though because I'm pretty solitary too and had a problem with references recently myself. Eventually gave a former colleague and someone from a society I belong to where I hold a committee position. I don't think the employer really cares, they just want to have ticked all the boxes.

Beckyy

I only worked at my last job part time for 2 years while I was a studying and most other employees were weekend workers or part time, and moved on themselves. I was only really friends on a proper basis with a couple of them, and I've lost contact with them since I left.

I'm considering asking one of my old school friends. She's on her summer break from uni until the end of the month, but I know she should be able to do it if can give her some good examples so she know's what to write.

Are character references meant to be quite short, like this one: http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/referenceletters/a/samplecharacter.htm ?